Ohio State won the Big Ten's first football title in 12 years, and now Wisconsin with a win over Duke on Monday, could take the Big Ten's first basketball crown in 15 years.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- For more than a decade, when the Big Ten led, it wasn't on a court or field, but in conference expansion or creating TV revenue. The league didn't cut down nets, but it sure could cash checks.

The Big Ten Network, adding Nebraska and Rutgers and Maryland, press releases about the future of college athletics ... and no championships.

Big Ten pride centered on the list of schools fighting to jump ship and join the league, not the teams the conference was taking down in actual games. Other leagues could beat the Big Ten - and they still wanted to join them.

Now the league is expanding again -- to Title Town. (Commissioner Jim Delany will like the demographics there.)

Starting with Ohio State's College Football Playoff National Championship locked up three months ago, through the Buckeyes' national title in wrestling and now Wisconsin's upset of Kentucky on the way to basketball's national championship game against Duke on Monday, the Big Ten is winning. Preparing for TV contract negotiations, yes, but also winning.

If Wisconsin wins Monday, the Big Ten will simultaneously house football and basketball national champions for the first time since 1941.

Every time you read or hear anyone mocking those who doubted the Big Ten this year in football or basketball, it's a reminder of the insecurity that built up over 12 years of not winning, of never emerging on top in the sports that matter most.

Knock the Big Ten? Absolutely. The conference deserved it. Between Ohio State's football national title after the 2002 season and after the 2014 season, the SEC won eight football titles, and the ACC, Big 12 and Pac-10 (now Pac-12) each won a single crown.

In that same window in basketball, the Big East won four titles, the ACC and SEC each won three, and the Big 12 and American Athletic Conference each won one. 

In the two sports that fans watched the most, the Big Ten was shut out for half a generation, Michigan State claiming the last basketball title in 2000. And close didn't do much - five Big Ten teams lost in the basketball championship since 2000.

Michigan State coach Tom Izzo made reaching the Final Four an art form, getting back five more times, but the Spartans didn't win again, while North Carolina, Florida, Duke and UConn each won multiple titles in the span.

And that permeated everything. Because here's what it always boils down to -- is your best good enough?

That's the question that hangs over everything else in a season. Did the parochial victories in your slice of the country stack up with the schools in other climates and timezones? For a decade, you could argue that the Big Ten's didn't.

That meant the nonconference wins and loses and bowl game failures and strength of conference questions and talent evaluations over draft picks and award winners took on greater meaning. Because no one in this neck of the woods wore any rings.

Wisconsin's Frank Kaminsky this year joined Ohio State's Evan Turner, Indiana's Victor Oladipo and Michigan's Trey Burke as Big Ten players to pick up at least one National Player of the Year award in the last six seasons. But Kaminsky's individual trophy may come with a team title.

What a difference that would make. 

In the moment, Big Ten and Ohio State fans are still deciding what to make of it all.

Frankly, Ohio State football fans share a lot more in common with Kentucky basketball fans - a loud, proud, huge nation filled with tradition and expectations -- than they do with Wisconsin fans. 

But there was solidarity on Saturday night. There was some Big Ten pride. There was noting the fact that the Buckeyes in their own football Final Four knocked off the No. 1-ranked power from the SEC in Alabama, just as Wisconsin did with Kentucky.

For Ohio State fans -- and Michigan State fans and Michigan fans and Indiana fans and Iowa fans -- the Badgers are your people. You beat them, you lose to them, you know them. And now you may have a chance to see them dance in confetti.

The SEC chants present at every championship chance for that conference have been well-documented. The Big Ten isn't quite like that. On social media after the game there was some conflict among OSU faithful, but there was also celebration of Big Ten success by Ohio State football players.

B1G> SEC

-- Darron Lee (@DLeeMG8) April 5, 2015

That's how you represent the Big Ten

-- Adolphus Washington (@buckeye11_DD) April 5, 2015

Big ten winning the natty n football basketball

-- Ryan Shazier (@RyanShazier) April 5, 2015

That didn't eliminate that inherent dislike of your familiar foe. Wisconsin is less than a month removed from a 24-point win over Ohio State in Columbus. Knowing that the team that thumped you can beat anyone offers some level of reassurance, but you still don't exactly fully embrace them.

And Wisconsin football is less than four months removed from a 59-0 loss to Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship in Lucas Oil Stadium, the same stadium where the basketball team is now chasing its own championship. Knowing Ohio State kicked around this same school makes for some easy jokes, but you also know Wisconsin so well, maybe you can appreciate national success so soon after a national blowout.

They wanted revenge from football and being in that stadium lol

-- Devin Smith (@dsmithosu) April 5, 2015

Does that mean the Big Ten and Ohio State are really rooting for Wisconsin? Former OSU basketball star David Lighty wrote on Twitter that he was glad to see Kentucky lose since the Wildcats beat the Buckeyes in the Sweet 16 four years ago in Lighty's final game. 

Then he wrote that he didn't want a Big Ten team to win a title if it wasn't the Buckeyes. When a fan questioned that, Lighty made it clear he'd give the Badgers respect if they did go beat Duke on Monday.

Ohio State fans are in the same boat Wisconsin fans were in after their blowout loss in football. You know your team, in this sport, wasn't the best the Big Ten had to offer this season. 

But if that best can beat everybody? That says something about you, too, because it says something about the teams, fans and coaches you know so well and compete against every day.

For the moment, the Big Ten could be on top again. After waiting 12 years in football, and now 15 in basketball, that's a moment that Big Ten fans, even if they're a little bitter about the Badgers, would have to savor.

Ohio State in January reminded the Big Ten there's more to college sports than money. Another reminder of that Monday wouldn't be so bad.

Behoid, the brave new order in college sports! (Or at least so Big Ten fans hope.)

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- In the spirit of the French Revolution, which named months for the seasons (such as Neige, or "Snow") and lobsters ("Thermidor"), I propose the Big Ten Revolutionary Calendar.

"Thermidor" actually was a summer month's name in Revolutionary France. It meant "Heat" back when the peasants were guillotining the nobles and Sidney Carton was psyching up in "A Tale of Two Cities" to do that far, far better thing than he had ever done before.

