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When is the Ohio State Buckeyes 2017 spring football game?

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Ohio State's spring football game will be held on Saturday, April 15 at Ohio Stadium.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio State on Tuesday announced that its 2017 spring football game will be played on Saturday, April 15 at Ohio Stadium.

The game will mark the end of spring practices, which are set to begin on Tuesday, March 7.

The Buckeyes held their first winter conditioning session on Wednesday, which included nine members of the 2017 recruiting class who are already enrolled at Ohio State. Conditioning drills, under the supervision of strength and conditioning coach Mickey Marotti, will run through the start of spring football.

More than 100,000 fans attended last year's spring game. Tickets for last year's spring game cost $5 and parking was free.

* Meet the people who can only see Ohio Stadium in the spring

The nine early-enrolled players who are currently going through winter conditioning are: linebacker Baron Browning, running back J.K Dobbins, quarterback Tate Martell, offensive lineman Josh Myers, safety Jeffrey Okudah, safety Isaiah Pryor, cornerback Shaun Wade, athlete Brendon White and cornerback Marcus Williamson.

Get an idea of what Tuesday's conditioning drills were like with the video released by Ohio State below:


What's the real 'Diff' between the Cavs and Warriors this season? -- Bud Shaw's You Said It

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Cleveland sports fans wonder about the Warriors' dismantling of the Cavs, Carson Wentz's future and what former Browns will star in the playoffs.

Browns hire Clyde Simmons to coach defensive line; Robert Nunn out

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Simmons will replace defensive line coach Robert Nunn.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Browns defensive coaching staff shakeup continues, and has claimed another assistant coach from last year's staff.

The team has fired defensive line coach Robert Nunn and replaced him with Clyde Simmons, a source tells cleveland.com. Alex Marvez of The Sporting News was the first to report Simmons' hiring.

Simmons, a former defensive lineman who spent eight seasons in Philadelphia between 1986 and 1993, comes over from the Los Angeles Rams, where he had been the assistant defensive line coach since 2012. He has spent the last three seasons working under Gregg Williams, now the team's new defensive coordinator.

Simmons worked with a defensive line that included 2014 first-round pick Aaron Donald and 2011 first-round pick Robert Quinn. The Rams tied for the league lead in sacks in 2012 and finished third in 2013. Donald has collected 28 sacks in three seasons.

Simmons already has a number of young pass rushers to help develop along the Browns defensive line, including defensive ends Emmanuel Ogbah, who registered 5.5 sacks in his rookie season, and Carl Nassib, who had 2.5 sacks. Simmons will also work with nose tackle Danny Shelton, who developed into a formidable player in his second year in the league.

The Browns hired Nunn last off-season after six seasons with the Giants. He was not among the initial group of defensive assistants relieved of their duties last week.

Clyde Simmons career stats from Pro Football Reference:

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Thayer Munford, a 4-star OT, to officially visit Ohio State this weekend: Is he next?

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Four-star offensive tackle Thayer Munford of Massillon (Ohio) Washington is taking an official visit to Ohio State this weekend. He could find his way into the Buckeyes' 2017 recruiting class.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Four-star offensive tackle Thayer Munford of Massillon (Ohio) Washington doesn't have an Ohio State offer. But one is seemingly close to coming. 

After receiving visits from Urban Meyer, offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson and offensive line coach Greg Studrawa the past few days, Munford announced on Twitter that he's taking an official visit to Ohio State this weekend. 

That likely means things are progressing between Ohio State and the 6-foot-6, 320-pound prospect. 

Rated the No. 31 offensive tackle in the 2017 recruiting class in the 247Sports composite rankings, Munford has been Ohio State's top offensive line target since four-star Jake Moretti of Arvada (Colo.) Pomona flipped to Colorado in mid-November. 

Though Munford has yet to receive an offer, it does seem like one is on the way because of how much effort Meyer and his staff are putting in so close to National Signing Day. Munford is an Ohio prospect, which also helps. 

