2006 sports timeline
Kobe scores 81
Jan. 22, 2006
It was Kobe Bryant versus the entire Toronto Raptors as the all-star dropped 81 points on Canada’s team in a 122-104 Lakers victory. The 81-point effort is second all time to Wilt Chamberlain’s famous 100-point performance back in 1962.
Pittsburgh Steelers Super Bowl champions
Feb. 6, 2006
The Pittsburgh Steelers give a 21-10 shellacking to the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XL. Pittsburgh became the first six seed to hoist the Lombardi Trophy with the help of some questionable calls and most importantly a 75-yard dash from speedster Willie Parker.
PSU softball conference champions
May 13, 2006
Sophomore Mandy Hill brought the heat and a big bat for Portland State softball in a 9-3 win over Loyola Marymount, granting the Viks their first ever NCAA tournament appearance. Hill gave up three runs in six innings on the mound, and belted a huge three-run homer, finishing with five RBIs and a conference championship.
Miami Heat NBA champions
June 21, 2006
After going down 0-2 to the Dallas Mavericks and being counted out by almost every expert, the Miami Heat roared back to win the final four games of the 2006 NBA finals. Dwyane Wade led the comeback charge with 42 points in game three and another 43 in Miami’s 101-100 victory in game five, earning him a championship ring and the finals MVP award.
Vikings beat New Mexico
Sept. 3, 2006
Portland State accumulated a meager 82 yards of offense in the first half against Division I-A New Mexico, but stormed back in the second half, as senior quarterback Sawyer Smith began finding his targets for two second-half touchdowns. While Viking offense was ticking, senior linebacker Adam Hayward closed the door on the Lobos’ production with nine tackles and four sacks. The Viks came away with a historic 17-6 upset victory, only the second win ever over a Division I-A opponent. Hayward would also finish the season as the Big Sky’s defensive MVP.
St. Louis Cardinals World Series champions
Oct. 27, 2006
The St. Louis Cardinals brought their 10th title into the fold with a 4-1 victory over the Detroit Tigers in the 2006 World Series. Series MVP David Eckstein, who batted .364, with three doubles and four RBIs, continued his timely hitting by driving in the go-ahead run in the 4-2 game-five victory.
Brodie’s 36 kills in Banker’s Classic
Nov. 25, 2006
Still licking their wounds from a premature exit in the Big Sky tournament a week earlier, senior Jessica Brodie and company took out their frustrations at the Banker’s Classic. Not only were the Vikings crowned tourney champions, but Brodie also had an incredible match against San Francisco in the championship round. The Big Sky’s MVP in her final match in green and black recorded a school record 36 kills, 24 digs, two service aces and two assists.