The Big Ten bringing the heat on the Southeastern Conference, though, is a far, far better thing we do than we have been able to do almost since Woody Hayes was tearing up baseball caps on the Ohio State sideline.

Just look at what a grand start we've made. Let us count the months that have passed on the new calendar -- "Meyer" (January), "Steiber" (February), Izzo" (March) and "Ryan" (April).

With one national championship and seven Final Four appearances for Tom Izzo, the Michigan State coach deserves to have March to himself. This is especially true because his Michigan State teams build all season for March. As far as  peaking at the right time goes, Izzo's teams play March like a lion plays the lambs.

Ryan might make April his month the way Reggie Jackson owned October. This became evident after Wisconsin's epic upset of the 38-and-0-and-down-they-go Kentucky Wildcats in Saturday's national semifinal in Indianapolis. It was an upset to rank with UNLV's 34-and-done unbeaten streak in 1991, courtesy of Duke.

Only the Blue Devils now stand between Ryan's hope (and that of the rest of the Big Ten's) for a sweep of the big-life, big-stage championships in football and men's basketball. This was last done in 2012, by the SEC actually, with Alabama and Kentucky.

Maybe this is the year the Big Ten, the conference of "almost," seals the deal.

The Big Ten had won only 1 1/2 football national championships in football since 1970 (Ohio State's undisputed title in 2002, Michigan's half-loaf in 1997) until the Buckeyes' rout of Oregon (and, before that, their semifinal ebbing of the Crimson Tide) under the fierce direction of Urban Meyer.

The conference has won only one national championship in basketball (Michigan State in 2000) with seven runner-up finishes since 1989. But there's Ryan, ready to bust some of the moves he learned watching "American Bandstand" on television as a kid in suburban Philadelphia. Bo knows Big Dancing?

The very idea of our new calendar could cause the SEC, much like Aunt Pittypat in "Gone With the Wind," to get the vapors and swoon.

Actually, we in the Big Ten have to give the SEC credit. It won seven straight BCS national championships in football. This past season was the first since 2005 in which it didn't have a team in the championship game. Once, in the dreadful Alabama-LSU rematch in the 2011 season, it had both, in the process contriving to make a hot commodity, at least to the Browns, of the dreadful Trent Richardson.

From the Great Plains to the Chesapeake Bay shoreline, Big Ten fans enjoyed the way Ryan's Badgers stuck a big finger (and a B1G finger) in CBS' Eye, as far as its dream matchup went of a Kentucky vs. Duke final.

As for that other month, the one in between the football and basketball, "Steiber" honors Logan Steiber, a four-time NCAA wrestling champion for the national team champion Buckeyes.

Wrestling is popular in the Midwest. If Ohio State hadn't won its first team championship, second-place Iowa would have. Of the SEC schools, only Missouri, a former Big 12 member, makes any pretense of being interested in the sport, finishing fourth in the national meet.

If was a frequent boast in the Civil War that "one Rebel can beat 10 Yankees." It wasn't true then or now. Both sides fought well at times and badly at other times.

But Kentucky coach John Calipari still dared all comers in Cleveland last week, saying "at some point you have to step in the ring, we'll lift the rope, you've got to come in here."

That was Calipari's team being carted off Saturday night, toes up.

Big Ten inferiority and SEC supremacy as a national cliche ought to be a myth as of now. But I bet we'll hear them again as soon as we get to the month of  "Mark May."

Cleveland Cavaliers' forward Kevin Love visits St. Jude's Children Hospital to meet some new friends.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Cleveland Cavaliers' forward Kevin Love isn't just about gobbling up rebounds and knocking down three-pointers, he has a passion and a heart for being an uplifting figure.

A little over a week ago, Love paid a visit to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn., to spend some quality time with a few patients.

The world-renowned facility specializes in finding cures and saving children with cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

For two hours an animated Love played games such as Headbandz, Tetris and Jenga with patients. He had genuine conversations with the children to get an idea of what they and their family members were going through.

All-Star power forward Kevin Love playing a game of Headbandz with the children at St. Jude Children Hospital.St. Jude 

This is something that really touches the power forward.

"Kids with childhood cancer, I kind of have a broken heart for that because it's like they never had a chance," Love said to Northeast Ohio Media Group. "So whatever I can do to give encouragement or to bring a smile, I'm all for it. It's something that I look forward to doing when I visit Memphis."

Love spreading love and good cheer extended beyond the hospital as a few of the children were invited to attend a Cavaliers-Memphis Grizzlies game.

They witnessed Love go for 22 points on 10-of-13 from the field to go with 10 rebounds and four assists in a convincing 111-89 win. However, that wasn't the extent of their fun-filled outing.

"It was great because one of the kids' favorite player is LeBron [James] and he was able to meet him in the locker room after the game," Love said. "That's what it's all about. Giving them an outlet."

This week is "Hoops For St. Jude Week," in the NBA. The league's objective is to help spread awareness of the incredible cutting edge research being done at St. Jude. "Hoops For St. Jude Week" will be highlighted during Sunday's game between the Cavaliers and the Chicago Bulls on ABC at 3:30 p.m., as well as throughout the week.

It's just one of the number of ways the NBA is touching lives and making a difference. Its players are by far the most active out of the four major sports when it comes to reaching out to the community.

Kevin Love contemplating his next move as he plays a game of Jenga with the kids at St. Jude.St. Jude 

Fans of all walks of life and circumstances love and support the NBA. It's just the league's way of returning some of that love and support.

"It puts a lot of things into perspective at least for me and for us out here," Love said. "It just can be taken away from you so fast. That's why it's important that I give back in any way that I can. Those kids deserve it."

Andrew Harrison muttered "F--- that n----" into a live microphone when another player was asked a question about Frank Kaminsky after Kentucky lost 71-64 to the Badgers Saturday.

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- Kentucky guard Andrew Harrison apologized Sunday for directing an obscenity and a racial slur at Wisconsin's Frank Kaminsky during a postgame news conference at the Final Four.