And if he earns a scholarship? That could mean Munford is in the class by the end of the weekend. 

Munford attended Ohio State instruction camps in June and July, one of which was Meyer's Friday Night Lights camp. He has taken visits to Kentucky and Iowa State. and is also considering Pittsburgh, Minnesota and others. 

 

Akron Zips win with ease over Ohio University (photos)

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Akron has little trouble with Ohio University as the Bobcats play without their injured leading scorer, Antonio Campbell.

AKRON, Ohio -- The Akron Zips turned up the efficiency to start the second half against Ohio University and steadily pulled away for an 83-68 Mid-American Conference victory Tuesday night in Rhodes Arena.

With 11:13 to play, Akron had turned a three-point halftime lead into a 60-43 advantage between Kwan Cheatham's 3-pointers, Jimond Ivey's dunks and Isaiah Johnson's bullish inside power.

The Bobcats played without leading scorer Antonio Campbell, sidelined with a foot injury.

Coming out of a media break, the Zips (15-3, 5-0) twice got alley-oop dunks to freshman Emmanuel Olojakpoke for a 64-43 lead that fired up the crowd at Rhodes Arena. The victory made it 26 straight in Rhodes Arena. More importantly, the Zips cushion in the MAC's East Division race is now up to two games over the Bobcats (11-5, 3-2) who have lost two straight.

The first half: The Zips took an early 20-11 lead and seemed on the verge of blowing the game open when a 12-2 run by Ohio led to a 23-22 lead that was extended to 29-24 with 7:21 to play. But OU went scoreless the next six minutes with four turnovers as Akron regained the lead, 35-29.

The Bobcats got a pair of layups to only be down, 35-33, at halftime.

On the sidelines: Campbell, the defending MAC Player of the Year, sat out with a boot on his foot after just playing three minutes in Saturday's loss to Eastern Michigan. While a bone injury has been ruled out, Campbell is still expected to have a MRI later this week.

By the numbers: Akron remains among the best offensive teams in the league, averaging 78.9 points a game, shooting 48.3 percent from the field and 39.1 percent on 3-pointers. The one offensive stat where the Zips are not at the top of the league is free throw shooting, at 69.2 percent.

Next in line: Ohio is the first of a four-game run over the next 11 days that has Akron hosting Eastern Michigan on Friday, at Western Michigan Tuesday, and home again to Buffalo on Jan. 28. Eastern began Tuesday tied with Northern Illinois for first in the MAC's West Division. ... Western Michigan has had a resurgence since losing to Akron, 66-59, the second game of league play. ... And while Buffalo is clearly struggling this season, the Bulls still sit atop the league in overall athleticism and team depth.

Kelvin Calhoun, Jack Sullivan help No. 5 St. Edward hold off No. 1 Lorain, 76-63

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Big shots from Kelvin Calhoun and Jack Sullivan along with an 11-0 third-quarter run helped lead No. 5 St. Edward boys basketball to a 76-63 win at No. 1 Lorain.

LORAIN, Ohio — After seeing a 19-point lead get cut down to seven, St. Edward was determined not to let the mistakes from losses to St. Vincent-St. Mary and St. Ignatius happen again.

Key plays by Kelvin Calhoun and Jack Sullivan helped the Eagles stop a Lorain rally in St. Edward’s 76-63 win on Tuesday.


Calhoun led the Eagles (10-3), ranked No. 5 in the cleveland.com Top 25, with 20 points and eight rebounds. Sullivan had four 3-pointers and 16 points.


“They made an unbelievable run. The place went crazy,” St. Edward coach Eric Flannery said. “I was really proud of our guys for kind of finishing it off tonight and just being a little more focused down the stretch, and doing the little things.”


St. Edward grabbed control of the game early in the third quarter with an 11-0 run. The Eagles outscored No. 1 Lorain (8-2), 22-7, in the quarter and had a 19-point lead heading into the fourth.


