Fast Break

BASKETBALL

Low leads U.S. to fifth place

Washington State’s Derrick Low scored 16 points on Sunday to lead the United States to a 77-74 victory over Panama for fifth place in the Pan Am Games men’s basketball competition at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The win was the third straight for the USA (3-2) which redeemed its 75-67 loss to Panama (2-3) in pool play.

For the U.S., Shane Foster and D.J. White added 14 points apiece and Marty Leunen scored 12.

Low started the final three games for the U.S., all wins. WSU teammate Kyle Weaver did not play on Sunday.

FOOTBALL

Sabercats win Arena Bowl

Mark Grieb completed 24 of 29 passes and threw for four touchdowns to lead the San Jose SaberCats to a 55-33 victory over the Columbus Destroyers in the ArenaBowl at New Orleans.

The SaberCats (16-3), the most successful AFL franchise this decade, capped a 3 1/2 -month winning streak with their third Arena League championship in six years.

Columbus (10-10), which was hoping to win its first ArenaBowl, won three consecutive road games to get to the final.

FOOTBALL

Mora keeps in touch with Vick

Jim Mora is so shocked about Michael Vick being indicted on federal dogfighting charges, the former Falcons coach doesn’t know how he should feel about his ex-quarterback.

Mora, now the Seattle Seahawks assistant head coach and defensive backs coach said Sunday that he reached out to Vick a day before Vick pleaded not guilty last week to participating in a dogfighting ring that allegedly executed underperforming pit bulls by hanging, electrocution or other brutal means.

“We have a very good relationship. He and I exchanged text messages Wednesday. I just wanted to let him know that I was thinking about him,” Mora said of Vick.

“And that’s not to condone what he supposedly did, at all. Just, on a human level, to let him know that I was here (for him).

“I think it’s a real unfortunate situation, and I hope for the best for him. You obviously hope the charges aren’t true,” he said.