The World from Coos Bay, Oregon • 12

B4 THE WORLD, Coos Bay, Ore. Wednesday, February 5, 2003 Sports Seattle's Payton may go on trading block Kings top Dallas for third time I' 4 air i-JH fir By The Associated Press The Dallas Mavericks will go into the All-Star break with the NBA's best record. But they still can't beat the Sacramento Kings. Keon Clark's high-flying dunk off a missed 3-pointer with 16.5 seconds left gave the Kings a 1 10-109 victory over the Mavericks on Tuesday night in a thrilling showdown of Western Conference division leaders. Dallas goes into the break 38-10, four losses fewer than anyone else, but the Mavericks can't escape their 0-3 record against Sacramento and San Antonio.

That includes a 29-point loss to the Kings three weeks ago. "We needed this win to convince everybody we can beat them and we didn't do that," Mavericks starter Raja Bell said. "The consolation is that we still have the best record." The Mavericks felt they lost at the beginning, when the Kings made 13 of their first 17 shots. Sacramento eventually took a 16-point lead in the third quarter. Sacramento cooled off and Dallas tied it at 64 early in the third quarter.

Neither team led by more than six the rest of the way. Five straight points by Michael Finley, who scored 28, put the Mavericks ahead 107-106 with 57 seconds left. Then Bibby and Nowitzki traded tough jumpers, leaving Dallas still leading by one. Sacramento's Hedo Turkoglu missed a long 3-pointer and the rebound went straight up. The long, lanky Clark who earlier had an amazing one-handed, reverse alley-oop dunk caught the ball and slammed it through in one motion.

On Dallas' final possession, Dirk Nowitzki missed a 10-footer in the lane after spinning away from Peja Stojakovic and getting a good look at the basket. Nowitzki had 28 points, 16 rebounds and five assists for Dallas, which had won four straight and seven of eight. "It's just a huge win for us," said Kings coach Rick Adelman, who punched the air in celebration when the buzzer sounded. "They kept coming back at us and it seemed like they were making every shot. We stayed with it and got the ball to bounce the right way at the end." Lakers 97, Pacers 94 At Indianapolis, Kobe Bryant scored 35 points and Shaquille O'Neal fought off foul trouble for 19 points and 12 rebounds as the Los Angeles Lakers won their fourth in a row.

The Lakers are at .500 for the first time since they were 2-2 on Nov. 3. Following a Christmas loss to Sacramento, the Lakers were 11-19. Since then, they are 12-4 and are only 2'k games behind Houston for the eighth seed in the West. Knicks 105, Clippers 92 At New York, Latrell Sprewell broke the NBA record for most 3-pointers in a game without a miss, going 9-for-9 from behind the arc.

Sprewell broke the mark of 8-for-8 held by Jeff Homacek, Sam Perkins and Steve Smith, making consecutive 3s midway through the fourth quarter to break the record after a 19-point lead had shrunk to nine. Sprewell finished with a season-high 38 points, shooting 14-for-19 overall. The crowd called for him to take another 3 in the closing minutes, but he did not oblige the one time he had a brief open look with about 35 seconds left. Wizards 93, Cavaliers 84 At Washington, Michael Jordan scored 27 points in 43 minutes and the Washington Wizards won their second straight despite the absence of leading scorer Jerry Stackhouse. It was the second successive game for Jordan with a high total of points and minutes.

He scored 45 in 44 minutes in a victory over New Orleans on Saturday. Raptors 98, Bucks 95 At Milwaukee, Vines Carter scored 25 points and blocked a potential tying 3-pointer by Ray Allen just before the buzzer as Toronto won for the fourth time in five games. By Tim Korte AP Sports Writer SEATTLE Here comes the NBA trade deadline. And maybe, just maybe, there goes Gary Payton. The fiery point guard, who for 13 seasons has symbolized the Seattle SuperSonics, faces a cloudy future as the team grapples with salary-cap issues and tries to build around young talents like Rashard Lewis and Desmond Mason.