But with the help of a 16-4 run, the Titans cut the lead to seven.


Baskets by Sullivan and Calhoun helped push the lead back out to nine before Sullivan hit a 3-pointer to give St. Edward a 71-59 lead.


“When it’s tight-game situations, you can’t think if you’re going to miss or not,” Sullivan said. “I just got it, made it, had confidence and tried to make it for my team.


“That was a really heart-breaking loss (to St. Ignatius), a tie-breaking 3 at the buzzer. Then we lost by 10 in overtime. So we were looking forward to coming into Lorain, a tough environment. After the third quarter when we blew that lead, we were like, ‘We can’t do this again. We’ve got to come together.’”




Calhoun spent most of his night working against Naz Bohannon, who had a game-high 22 points for Lorain. When Bohannon picked up his second foul early in the second quarter, Calhoun went right at Bohannon, scoring 10 of his 20 in the quarter.


“I played with Naz growing up when we were little. So, I knew how he was going to play a little bit. I knew he wasn’t going to foul. He was going to play straight hands-up,” Calhoun said. “So I just had to go over him and finish.”


Tommy Schmock added 10 for St. Edward.


Tuesday’s loss snapped a five-game winning streak for the Titans dating back to a Dec. 18 loss to North Canton Hoover.


“Our goal is to go to Columbus this year and we feel we’re good enough to get there,” Lorain coach John Rositano said. “These kind of games will ultimately make us better down the road.”


St. Edward hosts Toledo St. John’s on Saturday, and Lorain continues Lake Erie League play on Friday when it hosts Bedford.

No. 12 Copley evades foul trouble, No. 19 Stow to remain unbeaten

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Austin Brenner and Anthony Dente each scored 17 points to lead Copley in a boys basketball matchup of Suburban League division leaders.

COPLEY TOWNSHIP, Ohio – One guard already had to sit with foul trouble. So when senior Austin Brenner took a seat Tuesday night late in the third quarter, Copley’s unbeaten boys basketball record faced danger.

That danger dissipated, as the 12th-ranked Indians pulled away from No. 19 Stow in a matchup of cleveland.com Top 25 teams and Suburban League division leaders.


Copley’s 68-59 win not only pushed it to 11-0, but extended a regular-season win streak to 35 games.


Coach Mark Dente had a few players to thank for that.


“Our depth played out,” Dente said.


Count his son as part of that. Junior guard Anthony Dente came off the bench to score 17 points with three 3-pointers, including the go-ahead shot midway through the fourth quarter.


“He’s always been a shooter,” Mark Dente said. “I’ve coached him since the day he was born. Being the coach’s son is difficult on him. He just wants to belong.”


The 5-foot-10 Dente provided a boost just as junior guard and leading scorer Brian Roberts sat down in the second quarter with foul trouble. Later, Brenner picked up his fourth infraction with 2:47 left in the third.


That allowed Stow (7-3) to erase an 11-point deficit.


“It wasn’t very fun sitting out, but it’s fun being a part of this team,” Brenner said. “They kept us in it.”


Brenner returned just in time for a final push. He scored 17 points with five 3s. His fourth-quarter return included a blocked shot, steal and two outlet passes to Dente in helping the Indians reclaim control.




Brenner did this while playing on a hurt ankle.


“He’s our quarterback,” Mark Dente said. “The shots he makes, but the plays he makes — the steals he gets, the rebounds he gets, the pushing of the ball; he’s a pretty big part of our team.”


Coincidentally, Brenner also played quarterback on Copley’s football team.


Add in Roberts’ return for the second half that included a 13-point night, and Stow could not overcome the Indians’ 3-point shooting and transition prowess.




Stow coach Dave Close didn’t like his team’s offensive execution at times, either.


“We took some a few ill-advised shots and made some ill-advised plays,” he said. “It’s been our Achilles’ heel all year.”


His Bulldogs, who lead the Suburban League National Division, get a chance to fix that Friday when they play host to North Royalton. Sophomore Mason McMurray led Stow on Tuesday with 18 points and 14 rebounds.


