Wednesday Sports News and Notes…

Dwight Howard makes a successful return to Orlando; the Heat win again and more in our Wednesday Sports News and Notes…

** Dwight Howard returned to Orlando for the first time since leaving town. While the crowd heavily booed him, he got the last laugh as his Lakers downed the Magic 106-97. Howard scored a season-high 39 points and grabbed 16 rebounds.

** The Miami Heat win streak is now at 19 as the Heat beat the Atlanta Hawks 98-81. Dwayne Wade scored 23 in the win and Miami tries for 20 in a row tonight against Philadelphia.

** Gator men’s basketball coach Billy Donovan is selected SEC Coach of the Year and forward Erik Murphy is a first team All-SEC selection. Center Patric Young and guards Kenny Boynton and Mike Rosario are second team All-SEC choices and Young is named the SEC Scholar Athlete of the Year.

** The United States defeated Puerto Rico 7-1 in the second round of the World Baseball Classic in Miami on Tuesday. USA’s third baseman David Wright had a pair of hits which resulted in five runs. Wright is currently being dubbed “Captain America” for his outstanding play and leadership.

** NFL free agency officially began Tuesday, and the Miami Dolphins signed former Pittsburgh wide out Mike Wallace to a five year deal worth $65 million and former Baltimore linebacker Dante Ellerbe to a five year deal.

** South Dakota State, LIU Brooklyn and Valparaiso are the latest teams to punch their tickets to the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament by winning their conference tournament titles.

** Notre Dame has reached an agreement to leave the Big East to join the ACC next season. The Irish will stay independent in football.