Blazers hit draft jackpot with first shot at Oden

MIAMI: The Portland Trail Blazers won the lottery for first pick in the NBA draft on Tuesday and believe their new face will be a "catalyst" to transform them into a major player.

Foreman: Drugged water cost me in Ali Rumble

NEW YORK: Former world heavyweight boxing champion George Foreman claims his water was drugged before he lost to Muhammad Ali in their 1974 "Rumble in the Jungle" at Zaire in his new book.

On a Red Wing and a prayer, Ducks reach second finals

ANAHEIM, California: Rob Niedermayer and Ryan Getzlaf each had a goal and an assist as Anaheim held off Detroit 4-3 Tuesday to reach just their second Stanley Cup Finals in franchise history.

Yankees revival stopped

NEW YORK: The Boston Red Sox ended the Yankees's mini-revival with a 7-3 victory on Tuesday, a day after New York had completed back-to-back wins over their two main rivals to instil a belief they had recovered from a poor start.

Duncan earns his Spurs again

SAN ANTONIO: Tim Duncan has 26 points and 14 rebounds as San Antonio broke open a close game in the second quarter in posting a 105-96 win over Utah in game two of the Western Conference finals on Tuesday.

IN BRIEF (Page 24)

Sports

Scientists back Landis at doping hearing

MALIBU, California: Two scientists expressed doubts over Tour de France winner Floyd Landis's doping results at his public arbitration hearing on Monday.

Life's a lottery for NBA losers

NEW YORK: The NBA's biggest losers were to have a chance to reverse their fortunes oyesterday evening if they could pull off a triumph in the 14-team NBA Draft Lottery.

Gender no barrier to Indy glory: Patrick

NEW YORK: Danica Patrick may be one of a record three women on the starting grid for Sunday's Indianapolis 500, but to her, being part of that milestone is just a footnote in her quest to win U.S. racing's top prize.

Pistons shut down James, Cavs

AUBURN HILLS, Michigan: Richard Hamilton scored 24 points and Detroit's defense held Cleveland in the final minutes for a 79-76 victory here on Monday in their National Basketball Association playoff opener.

Taiwan hurler helps lift Yankees past Red Sox

NEW YORK: Taiwanese righthander Chien-Ming Wang allowed only two runs on seven hits in 6 1/3 innings on Monday while Alex Rodriguez and Jason Giambi belted home runs in the New York Yankees' 6-2 victory over Boston.