Copley, which had little problem with shot selection and made 11 3s, will look to extend its regular-season success Saturday in a nonleague matchup vs. Westlake.


Contact sports reporter Matt Goul on Twitter (@mgoul) or email (mgoul@cleveland.com). Or log in and leave a message below in the comments section.

Ohio high school boys basketball statewide scores for Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2017

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Check out Tuesday's boys basketball scores from around the OHSAA, courtesy of The Associated Press.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Check out Tuesday's boys basketball scores from around the state, courtesy of The Associated Press.

Ada 71, Waynesfield-Goshen 68


Akr. Coventry 77, Lodi Cloverleaf 44


Akr. East 68, Youngs. East 56


Akr. Ellet 84, Akr. North 49


Akr. Firestone 79, Richfield Revere 69


Akr. Hoban 44, Hudson WRA 33


Akr. Kenmore 49, Hudson 43


Ashland 52, Bellville Clear Fork 31


Ashville Teays Valley 50, Logan 49


Avon 48, Berea-Midpark 40


Barberton 55, Twinsburg 53


Batavia Amelia 49, Williamsburg 29


Batavia Clermont NE 54, New Richmond 49


Bay Village Bay 86, Lorain Clearview 60


Beachwood 76, Chesterland W. Geauga 61


Beaver Eastern 70, New Boston Glenwood 35


Belmont Union Local 62, John Marshall, W.Va. 53


Beloit W. Branch 58, Columbiana 39


Belpre 72, Crown City S. Gallia 54


Bethel-Tate 48, Batavia 42


Beverly Ft. Frye 64, Lore City Buckeye Trail 62


Brecksville-Broadview Hts. 69, Youngs. Mooney 33


Bristol 67, Cortland Maplewood 54


Byesville Meadowbrook 59, Zanesville 51


Caldwell 81, Barnesville 47


Cambridge 67, Warsaw River View 33


Can. Heritage Christian 77, Wood County Christian, W.Va. 70


Canal Fulton Northwest 67, Alliance Marlington 49


Canal Winchester 69, Cols. Hamilton Twp. 57


Canal Winchester Harvest Prep 67, Sugar Grove Berne Union 51


Canfield 80, Warren Harding 62


Canfield S. Range 73, McDonald 66, OT


Castalia Margaretta 77, Milan Edison 64


Centerville 52, Sidney 50


Cin. Glen Este 58, Hamilton Ross 43


Cin. Hills Christian Academy 63, Clarksville Clinton-Massie 59


Cin. Hughes 49, Cin. Withrow 47


Cin. Indian Hill 62, Cin. Deer Park 49


Cin. La Salle 63, Cin. Colerain 44


Cin. Madeira 38, N. Bend (Cleves) Taylor 29


Cin. Mariemont 57, Cin. Finneytown 39


Cin. McNicholas 48, Loveland 43


Cin. NW 61, Cin. Winton Woods 54


Cin. Oak Hills 50, Cin. Elder 47


Cin. Princeton 66, Fairfield 40


Cin. St. Xavier 54, W. Chester Lakota W. 37


Cin. Turpin 67, Cin. Shroder 51


Cin. Wyoming 72, Reading 32


Circleville Logan Elm 65, Cols. Bexley 51


Cle. Collinwood 76, Cle. Max Hayes 63


Cle. Glenville 78, Cle. Lincoln W. 47


Cle. MLK 55, Cle. E. Tech 51


Cle. VASJ 78, OVC 51


Coldwater 67, Greenville 64


Cols. Beechcroft 84, Cols. Whetstone 38


Cols. Eastmoor 63, Cols. Briggs 51


Cols. Independence 63, Cols. Africentric 48