Harrison muttered "F--- that n----" into a live microphone when another player was asked a question about Kaminsky after Kentucky lost 71-64 to the Badgers Saturday. The loss ruined the Wildcats' undefeated season; they finished 38-1.

The sophomore's comment came as a reporter asked Kentucky's Karl-Anthony Towns about defending the 7-foot Kaminsky. He muttered it with his hand in front of his mouth, but the mic picked up the comments.

Social media immediately lit up with tweets about what Harrison said along with video clips, and the program looked into the matter.

Harrison said in a series of comments on Twitter that he wanted to apologize "for my poor choice of words used in jest towards a player I respect and know."

First i want to apologize for my poor choice of words used in jest towards a player I respect and know.

-- Andrew Harrison (@DrewRoc5) April 5, 2015

When I realized how this could be perceived I immediately called big frank to apologize and let him know I didn't mean any disrespect

-- Andrew Harrison (@DrewRoc5) April 5, 2015

He said the two of them had a "good conversation" and he wished him good luck in Monday's championship game.

Harrison had 13 points and four assists in the loss. Harrison and his twin brother, Aaron, have been projected as NBA draft picks but didn't discuss their futures after the loss.

 

Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel played golf with his dad Saturday in Louisiana, but he remains in inpatient rehab for a little longer.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel enjoyed a round of golf with his dad Saturday at a world-class facility in Louisiana, but he's still in inpatient rehab and hasn't yet been discharged.

Manziel, who likely also spent the Easter holiday with his family, has been permitted to leave rehab for short periods over the past month.

He's expected to be released from rehab soon, possibly even sometime this week.

Coach Mike Pettine said at the NFL annual meeting last month that he expects Manziel to participate in the Browns' offseason program, which begins April 20th.

A Browns spokesman said Manziel's status in rehab hasn't changed and that the club continues to respect his privacy, which of course is difficult when you're  dealing with Johnny Football.

Manziel, who entered the treatment facility January 28th, golfed with his dad at 265, where Manziel knows the club's director, according to the Shreveport Times. He's a single-digit handicap, according to the paper.

At the NFL annual meeting, the Browns said they're encouraged by Manziel's progress in rehab and that they're optimistic about his future.

As for a report by ESPN's Chris Mortensen that they're 90% done with Manziel because of his on- and off-the-field struggles, that's not the case.

Browns owner Jimmy Haslam, Pettine and general manager Ray Farmer all stressed at the meetings that Manziel's well-being is of primary concern, but that they're eager to get him back on the field and see what they have in him once he has his personal issues under control.

Get live updates and analysis as cleveland.com's reporters bring you the latest on the game between the Cavs and Bulls.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Cavaliers will try to take the season series from the Chicago Bulls with a win on Sunday at Quicken Loans Arena.

Get live updates and analysis as cleveland.com's reporters bring you the latest on the game in the comments section below.

Make sure you're following Chris Fedor, Chris Haynes and Joe Vardon on Twitter.

Scoring Summary:

End of 3rd Quarter - Cavs lead Bulls, 79-71. Kyrie Irving has 24 points on 8-of-16 from the field. J.R. Smith has added 21 points, all from three-point range. LeBron James has 16 points, eight assists and eight rebounds. Chicago is being paced by Mike Dunleavy, who has 19 points. 

End of 2nd Quarter - Cavs lead Bulls, 54-45. J.R. Smith has a team-high 18 points while Kyrie Irving has added 17 points. Mike Dunleavy leads the Bulls with 15 points on 5-of-7 from the field. Chicago has also gotten 12 points from Aaron Brooks. 

End of 1st Quarter - Cavs lead Bulls, 27-23. Kyrie Irving leads all scorers with 10 points, including a buzzer-beating three at the end of the quarter. LeBron James has added seven points. The Bulls are led by Mike Dunleavy, who has nine points. Aaron Brooks has added eight. 

Game 77: Cavs (49-27) vs. Bulls (46-30)

Tip off: 3:30 p.m. at The Q

TV/radio: ABC; WTAM AM/1100, WMMS 100.7 FM

Cavs probable starting lineup: Kyrie Irving, J.R. Smith, LeBron James, Kevin Love and Timofey Mozgov.

Bulls probable starting lineup: Aaron Brooks, Jimmy Butler, Mike Dunleavy, Pau Gasol and Joakim Noah.

FREQUENTLY REFRESH this page to get the latest updates. If you're viewing this on a mobile app, click here to get updates and comment.

The Indians have signed Corey Kluber to a five-year $38.5 million extension. They have come to terms with Carlos Carrasco on a four-year $22 million extension, but have not made it official.

HOUSTON, Ariz. - The season doesn't open until Monday and the Indians have already hit a home run. Make that two of them.

On Saturday they can to terms with Cy Young winner Corey Kluber on a five-year $38.5 million extension that includes club options for 2020 and 2021.

On Sunday, they reached agreement with Carlos Carrasco on an extension with Carlos Carrasco. It was earlier reported the extension was worth $38 million, but that was incorrect.

The deal is believed to be a four-year extension worth $22 million with two club options.

The Indians officially announced Kluber's deal on Sunday. It's believed Carrasco was taking his physical in Goodyear, Ariz., before joing the team Monday in Houston.

Kluber will start the season opener Monday night against Houston. Carrasco will start the second game of the season Wednesday night.

This continues a pattern of the Indians signing their young players to multiyear deals. Last year they signed Michael Brantley, Yan Gomes and Jason Kipnis to multiyear deals. In 2012 they signed Carlos Santana to a five-year deal.

Kluber's contract breaks down this way: $1 million for 2015, $4.5 million 2016, $7.5 million 2017, $10.5 million 2018, $13 million 2019. In March, Kluber signed a one-year $601,000 deal to avoid having his contract renewed, but that has been adjusted.

The fifth year of the deal can escalate to $17 million depending on incentives in the contract.

The first club option in 2020 can go from $13.5 million to $17.5 million based on esclators. The 2021 club option can go from $14 million to $18 million with a $1 million buyout.

It is the largest contract for a pre-arbitration eligible pitcher in MLB history. If all incentives are met, the deal could be worth $77 million.

