Web poker deal for Devils, Sixers

The Philadelphia 76ers and the Devils have become the first major U.S.-based professional teams to sign a sponsorship deal with an online gambling company. Scott O’Neil, the chief executive of the Josh Harris- owned teams, and Norbert Teufelberg

er, the chief executive of bwin.party digital entertainment that operates partypoker, confirmed the multiyear agreement in a statement Wednesday night.

A news conference was scheduled for Thursday at the Prudential Center to formally announce the deal.

’NOVA TOO MUCH FOR HALL

Darrun Hilliard scored 19 points and visiting No. 8 Vill

anova hit a dozen 3-pointers in an 83-67 victory over undermanned

Seton Hall. Brian Oliver had 20 points to lead Seton Hall (10-6, 1-2), which has lost two straight for the first time this season and played without swingman Fuquan Edwin (knee), its second leading scorer, and Eugene Teague (concussion), its top rebounder.

Shabazz Napier scored 13 of his 18 points in the second half and host UConn snapped a twogame losing streak with a 61-56 win over Harvard.

Ovie Soko scored a careerbest 29 points and Duquesne held on at home to defeat

Fordham, 87-81, in an Atlantic Ten Conference opener. Jon Severe led the Rams with a careerhigh 32 points after making 7 of 12 from long distance.

Maodo Lo and Alex Rosenberg combined for all but 15 of

Columbia’s points as the host Lions defeated Stony Brook, 68-63.

Davon Usher scored 19 points but Hofstra lost at Delaware, 86-79.

BUCS DITCH JOLLY ROGER

The Jolly Roger has walked the plank in Pittsburgh. The Pirates announced the franchise will make the gold “P” the team’s primary logo this season, replacing the beloved eye-patch wearing sailor who has been the club’s main symbol for nearly 80 years.

The Tigers agreed to a oneyear deal with shortstop Jose Igle

sias, who finished second in last year’s AL Rookie of the Year vote.

ROCKETS BEAT LAKERS

James Harden tied a season high with 38 points and Dwight Howard added 20 points and 13 rebounds to propel the Rockets to a 113-99 home win over the Lakers.

FEDS: NO NEW BONDS HEARING

Federal prosecutors in San Francisco urged a federal appellate court to deny Barry Bonds’ request for a rehearing of his attempt to overturn his obstruction of justice conviction.