Cols. Linden McKinley 56, Cols. Centennial 54


Cols. Northland 77, Cols. Mifflin 70


Cols. South 87, Cols. West 42


Cols. Walnut Ridge 69, Cols. Marion-Franklin 24


Copley 68, Stow-Munroe Falls 59


Cornerstone Christian 78, Chardon NDCL 47


Corning Miller 58, Reedsville Eastern 46


Cuyahoga Falls 51, Kent Roosevelt 42


Cuyahoga Hts. 57, Fairport Harbor Harding 43


Day. Carroll 59, W. Carrollton 29


Day. Chaminade Julienne 69, Day. Thurgood Marshall 53


Day. Stivers 74, Spring. Kenton Ridge 59


Delaware Hayes 53, Sunbury Big Walnut 44


Dover 42, Zanesville Rosecrans 41


Doylestown Chippewa 61, Atwater Waterloo 55


Dublin Scioto 56, Westerville Cent. 50


Elyria Cath. 60, Columbia Station Columbia 51


Fairborn 59, Beavercreek 49


Fairfield Christian 56, Millersport 35


Fostoria St. Wendelin 75, Sandusky St. Mary 63


Frankfort Adena 56, Hillsboro 51


Fremont St. Joseph 68, Tiffin Calvert 53


Gahanna Cols. Academy 82, Gahanna Christian 56


Gallipolis Gallia 62, Bidwell River Valley 50


Garrettsville Garfield 55, Mantua Crestwood 52


Gates Mills Gilmour 71, Cuyahoga Falls CVCA 62


Girard 50, Hubbard 48


Glouster Trimble 68, Wahama, W.Va. 51


Granville 53, Pataskala Watkins Memorial 42


Greenfield McClain 42, Chillicothe Huntington 22


Grove City Christian 94, Lancaster Fisher Cath. 47


Hamilton 62, Oxford Talawanda 57


Hannibal River 75, New Matamoras Frontier 54


Hanoverton United 84, Heartland Christian 44


Harrison 61, Cin. Anderson 54


Hartville Lake Center Christian 69, Mogadore 68


Heath 95, Utica 24


Hilliard Davidson 64, Grove City 51


Howard E. Knox 66, Danville 50


Huron 71, Oak Harbor 64


Ironton Rock Hill 40, Ironton St. Joseph 36


Jackson 57, Albany Alexander 48, OT


Johnstown-Monroe 37, Johnstown Northridge 35


Kinsman Badger 68, N. Bloomfield 37


Lakewood 81, N. Ridgeville 71


Lakewood St. Edward 76, Lorain 63


Latham Western 56, Franklin Furnace Green 53


Leavittsburg LaBrae 52, Poland Seminary 38


Liberty Twp. Lakota E. 53, Wilmington 35


Lima Temple Christian 60, Cory-Rawson 44


Lisbon Beaver 64, Wintersville Indian Creek 53


Lockland 82, Cin. Dohn High School 68


Louisville Aquinas 57, Alliance 44


Lowellville 44, Campbell Memorial 43


Lucas 73, Ashland Crestview 61


Lynchburg-Clay 71, Fayetteville-Perry 60


Manchester 61, Seaman N. Adams 50


Mansfield Madison 56, Lexington 53


Maria Stein Marion Local 49, Celina 40


Marietta 57, Uhrichsville Claymont 54


Marion Pleasant 62, Van Buren 57


Martins Ferry 72, Bellaire 54


Marysville 55, Bellefontaine 39


Mason 69, Kings Mills Kings 43


Medina 93, Medina Highland 83


Medina Buckeye 82, Parma Hts. Valley Forge 55


Mentor 107, Eastlake N. 51


Metamora Evergreen 73, Whitehouse Anthony Wayne 64


Miami Valley Christian Academy 44, Cin. Hillcrest 25


Miamisburg 62, Bellbrook 35


Middletown Fenwick 59, Monroe 42


Milford 53, Lebanon 43


Minford 58, Waverly 53


Mogadore Field 70, Norton 41