Kluber would not have been eligible for arbitration until after this season. They Indians purchased three arbitration years and one of his free agent years.

Carrasco avoided arbitration during the offseason by signing a one-year deal worth $2.55 million. Carrasco's deal runs through 2018 with club options for 2019 and 2020.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Plain Dealer photographer Gus Chan and Northeast Ohio Media Group photographer John Kuntz are at Quicken Loans Arena as the Cleveland Cavaliers face the Chicago Bulls. Check back to see all their photos as the gallery is updated. 

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Plain Dealer photographer Gus Chan and Northeast Ohio Media Group photographer John Kuntz are at Quicken Loans Arena as the Cleveland Cavaliers face the Chicago Bulls. Check back to see all their photos as the gallery is updated. 

It took a while, but LeBron James posted his 38th career triple-double with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists as Cavaliers all but clinch second seed.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - LeBron James completed his first triple-double with just five games to go this season, recording 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists in a 99-94 triumph over the Chicago Bulls on Easter.

James had gone a full regular season without a triple-double just twice in 12 seasons -- in 2011-12 with Miami and during his rookie season with Cleveland in 2003-04.

James originally posted a triple-double on Nov. 10 against New Orleans, but the NBA rescinded an assist a day later that dropped him to nine for that game.

As for the game, the Cavs won their 50th this season and now lead the Bulls by four games for second in the East with five to play. Cleveland took 3-of-4 from Chicago.

Here is an instant, quarter-by-quarter briefing on James' performance against the Bulls.

1^st Quarter

Stats: 7 PTS, 2 RBS, 1 AST, 3-5 FG, 0-2 FT

Highlight: James opened the game by backing his way into the post against Jimmy Butler, then passed out to J.R. Smith for a three-pointer at 11:37.

Briefing: James went right at Butler in the first quarter, putting the ball on the floor for two impressive drives that began with his back to the basket. James was fouled on a third drive but missed both free throws. Coach David Blatt tossed a little wrinkle into his rotation, subbing Iman Shumpert for Smith instead of James near the six-minute mark. Normally, that's when James goes out. Smith came in for James at 2:58. Remember that when the postseason arrives. Kyrie Irving's buzzer-beating three put Cleveland up 27-23.

2^nd Quarter

Stats: 2 PTS, 4 RBS, 4 AST, 1-5 FG, 0-0 FT

Highlight: With 2.2 seconds left and James inbounding from under his own basket, he found Smith near midcourt, who took a few steps and canned a three.

Briefing: The half-ending pass to Smith was something - there wasn't a ton of room between Smith, the Bulls, and the sideline. The shot by Smith, he basically heaved it from behind is head, was on another level. Put the Cavs up nine. Take away those two buzzer-beating threes and we'd have a tighter game. Interesting development earlier in the quarter. James leveled Nikola Mirotic and was assessed a Flagrant One technical foul. In Cleveland's last game, James shoved Miami's Goran Dragic into next week. Remember when James said he may need to "protect myself" more a while back? Welp...

3^rd Quarter

Stats: 7 PTS, 2 RBS, 3 AST, 2-3 FG, 3-4 FT

Highlight: James caught the ball at the top of the key and headed right for a rim-rattling dunk at 5:01, splitting Pau Gasol and Joakim Noah en route. He made his free throw, too.

Briefing: James zipped passes to Timofey Mozgov for a layup and to Smith and Kevin Love for threes. He had that dunk and followed up with a layup off of Love's steal. With 16 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists, it would seem now is the right time to get his first triple-double this season. Meanwhile, Irving casually tossed in a 52-footer to beat the shot clock. Incredible. Even more so is the score - the Bulls trail by just eight despite all the Cavs' theatrics.

4^th Quarter

Stats:4 PTS, 2 RBS, 4 AST, 2-4 FG, 0-0 FT

Highlight: James drove the lane before kicking out to Love for a dagger three-pointer with 1:14 to go that put the Cavs ahead 96-87.

Briefing: James secured the triple-double with a rebound late under somewhat curious circumstances. With 5:51 left and the Cavs only ahead by 11, James went to the bench. He returned at 4:06 with the Bulls down seven, and appeared annoyed that he was heading back to the floor so quickly. The pass to Love was vital because it showed James' confidence in him despite a poor outing - Love was just 3-of-11 before the shot. James nailed a jumper with 34.3 seconds to go that further finished off the Bulls.

Totals: 20 PTS, 10 RBS, 12 AST, 8-17 FG, 3-6 FT, 37 MIN

A barrage of threes and LeBron James' first triple-double of the season aids Cavaliers over Bulls 99-94.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - LeBron James' first triple-double of the season and a barrage of 3-pointers lifted the Cleveland Cavaliers past the division rival Chicago Bulls, 99-94, at The Q on Easter Sunday.

With the victory, Cleveland (50-27) has won the season series with Chicago (46-31) 3-1.

It took him until his 66^th game of the season, but James finally produced a triple-double by way of 20 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists. He had a triple-double taken away from him after a Nov. 10 game against the New Orleans Pelicans when the league erased a rebound and an assist the next day.

After the league's correction, James' numbers stood at 32 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists. Sunday marked his first triple-double as a Cavalier since May 13, 2010.

The Cavaliers' winning streak at home is 18. The 2008-09 Cavaliers hold the record for the most consecutive home wins with 23. Cleveland has three more home games remaining in the regular season.

Kyrie Irving led the Cavs with a game-high 27 points and he was 4-for-5 from beyond the arc. JR Smith had field day from downtown, converting on 8 of his 17 threes taken.

Every single shot he took was a three. He started off the game 6-of-8 from deep. The Cavaliers improved to 9-0 at home when Smith connects on three or more 3-pointers.

As a whole, Cleveland shot 16-for-37 from long distance. Their high for the most threes taken this season is 40.

Kevin Love returned after sitting out Thursday's game with a sore back. He played 32 minutes and registered 11 points on 4-of-12 shooting while also grabbing four boards.

Mike Dunleavy had 24 points for the Bulls and Aaron Brooks chipped in 17 points, five rebounds and six assists.

