PRO BASKETBALL
Former University of Virginia star Ty Jerome went to the free-throw line in the fourth quarter of the Memphis Grizzlies’ game against the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night and heard a chant from fans that is usually reserved for players like LeBron James or Steph Curry.
“MVP! MVP! MVP!,” the crowd roared.
The reason for the chants was Jerome was on his way to a career-high 45 points in what turned out to be the Grizzlies’ 123-103 victory. It was the most points scored by a Memphis player in a season opener and the highest total by a former UVA player in any NBA game.
“That was a cool moment,” Jerome said after the game. “I was just really pleased with the crowd to be honest.”
Jerome, in his eighth NBA season, made 17 of 25 shots, including 5 of 10 from 3-point range, and added seven rebounds and six assists with only one turnover.
Memphis is his fifth team. He’s also played for Cleveland, Golden State, Oklahoma City and Phoenix.
Jerome helped lead UVA to the 2019 NCAA championship.
In other region/state news:
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
Commonwealth Clash is a sellout
Virginia Tech’s final home game of the season against rival Virginia has been sold out, marking a sweep of sellouts in the Hokies’ six home contests.
The game will be held Nov. 28 at Lane Stadium. The time has yet to be announced.
Sun Belt reaches deal with bowl to face ACC team
The Sun Belt Conference, which currently has Old Dominion and James Madison as football members, has announced an agreement with the inaugural TransPerfect San Juan Bowl on Dec. 16.
The event will match up a Sun Belt school with an ACC program. It will be the most lucrative agreement in the Sun Belt’s 26-year football history.
The game will be held at Hiram Bithorn Stadium with a kickoff of 7:30 p.m. It will be the first FBS bowl game played in Puerto Rico.