Mt. Orab Western Brown 73, Georgetown 40


Mt. Vernon 57, Mansfield Sr. 43


N. Baltimore 77, Ridgeway Ridgemont 44


N. Can. Hoover 73, Can. Glenoak 52


N. Royalton 62, Parma 31


Nelsonville-York 76, Baltimore Liberty Union 73, 2OT


New Lexington 71, Athens 62


New London 40, Mansfield Christian 37


New Middletown Spring. 74, Mineral Ridge 39


New Philadelphia 47, Coshocton 30


Newark Licking Valley 53, Hebron Lakewood 33


Newton Falls 64, Columbiana Crestview 35


Northside Christian 56, Tree of Life 46


Oak Hill 65, S. Webster 44


Oberlin Firelands 56, Ashland Mapleton 51


Old Fort 67, Monroeville 44


Olmsted Falls 65, N. Olmsted 54


Orange 65, Chagrin Falls 52


Oregon Stritch 64, Millbury Lake 38


Orwell Grand Valley 62, Windham 54


Painesville Harvey 52, Geneva 50


Parma Normandy 61, Mayfield 49


Pataskala Licking Hts. 68, Cols. Franklin Hts. 55


Peninsula Woodridge 69, Ravenna 49


Pickerington Cent. 73, Chillicothe 51


Point Pleasant, W.Va. 83, Pomeroy Meigs 75, OT


Portsmouth 55, Ironton 46


Portsmouth Clay 83, Willow Wood Symmes Valley 55


Portsmouth Notre Dame 77, Portsmouth Sciotoville 59


Proctorville Fairland 79, S. Point 48


Rocky River Lutheran W. 70, Garfield Hts. Trinity 41


Rootstown 43, Ravenna SE 39


Salem 65, E. Palestine 56


Sandusky Perkins 70, Clyde 43


Shadyside 78, Bridgeport 47


Sidney Fairlawn 101, Mechanicsburg 43


Sidney Lehman 65, N. Lewisburg Triad 52


Solon 96, Hunting Valley University 57


Spring. Greenon 57, Cedarville 41


Spring. Shawnee 54, Riverside Stebbins 47


Springboro 60, Huber Hts. Wayne 59


St. Bernard-Elmwood Place 59, Felicity-Franklin 38


St. Clairsville 67, Cadiz Harrison Cent. 47


St. Marys Memorial 48, Troy 43


Steubenville Cath. Cent. 75, Bellaire St. John 42


Strasburg-Franklin 52, Malvern 48


Streetsboro 65, Akr. Springfield 62


Sugarcreek Garaway 53, Zoarville Tuscarawas Valley 51


Tol. Cent. Cath. 54, Fremont Ross 45


Tol. St. Francis 81, Holland Springfield 46


Tol. Waite 72, Monroe, Mich. 62


Toronto 76, Richmond Edison 56


Uniontown Lake 67, Green 50


Vermilion 59, Port Clinton 34


Vincent Warren 67, Parkersburg, W.Va. 59


W. Jefferson 50, Milford Center Fairbanks 48


W. Lafayette Ridgewood 41, E. Can. 39


W. Liberty-Salem 55, DeGraff Riverside 35


Wapakoneta 69, New Knoxville 39


Warren Champion 81, Niles McKinley 79


Warren Howland 68, Youngs. Liberty 56


Washington C.H. 77, Circleville 59


Waterford 68, Racine Southern 53


Wauseon 51, Maumee 35


Wellston 65, Ohio Valley Christian 53


Westerville N. 61, Whitehall-Yearling 49


Westlake 47, Amherst Steele 46


Wickliffe 59, Perry 58


Williamsport Westfall 49, London Madison Plains 48


Willoughby S. 56, Bedford 43


Woodsfield Monroe Cent. 51, Sarahsville Shenandoah 44


Wooster 85, Millersburg W. Holmes 64


Wooster Triway 75, Apple Creek Waynedale 63


Youngs. Boardman 59, Louisville 54








POSTPONEMENTS AND CANCELLATIONS

New Riegel vs. Kansas Lakota, ppd.