What this means

The Cavaliers have just about wrapped up the No. 2 spot in the Eastern Conference and the title in the Central Division. Chicago was three games behind Cleveland in both categories entering the game.

Now Cleveland only has five games remaining in the regular season. They're closing in on their fourth division title in the franchise's history, and their 50 wins are the eighth time they've reached that mark.

Buzzer-beaters galore

With 1.1 seconds left in the first quarter, Irving received a sideline inbounds pass and squared his body toward the hoop and hit a fadeaway corner three to end the quarter.

Then a red-hot Smith topped that by knocking down a 40-foot, off-balance buzzer-beating 3-pointer to give the Cavaliers a 54-45 lead going into intermission. Smith fell into the front row of the stands and had to be helped out before his teammates could bombard him with pats on the head and love shoves.

But Irving would have the last word. With two seconds left on the shot clock in the third quarter, Irving caught an inbounds pass 52 feet out from the basket and he let it fly and a second or so later, swish.

Irving could do nothing but laugh. He went toward the inbounder, which was away from the goal to get the ball because he thought there was 22 seconds on the shot clock instead of two. Talent makes up for errors sometimes.

Who's on deck?

Cleveland's next game isn't until Wednesday on the road against the Milwaukee Bucks. The Cavaliers hold a 2-1 season-series lead on the team currently in the No. 6 spot in the standings.

Funderburk committed to Ohio State on Wednesday.

LAKEWOOD, Ohio -- On Wednesday, Ohio State added St. Edward boys basketball player Derek Funderburk to its future lineup. The 6-foot-10 junior is the first member of the team's 2016 recruiting class.

What Ohio State is getting in Funderburk is a winner and immediate defensive impact player. Funderburk came off the bench last season when St. Edward won the Division I state title and was a starter this year on the state semifinal team.

During the regular season in 2014-15, Funderburk averaged 14.2 points and 6.7 rebounds per game. He was a presence defensively, as well, as he has a natural ability to change and block shots in the lane.

His versatility offensively is one of the reasons he drew interest from Ohio State. Back in February, he talked about why schools were interested in him in our Recruit Spotlight series.

"The schools that I've been down to want me to play the three or the four," Funderburk said. "They see me in AAU. I can put the ball on the floor, dribble, shoot and get to the basket. They like my intensity."

He added that there is a part of his offensive game that he needs to work on.

"Shooting and my 3-point shot," Funderburk said. "Those are the two big things, and other than that, they just say keep working."

Under coach Eric Flannery, St. Edward has produced several frontcourt players (most recently Matt Stainbrook at Xavier) who have been productive in Division I. Funderburk, rated No. 46 in his class for 247sports.com, will have higher expectations than most coming out of college.

Before he gets to Columbus, Funderburk has a senior season ahead of him. As the team's top returning scorer, Funderburk will likely be asked to take on the biggest offensive role he's had at St. Edward. Expect his scoring to rise and offensive game to develop in his final high school season.

Contact high school sports reporter David Cassilo by email (dcassilo@cleveland.com) or Twitter (@dcassilo). Or log in and leave a message in the comments section below.

Get to know Perry junior tight end Luke Farrell, who has offers from Ohio State, Alabama and many others.

PERRY, Ohio – When you're a high level prospect like Perry junior Luke Farrell, the recruiting process can be stressful and hectic if you don't manage it correctly.

There are unofficial visits to various campuses, recruiting camps and combines to attend and constant messages from college coaches and reporters trying to find out what's next.

But Farrell, a four-star tight end according to 247sports.com, said he's managing it all just fine.

"It hasn't been to stressful for me thus far," Farrell said. "I've just been trying to keep it slow and focus on the offseason and get bigger."

Farrell, who is 6-foot-6 and 240 pounds caught 44 passes last season for 760 yards and seven touchdowns, catching the attention of most of the Big Ten and perennial national title contender Alabama.

Farrell's offers include Ohio State, Michigan, Alabama, Michigan State, Wisconsin, Penn State, Arkansas, Duke, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska and Vanderbilt. He said he'd like to make a decision by the end of the summer.

Farrell's biggest interests are schools that he's already visited he said, which bodes well for the Buckeyes, with whom he's unofficially visited three times and attended two camps, most recently on March 28.

OSU for a spring practice this morning #Buckeyespic.twitter.com/mP0wbYwqZK

— Luke Farrell (@LukeFarrell88) March 29, 2015

Farrell, who hopes to major in exercise science, has visits to Boston College and Penn State coming up this week, and noted a preference to staying close to home so his friends and family can see him play in an interview late last week.

"I think that is a little bit of a factor," Farrell said. "But also those are the schools that have showed the most interest in me."

As for what he wants coaches to know about him, his versatility as a tight end is his biggest selling point.

"I'm going to adapt to whatever they want me to do," Farrell said. "I can be more of a traditional tight end, put my hand on the ground and I can also run routes and catch passes. I can come down the line on a linebacker or run a vertical route, and I'm easy to coach."

Follow our high school sports Twitter account, @NEOVarsity for high school sports news and score updates and be sure to use the hashtag #NEOVarsity when Tweeting about high school sports.

Contact high school sports producer Cameron Moon by email (cmoon@cleveland.com) or on Twitter (@MoonCameron20). Or log in and leave a message in the comments section below.

Has the Browns new helmet -- featuring a matte finish -- just been leaked or is it an elaborate fake?

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Has the Browns' new helmet just been leaked or is it an elaborate fake?

A photo posted on Browns wide receiver Brian Hartline's Instagram account shows  an orange helmet with a matte finish and a brown facemask as depicted in the team's new logo. The brown-white-brown stripe down the middle appears slightly larger than previous versions.  

The new Browns helmet essentially. Brown mask on Matte orange paint. @PhilHecken @EquipmentGeek @Uniformswag pic.twitter.com/VxlM0POQhf

-- JVince11 (@JVince11) March 17, 2015

Is it real? Posters on Reddit say the chin strap shown isn't used in the NFL. They also point out the "Browns" wordmarks on the front and back of the helmet don't match the team's new font.