Around the league, some are wondering if The Glove still fits for the Sonics. "It would be a shock to see him in another uniform. Gary Payton defines Seattle basketball," said Chicago Bulls guard Jamal Crawford, who grew up in Seattle and works out with Payton during the offseason. The 34-year-old Payton is in the final year of a seven-year contract that pays just under $13 million this season. He has said little about his situation.

Payton has used his limited comments to say he remains focused on playing and is unconcerned about his pending free agency or a possible trade. "Whatever happens, so be it," Payton said. There's no hint of turmoil in his game. After leading the NBA last season with a career-high average of 9.0 assists per game, Payton is first in the league this season with a 9.2 average. He's averaging 20.9 points and was named last week to his ninth All-Star team.

"This is one of his best seasons," said Sonics coach Nate McMillan, a former teammate. "Statistics-wise and on defense, Gary is probably even better than he's been in the past." Payton is on pace to become the oldest player to lead the league in assists, about six months older than John Stockton was when the Utah Jazz star averaged 1 1 .2 per game in 1995-96. Stockton turns 41 next month. Why can't Payton play that long, too? "Four years ago, eight years ago, he doesn't look any different to me," Timberwolves coach Flip Saunders said after Payton had 20 points and 13 assists in a 96-91 loss at Minnesota last month. "He's phenomenal," Saunders said.

"He can play as long as he wants." Sure, but where? Last summer, Payton sought but didn't receive a contract extension. Sonics chairman Howard Schultz expressed concerns about Payton' age, saying most point guards taper AP Photo Sacramento's Keon Clark slams home two of his 17 points against the Dallas Mavericks during the second half Tuesday. owns the NBA's worst road record at 2-25, with 21 points. It was the second straight night the Bulls lost in overtime. Phoenix defeated Chicago 115-111 on Monday.

Timberwolves 103, Rockets 89 At Minneapolis, Kevin Garnett scored 23 points, grabbed 11 rebounds and added nine assists as Minnesota avenged a 20-point loss to Houston on Friday. Rasho Nesterovic added 1 9 points for the Timberwolves and held Rockets center Yao Ming to 12 points on 4-of-7 Antonio Davis scored 16 points for the Raptors and Morris Peterson added 14. Nuggets 102, Bulls 100, OT At Denver, Juwan Howard scored 30 points and Chris Whitney hit five free throws in the final 20.6 seconds of overtime as the Nuggets won consecutive games for the first time since Jan. 8-10. Whitney also made the 3-pointer that sent the game into overtime.

Replays seemed to show Whitney's foot was on the 3-point line when he released the ball. Donyell Marshall led Chicago, which AP File Photo Gary Payton's time as Seattle's point guard may be coming to an end. off after 35. When Payton skipped media day as training camp opened, Schultz told every reporter within earshot how displeased it made him. Though the two were cordial at a party over the holidays, there's been no more contract talks.

"Our position has been that we'll deal with Gary's situation at the end of the season," Sonics general manager Rick Sund said. With the Feb. 20 trade deadline approaching, questions are swirling. Team officials told Payton earlier this season they wouldn't shop him out of respect for his role with the franchise, but that doesn't mean they won't listen to offers. "Nobody on the roster is untouchable," Sund said.

Payton's free agency options appear limited, with only a handful of teams Denver, the L.A. Clippers, San Antonio and Utah projected to be in position under the salary cap to offer the kind of money Payton expects. Last fall, Payton said he hoped to finish his career in Seattle. He reportedly wants a three- or four-, year deal paying close to his current salary, and the Sonics can't offer that without exceeding the luxury tax threshold. Little is immediately certain, other than Payton won't change his approach on the court while his future is negotiated behind closed doors.

"Gary's fine," McMillan said. "It's not something he hasn't heard before." Lions hope Mariucci brings playoff success to Detroit DETROIT (AP) Steve Mariucci successfully helped the San Francisco 49ers through a rebuilding process. The Lions are hoping he can do it again in Detroit. Mariucci was hired as coach on Tuesday, taking over one of the league's worst teams less than three weeks after he was fired by the 49ers. "He has tremendous experience in this league and brings unique qualities to our team," said Matt Millen, the Lions' chief executive.