Ohio State basketball vs. Nebraska preview: TV info, key players, stats, prediction

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The Buckeyes play their fourth Big Ten road game in six contests on Wednesday night at Nebraska.

LINCOLN, Neb. -- Ohio State basketball is back on the road on Wednesday night against Nebraska. Here's everything you need to know before tip-off:

GAME INFORMATION

Who: Ohio State Buckeyes (11-7, 1-4 Big Ten) at Nebraska Cornhuskers (9-8, 3-2).

When: Wednesday, 9 p.m. E.T.

Where: Pinnacle Bank Arena (15,000).

TV: Big Ten Network, with Kevin Kugler and Shon Morris on the call.

Latest line: Ohio State -1.

Series record: Ohio State leads the all-time series against Nebraska 13-3, and the Buckeyes are 9-1 against the Cornhuskers since they joined the Big Ten. Nebraska's only Big Ten win against Ohio State came in Jan. 2014 in Lincoln.

PROJECTED STARTERS

Ohio State: G JaQuan Lyle (6-5, Soph., 12.3 ppg); G Kam Williams (6-2, Jr., 10.4 ppg); F Marc Loving (6-7, Sr., 11.2 ppg); F Jae'Sean Tate (6-4, Jr., 14.1 ppg); C Trevor Thompson (7-0, Jr., 10.7 ppg).

Nebraska: G Evan Taylor (6-5, Jr., 4.5 ppg); G Glynn Watson Jr. (6-0, Soph., 15.1 ppg); G Tai Webster (6-4, Sr., 18.3 ppg); F Isaiah Roby (6-8, Fr., 3.8 ppg); F Michael Jacobson (6-9, Soph., 6.1 ppg).

GAME NOTES

* Ohio State picked up its first Big Ten win of the season with a 72-67 win over Michigan State on Sunday. Nebraska has lost two straight, with the most recent being a 91-85 loss at Michigan on Saturday.

* Nebraska leads the Big Ten in 3-point shooting during conference play at 43.7 percent, but is also 13th out of 14 teams in the 3-point percentage defense at 42.4. Ohio State is shooting 35.5 percent from deep during conference play, but has struggled defensively there as well, allowing opponents to shoot 41.1 percent in Big Ten play.

* Cornhuskers guard Tai Webster is No. 2 in the Big Ten in scoring at 18.3 points per game, and No. 6 with 4.1 assists per game. Against Michigan, Webster scored 28 points on 12-of-20 shooting and chipped in four assists.

* Nebraska has been good in close games this year, posting a 5-1 record in games decided by five points or less. Ohio State is 4-5 in such games this season.

* Ohio State guard JaQuan Lyle is shooting 52.3 percent (11-of-21) from 3-point range in Big Ten play. In five conference games, Lyle is averaging 16.2 points, 4.2 assists, 4 rebounds and 1.4 turnovers per game.

PREDITCION

Bill's pick: Ohio State 69, Nebraska 65. There are certain games remaining on the Buckeyes' schedule that they simply have to win, and this is one of them. Assuming Ohio State isn't going to run the table in the eight games it has remaining against the Big Ten teams ranked ahead of it in the KenPom ratings, then the Buckeyes need to win every one against the teams below them. Ohio State seems to be saying the right things coming off that win over Michigan State. Let's see if they can back it up. I'm curious to see how the Buckeyes defend Webster, and if Lyle can match the opponent's star again.

Ohio State basketball: Buckeyes got first Big Ten win, solving road woes next step

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The Buckeyes are 0-3 on the road in Big Ten play this year, and travel to Nebraska on Wednesday. Watch video

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Trevor Thompson sees it every time he walks into Ohio State's practice gym. The giant Final Four mural that takes up nearly an entire wall of the facility is a not-so-subtle reminder of what Thad Matta has built in Columbus.

It's a reminder of accountability and a sense of pride in the program that you could argue hasn't always been present over the last couple of seasons.