That's not to say a matte finish would be out of the question. The Seahawks, Jaguars and Vikings wear matte helmets and they've become all the rage in college football.

The helmet photo comes on the heels of another purported leak of the Browns new uniforms. Over the weekend, this official-looking "style guide" surfaced, along with what appeared to be real in-store jerseys.

pic.twitter.com/phr9Wj2imy

-- 2014 National Champs (@bturner12387) April 4, 2015

Reviews of rumored (leaked?) #Browns jerseys (pics at link) are decidedly mixed. http://t.co/48PZwoOZD9 pic.twitter.com/oso6IhJKxk

-- Craig Lyndall (@WFNYCraig) April 6, 2015

The most telltale sign these unis are fake: there's no way the Browns would've spent two years on a design so uninspired; nor would Donte Whitner ever call these the"best jerseys in the league."

We'll all finally get a look at the Browns' new uniforms at the big unveil during a special "orange carpet event" at the Cleveland Convention Center on April 14.

The Cavs defense has reached title contender status since the roster changed in the middle of January.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Scribbles in my Cavaliers notebook:

1. LeBron James played a sensational game Sunday against the Chicago Bulls. It was an old-fashioned Magic Johnson triple-double: 20 points, 12 assists, 10 rebounds. He had only three turnovers. He made sure the ball found its way to the right man at the right time. He was a cheerleader for his teammates.

2. James is embracing his role as the Cavs leader, and enjoying it. He is so right when saying the Cavs still need work to be an elite team: "We're a championship contender, but we're not there yet."

3. Among the Cavaliers playing major minutes, only James knows what it's likes to even reach the NBA Finals. Yes, Mike Miller, James Jones and Shawn Marion have championship rings -- but they don't play very much.

4. Among the first eight who play each game, the following have never been in the playoffs: Kevin Love, Tristan Thompson, Kyrie Irving and Matthew Dellavedova.

5. Iman Shumpert has appeared in 13 playoffs games. For Timofey Mozgoz, it's a single 7-game series with Denver in 2012. J.R. Smith has been in 51 post-season games, and made it to the Western Conference Finals with Denver in 2009.

6. That's why it's so important to have James in the proper physical and emotional condition as the playoffs approach. Coach David Blatt has been watching the minutes for James, who is playing 35.5 since the All-Star break. That is down from nearly 39 minutes a game early in the season. James looks fresher because the team has more talent now than early in the season -- and he's not playing as much.

7. Since the All-Star break, James is averaging 24.8 points, 7.5 assists and 6.8 rebounds. He's shooting .492 from the field, .394 on 3-pointers. He was the NBA Player of the month in February and March. James is peaking at the right time.

8. Early in the season when James was dealing with aching knees and a cranky back, he also was very worried about the Cavs defense. As was Blatt. Be it in  the NBA playoffs or the top international competitions -- defense is critical. That was one of the early areas of agreement between James and Blatt. The trades for Mozgoz, Smith and Shumpert meant even more to the defense than offense.

9. Much has been made of the fact that in the last 37 years, only three teams have won titles that ranked lower than the top 10 in defense. By defense, we mean opponent's field goal shooting. Right now, the Cavs rank No. 18. So if you use those numbers, the Cavs would be trying to be the first team since the 2001 Lakers to win a title without a top 10 defense.

10. But they actually do have a top 10 defense ... since January, when a healthy James combined with new players Mozgoz, Smith and Shumpert. They are 31-7 in that span, and the opponent's field goal percentage is .437. That ranks 10th in the NBA since January 15.

11. That's another reason James is in a better mood these days. He knows it's fun when the team throws in 16 shots from 3-point range as they did against Bulls in Sunday's 99-94 victory. But he also knows the Cavs won that game by holding Chicago to 94 points and .447 shooting from the field.

12. Chicago's two big men -- Joakim Noah and Pau Gasol -- combined for 16 points and 17 rebounds in 66 minutes. Mozgoz and Thompson had 15 points and 14 rebounds in 54 minutes. Those two young centers basically neutralized the Bulls' big men.

13. As James said, the Cavs aren't a sure title team yet -- but the improving defense has them moving in that direction.

Perhaps no two college basketball players singularly define their teams this season quite like Duke's Jahlil Okafor and Wisconsin's Frank Kaminsky.

INDIANAPOLIS -- Perhaps no two college basketball players singularly define their teams this season quite like Duke's Jahlil Okafor and Wisconsin's Frank Kaminsky.

The freshman phenom against the savvy senior. The ACC player of the year against the AP player of the year.

Just remember there will be eight other players on the court on Monday night when the Blue Devils and Badgers square off in the NCAA Tournament championship game.

"It won't be one guy against another," Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski said. "I know how you like to do it in the papers ... it's like a boxing match each time. It hardly ever works out that way, but it's cool to put it down that way."

Fair enough. With that in mind, here are a few other players and story lines to watch Monday night that don't have to do with the dominant big men.

Not entirely anyway.

CLUTCH DEKKER: Wisconsin junior Sam Dekker has turned into a bona fide star these last three weeks. The 6-foot-9 forward is averaging 20.6 points per game in the tourney. He's turned into a force in the clutch, like his 3-pointer with 1:42 left to put the Badgers up for good in the 71-64 win over unbeaten Kentucky. He then went down to the other end and drew a charging call on Wildcats freshman Trey Lyles.

Lately, it's been Kaminsky setting up Dekker.

"If you look at some plays at the end of games here, it's me setting ball screens for Sam. Not many times do you see a 7-footer setting a ball screen for somebody who is 6-foot-9," Kaminsky said. "It opens up a lot of stuff for people because they've got to be paying attention to where we are on the floor."

TYUS TIME: A Minnesota native, guard Tyus Jones slipped out of the Midwest to join Krzyzewski's heralded freshman class in Durham.

Jones cites Duke's 80-70 win at Wisconsin on Dec. 3 as the game that gave him confidence in college. He scored 22 points on 7-of-11 shooting then.

The pride of Apple Valley, Minnesota, is hearing from folks back home hoping that he can spoil Wisconsin's run.