"Specifically, his ability to guide the 49ers through significant roster adjust last week after the Lions went 3-13. In two seasons, Mornhinweg was 5-27 the worst two-year mark in team history. Mariucci was 60-43 with the 49ers, and coached them to the playoffs four times. San Francisco was eliminated in the second round this season, losing to Tampa Bay 31-6. Mariucci clashed with 49ers owner John York, who dismissed him three days after the loss to the Buccaneers.

Mariucci's postseason record was 3-4; the Lions have just one playoff victory since winning the NFL title in 1957. ments is very impressive. "His offensive system is one that we already have in place, which certainly is a plus for our football team in general and some of our young offensive players in particular." Terms were not disclosed, but ESPN.com reported Mariucci will earn $25 million over five years, which would make him one of the NFL's highest-paid coaches. Fired by the 49ers after six seasons, Mariucci becomes the Lions' fourth coach in four seasons. He replaces Marty Mornhinweg, who was fired USOC president resigns 9 If Vr.x prxarg jn -PH Parade now! Call Alteon at 269-1222 jsJ; seafoo; Pi 635 Virginia, North Bend o.

crArnn Ky Sun-Thurs 1 1 am -1 0 pm Fri-Sat 1 1 1 1 pm Lunch served LUNCH Authentic Mexican Dishes TST OPEN 7 DAYS JTw Breakfast ful Lunch -ft Dinner 756-6314 jT 2056 Sherman, North Bend "I Right by the Humboldt aub Two Enchiladaa (beef or chicken) 5.25 Two Taquitos Ranchero (with guacamole bout cream) 5.50 Two Flour Flautaa (guacamole sour cream) 5.50 DE TRES Taco, Enchilada, Tamale, Chile Relleno, BorhtO Ranchero (guacamole sour cream) .5.50 Enchilada Ranchera (guacamole sour cream) 5.50 CoinuchangB (chicken or far. gummole a sour cream). .5.50 Enchilada Suixa (tortilla in green aauce, stuffed with chunks of chicken) 5.50 Taco Grande (flour shell, tomatoes, guacamole choice of beef, chicken or pork camitas or parrilla) 5.25 DE DOS Taco and Enchilada 5.25 Enchilada Chile Relleno 5.25 Enchilada Tamale 5.25 Two Beef Tacoa 6.25 Taco, Enchilada, Tamale 6.50 Enchilada, Taquito Ranchero, Chile ..6.50 Relleno, Burrito, Enchilada 6.50 Burrito, Tamale and Flauta 6.50 BURRITOS By John Marshall AP Sports Writer DENVER Marty Mankamyer was accustomed to the power struggles within the U.S. Olympic Committee. The infighting became too much to take when the finger was pointed at her.

Mankamyer resigned as USOC president Tuesday night after colleagues blamed her for further fracturing the world's most powerful national Olympic committee. The USOC's highest-ranking volunteer e-mailed her resignation to members of the organization's executive committee. Mankamyer said she doesn't have the energy to continue the job she took just 10 months ago. "Because there appeared to be no possibility for peace unless I stepped aside, and with the thought that my action could make a positive difference for an organization to which I have devoted almost 20 years, I have decided to resign," Mankamyer said in her statement. "I wish the USOC the very best for the future." The 69-year-old Mankamyer had been pressured to resign after she was accused of working behind the scenes to oust chief executive Lloyd Ward.

Mankamyer resigned the same day The Denver Post reported that when she was a USOC vice president, she demanded a partial commission from a real estate agent who sold a $475,000 property to Ward when he became CEO in 2001. Mankamyer, who is also a real estate agent, called the article "totally incorrect." "I have 25 pages of documents to refute the statement," she said in her e-mail. Brigette Ruskin told the Post that Mankamyer sent her a series of letters in November 2001 asking her to pay a referral fee for the property purchase. She also said Mankamyer told Ward to pressure her to pay the fee. Such, fees are common when one real estate agent refers business to another but Ruskin believes Mankamyer's only involvement was showing Ward's wife an apartment in Colorado Springs.

