- Associated Press - Sunday, February 5, 2012

Boy, where did that first half go?

New England, with a late score, leads the New York Giants 10-9 after a breezy first two quarters in Indianapolis.

While the teams make their halftime adjustments back in their respective locker rooms, it’s Madonna’s turn to take the big stage for the next 20 minutes. So, “Vogue” your way back to the kitchen, refill your chips and dips and let the Material Girl help you relive the 1980s.

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That was classic Brady, huh?

With the Patriots pinned back on their own 2 after a penalty, New England QB Tom Brady coolly led the offense on an impressive march down the field to take a 10-9 lead over the New York Giants with 8 seconds left in the half.

Brady capped the 14-play, 96-yard drive with a 4-yard touchdown toss to Danny Woodhead _ his first scoring catch of the season.

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Travis Beckum’s Super Bowl is over _ way too early.

The New York Giants backup tight end tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee early in the second quarter on Eli Manning’s second incomplete pass of the game, a short toss to Ahmad Bradshaw. Beckum clutched his knee for a few moments before being helped to the sideline by two trainers.

Beckum has been a key part of the Giants’ offense, particularly in two-tight end sets with Jake Ballard. Tough break for Beckum, and possibly for New York’s offense, which has been solid so far against the Patriots.

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The Patriots are on the board, but they probably should have had more.

Stephen Gostkowski kicked a 29-yard field goal early in the second quarter, capping a drive that appeared promising for New England. After falling behind 9-0 to New York, Tom Brady put the Patriots in scoring position with a few short passes to a few of the usual suspects: Wes Welker, Aaron Hernandez and Deion Branch.

But things stalled at the Giants 11 when Jason Pierre-Paul knocked down Brady’s pass intended for Hernandez on third-and-4.

Meanwhile, Eli Manning’s hot start _ 9 for 9, the best for a quarterback in the Super Bowl _ ended on the Giants’ first offensive play of the second quarter: an incompletion to Brandon Jacobs.

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It’s salsa time for Victor Cruz and the Giants.

With New England’s defense appearing confused, Eli Manning marched New York down the field and connected with the wide receiver with the smooth moves on a 2-yard touchdown to give the Giants a 9-0 lead later in the first quarter.

As many in the crowd in Indianapolis broke into chants of “Cruuuuuuz!” the new Giants star started doing the salsa _ his celebration after a big catch _ in the end zone..

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