Off Topic » AT&T Center about two hours before the game

SAN ANTONIO -- The Portland Trail Blazers were clearly rattled by the San Antonio Spurs in the opener of the Western Conference semifinals, and they were almost snake bit before Game 2. A baby rattlesnake, estimated at about 3 to 4 feet, was discovered in the teams locker room at the AT&T Center about two hours before the game Thursday. It was found by reserve forward Thomas Robinson, who recoiled a few feet after seeing the snake when he moved a bag from his locker. "I didnt (see it)," Portland coach Terry Stotts said. "They said it was a young one." Young or not, guard Mo Williams tweeted that it was a scary experience. Rattlesnakes are a venomous species that can grow up to 8 feet and weigh more than 10 pounds. It takes its name from a "rattle" at the end of its tail that produces a rattling sound when shaken to warn predators of its presence. It is unknown if the rattlesnake found in the locker room made any noise, but Robinsons cries were enough to alert his teammates of its presence. "Well, its bizarre to have a venomous snake in your locker room," Stotts said. "I dont know if its ever happened before. That sounds like an ABA story." The Spurs have a history in the ABA and also with critters in the AT&T Center. The stadium hosts the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo each February and its grounds are used for livestock shows during the three-week event. Spurs guard Manu Ginobili also swatted down a bat that was flying above the court at the AT&T Center on Nov. 1, 2009. Ginobili had to have rabies shots after striking the bat with his bare hands. Fortunately for the Spurs, Ginobili wasnt needed to corral the snake. "I think some people here (captured it)," Stotts said, smiling. "They have them on hand at the AT&T Center. They have a specialist." It probably wasnt a good omen for Portland, which is seeking to even its series with San Antonio. "Or a good sign," Stotts said. "We survived." The Trail Blazers will gladly accept any good fortune after being walloped in their first second-round appearance in 14 years. San Antonio led by as many as 31 points and never trailed in rolling to a 116-92 victory on Tuesday. Tony Parker had 32 points and nine assists, as many as Portland had as a team, as the Trail Blazers never threatened the defending Western Conference champions. Stotts was asked if he thought someone from the Spurs had planted the snake to rattle his young charges. "Youre the investigative reporter, you figure it out," Stotts said, tongue in cheek. Stotts was then asked if he considered returning the favour and planting the snake in San Antonios locker room. "That thing, its like Fort Knox over there. You cant get in," he said. Well, the room with officials Joe Crawford, Bill Spooner, Derrick Stafford and Sean Wright is only about 50 feet away from the Blazers locker room. "And I cant comment on the officials," Stotts said, laughing. MELBOURNE, Australia -- South Koreas Chella Choi set a new course record with a 10-under 62 and took a share of the lead after the third round of the Womens Australian Open on Saturday. A day after Swedens Anna Nordqvist broke the womens course record with a 64 at the par-72 Victoria Golf Club, Choi eclipsed that mark with two eagles and seven birdies. Choi, who started the day eight shots behind overnight leader Caroline Hedwall of Sweden, was tied for first with 17-year-old Australian amateur Minjee Lee at 13 under 203. "Its the first time Ive ever had two eagles in a round," Choi said. "I dont know why I have 10 under today, it was just amazing." Lydia Ko of New Zealand was two shots back in third place after shooting a 69. Suzann Pettersen of Norway (72) was three shots bacck in fourth place.dddddddddddd The 23-year-old Choi had a birdie on her opening hole and then eagled the eighth and birdied the ninth for a 31 on the front nine. She had five birdies to go along with one bogey on the back nine and capped the round with another eagle on No. 18. Lee, winner of the past two Australian amateur titles, made consecutive birdies on the 15th and 16th holes to shoot a 68. She is in contention for the second week in a row after finishing runner up last week at the Australian Ladies Masters at Royal Pines. Hedwall faded on the back nine, carding five bogeys in seven holes to shoot a 74. She was in a group of eight golfers in fifth at 9-under 207. Nordqvist also failed to follow up on her superb second-round score, carding a 75 to fall back to a tie for 31st. ' ' '