"I've been getting a lot of tweets from people in Minnesota, telling me how everyone in Minnesota has been cheering for me," Jones said. "Don't let Wisconsin win, stuff like that."

CHANGING TIMES: Jones' night highlighted a blistering shooting performance for Duke, when the team went 30 of 46 from the field (65 percent).

Nigel Hayes had a subpar day for Wisconsin with four points. Dekker, who was bothered by a sore ankle then, had just five points.

Times have changed.

Hayes and Dekker are now proven reliable scorers. Associate head coach Greg Gard also likes how the team has improved defensively, citing six straight empty possessions by Kentucky at one point during Saturday's game.

"I don't think we've had six stops all year consecutively regardless of opponent," Gard said. "But to be able to do that in that environment last night against Kentucky was a big step."

CHANGING TIMES, PART 2: Duke's look has changed, too.

Justise Winslow had just five points against Wisconsin in December. Rasheed Sulaimon scored 14 off the bench.

Sulaimon is now off the team. Winslow is a proven commodity, a 6-foot-6 forward who can defend on the perimeter or play as an undersized power forward jockeying for position in the paint.

"I've grown a lot on the defensive end," Winslow said.

GUARDING UP: Speaking of defense, Wisconsin coach Bo Ryan cited Duke's athletic ability on the wings and quickness in the paint as big reasons why the Badgers couldn't keep up with Duke in December.

Since then, Duke has gone to a smaller starting lineup, with Okafor, Winslow, Jones and senior Quinn Cook accompanied by 6-foot-5 Matt Jones in a three-guard look. The Blue Devils also have 6-foot-9 forward Amile Jefferson and 7-foot center coming off the bench.

But Jones and Winslow will be giving up a couple inches when they're matched up against Dekker and Hayes, who is 6-8.

"You just have to fight every possession. You can't allow them to get comfortable," Matt Jones said. "I know Dekker likes to post up smaller guards. We just all have to fight 'em, whether it's in the post, making it hard for them to catch the ball."

After LeBron James' first triple-double on Sunday, he made sure to reach out and show love to Pacers All-Star Paul George via Twitter.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Shortly after the the Cleveland Cavaliers dismissed the Chicago Bulls, winning their 50th game of the season and all but clinching the No. 2 spot in the Eastern Conference, the players gathered in the locker room to chat with reporters.

As that was happening, Indiana Pacers small forward Paul George was making his season debut after a gruesome broken leg suffered this summer cost him the first 76 games.

It was a moment the Pacers, fans around the NBA and other players had been waiting for. George scored 13 points in about 15 minutes in his first game back, leading Indiana to a much-needed win against Miami. LeBron James talked recently about George's return, showing his excitement and explaining why it would be great for the NBA.

After James' first triple-double on Sunday, he made sure to reach out and show love to the Pacers All-Star via Twitter. 

Absolutely great day for my Nike Brother and homie @yg_trece! Congrats man on the journey all the way... https://t.co/91QPFSoMIw

-- LeBron James (@KingJames) April 6, 2015

James and George have had numerous playoff battles recently, but it's clear there's a deep respect between the two and it again shows how close players in the NBA are no matter which team they play for. 

Cavs in the latest power rankings

Even though they are playing great, with 31 wins in their last 38 games and 18 straight wins at home, there are a few other teams hitting their stride as the postseason rolls around.

Golden State has been the league's best team and that's unlikely to change in the final few weeks. The San Antonio Spurs, fresh off an impressive win against the Warriors, have won seven straight and are 9-1 in their last 10.

It's that kind of roll that has led to ESPN.com ranking the two Western Conference powers in front of the Cavs, who check in at third in the most recent power rankings.

"Golden State has the most intimidating home atmosphere we've seen this season, but the Cavs have something cooking, too. Including Sunday's W over Chicago that stretched its win streak at The Q to 18, Cleveland has trailed for only 72:52 of the nearly 900 minutes played during the streak."

While ESPN has the Warriors and Spurs ahead of Cleveland, Yahoo Sports doesn't see it the same way. The Cavaliers check in at No. 2, the same spot as last week, slightly ahead of the Houston Rockets. 

SI.com also has the Cavs staying the No. 2 spot, one ahead of surging San Antonio.

"Anyone else surprised Sunday marked LeBron James' first triple double in 66 games this season? The Cavs star is averaging the fewest rebounds since his rookie season (6.0) after shifting to more of a perimeter role in Cleveland. He's also averaging a career-high 26.5% of his field-goal attempts from three-point range, partially explaining his career-low 0.7 offensive rebounds per game."

More Cavs links

Cavs putting themselves in prime position as playoffs approach (Bleacher Report)

Thinking about James and an improving defense (cleveland.com)

NBA links

George says his return was "everything I expected" (Indy Star)

John Calipari says 5-7 Kentucky players are heading to the NBA (USA Today)

Dikembe Mutombo and Spencer Haywood lead NBA's 2015 Basketball Hall of Fame class (Sporting News)

Hawks' Paul Millsap out next two games with a sprained shoulder (ESPN.com)

Progressive Field got a face lift over the winter. Here are nine changes to expect at the park this year.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - The Cleveland Indians opened their Right Field District area, complete with new vantages, food items, beer options and more.

"It's got deja vu to the early '90s, when we signed a lot of young players to long-term contracts, people running around here in hard hats," said Bob DiBiasio, Indians senior vice president of public affairs.

Here are nine changes in the park:

Dynomite food: The Right Field District will include many local eateries coming into the park for the first time. "This one is a little different," said restaurateur Zack Bruell, who will have a presence in with his Dynomite Burgers. "It's being operated by Delaware North. We're going to train them. To me it's important. It's my name. I'm not just going to give it away." Melt, Barrio, Great Lakes Brewing Co. and Sweet Moses also will have stands. Above each stand is the name of a Cleveland neighborhood - Gordon Park, Ohio City, Tremont and others - to emphasize the city's neighborhoods.