Ruskin would not disclose how much she paid Mankamyer but the newspaper, citing anonymous sources familiar with the deal, reported it was about $10,000. Ruskin would also not release Mankamyer's letters but said she will give them to Congressional investigators if asked. Former USOC ethics officer Pa Rodgers said he learned Mankamyer was showing properties to Ward while he was still a candi date for the CEO job and warned both of them that they should not do business with each other. Under USOC bylaws, vice president-secretariat William Martin will serve as interim president. The USOC's board of directors will vote on a permanent replacement after a nomination by the executive committee.

The board of directors is to meet in April, but no election date has been set. "We are greatly indebted to Marty for her many years of service to the USOC," vice president Herman Frazier said. "We look forward to continuing to focus on the mission of the USOC, to help U.S. Olympic athletes achieve sustained competitive excellence and to preserve and advance the Olympic ideal." "The IOC regrets very much the leadership crisis of the USOC and is clearly sad to learn of Mrs. Mankamyer's resignation," IOC president Jacques Rogge said Wednesday in a statement to The Associated Press.

He added that the IOC hopes for a "rapid resolution" and docs not want the USOC's problems to "deflect from the important role of the USOC in the Olympic movement." The USOC's executive committee was expected to take a vote of no confidence this weekend in Chicago after seven members, including all five vice presidents, asked for her resignation. Burrito Colorado 6.25 Burro Chile Colorado 6.25 Burro .6.25 3 "a Restaurant Lounge Brunch Sat. Sun. Mon. Frl.

Lunch 1 lam Dinner starts at 5pm Lounge opens Frl. Sat. at 5pm. Music at 7pm Reservations Suggested SPECIALTIES OF THE HOUSE Carne al pastor marinated beef, special sauce, sliced pineapple, rice, beans, corn tortillas, soup or salad) 9.25 Fajita Burrito 9.25 Chile Verde (tender chunks of pork in green chile special sauce with rice, beans, com tortillas, soup or salad) ,...9.00 Chile Colorado (chunks of beef in red chilies sauce, served with rice, beans, corn tortillas, soup or salad) .9.00 Carnitaa Plato (tender pork meat cooked in its own juice, served with rice, beans, corn tortillas, soup or salad) 9.00 Burro al pastor marinated charbroiled beef with Bpecial sauce, rice and beans 9.00 Burro Verde (pork rolled in flour tortilla, with green chilies special sauce, served with rice, beans, soup or salad. .9.00 Burrito Colorado (chunks of beef rolled in flour tortilla, with red chilies, served with rice, beans, soup or Balad) 9.00 Shrimp Enchiladas (two com tortillas filled with bay shrimp, white wine sauce, rice, beans, soup or salad) 10.00 Crab Enchiladaa (two corn tortillas with diced crabmeat in wine sauce, served with rice, beans, soup or Balad 1 10.25 Enchiladas suiiaa (two chicken enchiladas dipped in green sauce, with Bliced avocados sour cream, rice, beans, soup telSS 347-3663 E3 Bandon-By-The-Sea 1695 Beach Loop Rd.

or salad) 9.00 Arroa con polio la bed of rice covered with chicken, ranchero sauce, melted cheese sour cream, rice, beans, corn tortillas, soup or 9.00 Enchilada de mole excellent! (two chicken enchiladas rolled in com tortillas dipped in authentic mole sauce, covered with cheese sour cream, rice and beans) 9.25 Fajitas (beef or chicken) 9.50 for two 18.00 (slices of think steak or chicken in vegetables served sizzling hot to your table with rice, beans, corn tortillas, soup or salad) Fajitaa Mixtaa 9.50 for two 18.25 (slices of thin beef and chicken marinated with special sauce, served sizzling hot to your table with soup or salad, flour or com tortillas) Shrimp Fajitaa 10.25 for two 19.00 Sun-Thurs 1 lam 10 pm Fri Sat 1 1 am -1 1 pmfsi (Jumbo shrimp prepared with vegetables, rice and beans, served sizzling to your table with special sauce, soup or salad and flour tortillas) 635 Virginia, North Bend Sun-Thurs 1 1 am 1 0 pm Fri-Sat 1 1 1 1 pm Lunch served 1 1 209-0919 230 S. 2nd Downtown Coos Boy.