Windy City: One of the key changes is an expansive view that fans throughout the park will have of the downtown cityscape through center field. And yes, the team conducted wind studies to - hopefully - avoid a disastrous tunnel-turbine effect that the old Candlestick Park was famous for in San Francisco. "For the fan it will be windier," said team president Mark Shapiro. "But we don't think it will have a defined effect (on the game). The bottom line is we don't know, but we did wind studies."

Why make changes? "It's (Progressive Field) 21 years old, and we have to adapt to how our fans watch games," Shapiro said. To that end, social media remains a revamped focus, with a social suite using #tribelive. A $13 ticket gets you into the game, a drink, and your Tweets re-sent.

Vending-machine beer! DraftServ offers a dozen self-pour craft taps. It operates much like wine-vending machines and will cost by the ounce (which is to be determined). Pour as much or as little as you want and no, you can't stick your head under it.

Local-beer emphasis: The Corner Bar will have a capacity of 800 people, with half of the 40 beers on tap from Ohio, including Greater Cleveland. In addition to the locally based food items, Ohio has a strong presence among the beer offerings. Willoughby Brewing has a very limited distribution footprint, and for the first time its beers will be poured at the ballpark. Brewer Rick Seibt said he loves the idea of getting his beers in his hometown stadium. "To me they're giving the little guys a chance," he said. "I'm ecstatic. As a brewer, are you kidding? I'm an Indians fan; it's great to have my beer there. It's a real accomplishment." Added Chris Angne, Delaware North general manager: "There's still that feeling that when you come to a ballgame you should have a taste of Cleveland." The irony is Angne is not a beer drinker.

Kids Clubhouse: A refurbished area for kids include a twisted slide and areas for kids to romp, play mini-Wiffle Ball, play games like racing their favorite player or imitating a player's batting stance. There's also an interactive locker room where kids can touch a screen and learn about a specific object in the lockers from an Indians player. "There's nothing like this in baseball," Shapiro said.

Upper deck, right field: That ghost town formerly known as the upper-deck, right-field seats has been refurbished for group seating. The entire field can be seen from the platforms that will have high-top tables.

Getting relief: The construction changes included moving the bullpens, which used to be segregated. Now a pair of them - one for the Indians, one for the visitor - sit atop each other and face north-south in center field, with a much more open view for fans to watch pitchers warming up.

Promotions: The season will include four bobbleheads (Corey Kluber, Carlos Santana, Michael Brantley and Terry Francona scooter) and four jersey nights (1975 red, Mike Hargrove, Sandy Alomar and Bob Feller). Also, 15 Dollar Dog nights and 15 fireworks nights will be featured.

Join cleveland.com Indians beat writers Zack Meisel and Paul Hoynes for a live chat, with updates from Minute Maid Park, as the Tribe takes on the Astros in the season opener at 7:10 p.m. ET.

HOUSTON, Texas -- Happy Opening Day. Join cleveland.com Indians beat writers Zack Meisel and Paul Hoynes for a live chat, with updates from Minute Maid Park, as the Tribe takes on the Astros in the season opener at 7:10 p.m. ET.

Game 1: Indians (0-0) vs. Astros (0-0)

First pitch: 7:10 p.m. at Minute Maid Park

TV/radio: ESPN, STO; WTAM AM/1100, WMMS 100.7

Pitching matchup: Corey Kluber (18-9, 2.44 ERA last year) vs. Dallas Keuchel (12-9, 2.93 ERA)

The 2015 season has arrived. Here are the starting lineups and the pitching matchup for Monday's opening game.

HOUSTON, Texas -- The 2015 season has arrived. Here are the starting lineups and the pitching matchup for Monday's opening game.

Pitching matchup: Corey Kluber (18-9, 2.44 ERA last year) vs. Dallas Keuchel (12-9, 2.93 ERA)

Starting lineups

Indians

1. CF Michael Bourn

2. 2B Jason Kipnis

3. LF Michael Brantley

4. 1B Carlos Santana

5. C Yan Gomes

6. RF Brandon Moss

7. DH Ryan Raburn

8. 3B Lonnie Chisenhall

9. SS Jose Ramirez

Astros

1. 2B Jose Altuve

2. RF George Springer

3. 3B Luis Valbuena

4. DH Evan Gattis

5. 1B Chris Carter

6. C Jason castro

7. SS Jed Lowrie

8. LF Colby Rasmus

9. CF Jake Marisnick

Vote in our poll on whether Big Ten pride will override the history Ohio State fans might have with Wisconsin coach Bo Ryan.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Can you deal with it?

For the first time since 1941, the Big Ten could serve as the home for both the national championship teams in football and men's basketball. Ohio State football did its part. Now Wisconsin basketball will take its shot against Duke in Indianapolis on Monday night.

Sure, Big Ten pride is on the line. But Ohio State fans have a little history with Wisconsin coach Bo Ryan.

* Big Ten having a moment

Ryan is crotchety and lovable, often both at the same time. He calls it like he sees it, which can be endearing or aggravating, depending on where you sit.

The "Deal With It" towel that Ohio State fans waved at Wisconsin coach Bo Ryan four years ago.Ohio State 

For this Wisconsin team during this exceptional two-year run of a Final Four last season and now a trip to the national title game, he has been the perfect coach.

But there was that time four years ago when Ohio State star freshman Jared Sullinger said he was spit on while leaving the court after a loss at Wisconsin, and Ryan's response to the situation was, "All we is know is, we won the game. Deal with it."

When the Badgers returned that trip to Value City Arena that season, the OSU student section was ready with "Deal With It" towels. The Buckeyes won by 28.

There was a time when it looked like the Ohio State-Wisconsin rivalry, with Ryan leading the basketball Badgers and Bret Bielema running the football program, really could be something. But Bielema is gone and the football teams no longer play in the same division.

So on the field, it's not the same.

But in those days, it's hard to imagine Ohio State fans rooting for Bret Bielema in a national title game.

What about Bo Ryan and a collection of talent that includes player of the year Frank Kaminsky, future NBA first-round pick Sam Dekker and Toledo native Nigel Hayes, who would have looked great in an Ohio State uniform?

Could those OSU fans deal with a Wisconsin championship and root for the Badgers?