Funny how getting beat by 23 points can sometimes serve as a wake-up call.

After getting embarrassed by Wisconsin, the Buckeyes responded in the only way allowable -- playing hard, if not perfectly, in a win over Michigan State for the first Big Ten victory of the season.

Now we, the observers and absorbers of Ohio State's basketball program, are left in a familiar position: What did that mean?

* A one-time rise to the level of energy and effort that's needed to contend in the Big Ten every night only to be followed by another letdown?

* Or has maybe something finally clicked? Has a team that endured a 23-point loss at Wisconsin piled on top of a winless Big Ten start finally found an answer?

Please forgive if this sounds like a familiar line of thinking, but you can't be sure of much with this team until you see it. Wednesday night at Nebraska (9 p.m. ET, BTN), Ohio State's fourth road date in six Big Ten games, will be the tell.

"I definitely take it really serious, all the players before us, the championships and games won by players before -- I do take that serious," Thompson said. "When we have performances like we did against Wisconsin, I know it's not embarrassing just to us or the program, but the culture of Ohio State basketball. ... Just realizing that there is a standard, and that you are expected to win games. It just makes you want to get better and better."

Should Ohio State shoot more 3s?

Prior to Michigan State, Matta challenged his team: Get tougher or keep losing.

In what feels like a rare occurrence of ask and you shall receive, the Buckeyes (11-7, 1-4 Big Ten) played their best 40 minutes of the season. They'll need that again on Wednesday against a Nebraska team that's been up-and-down and in a lot of ways reflects a Big Ten season in which anyone can be the top dog on a given night.

The Cornhuskers went 6-6 in non-conference play, then started Big Ten play with wins over Indiana, Maryland and Iowa. Since then, they've lost back-to-back to Northwestern and Michigan.

For all of its weirdness, Nebraska is still 6-3 in a home venue that's one of the best in the conference. The Buckeyes are 0-3 on the road in Big Ten play, 1-4 on the season. They haven't had a winning road record in the conference since 2012-13.

To get out of the basement, they have no choice but to start winning some road games. Wednesday feels like a good opportunity to start.

"Hopefully we're learning from game to game to game being on the road, what it takes," Matta said. "You gotta go, you gotta play. Sunday did we play perfect? No, not even close to perfect. That was what we hammered home: There are still some areas we can better at, but there has to be a level of activity."

OSU played like old days against Michigan State

Ohio State has 13 games remaining, seven at home and six on the road. To get to double-digit Big Ten wins, which is probably the minimum needed to think about an NCAA Tournament berth, the Buckeyes need to go 9-4.

Maybe that's too big of an ask.

Here's what's not:

The nature of basketball is that you aren't going to be at your best every night, and Matta knows that. But playing hard and staying engaged are things you shouldn't have to beg for from a team largely reliant on seniors and juniors.

Ohio State has put itself in adverse situations in road games by letting little things like a quick opponent run spell doom. Save for the Wisconsin blowout, the Buckeyes have had a real chance to win in their other three road losses and let each one slip way.

Digging down and maintaining whatever they found against Michigan State has to be the norm from here on out.

"I hope our guys our man enough, tough enough to say we've had some bumps in the road, and smart enough to say this is how we fix them," Matta said. "When you're playing these quick turnarounds, we've gotta get some staples in our program because preparation becomes key. We've got to change some things, and we don't have a ton of time with travel and everything to practice it. We gotta be active."

LeBron James and Cleveland Cavaliers get splashed by Golden State Warriors: Crowquill

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LeBron James and Cleveland Cavaliers get splashed by Golden State Warriors but are still on schedule for a title repeat

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Cavaliers finished up their road trip Monday night in Oakland, getting thoroughly drenched by the 'Splash Brothers' and Golden State Warriors, 126-91.

For some with short memories, that loss, along with two others on this road trip, may be a reason to push the panic button. But one only has to go back a year to realize that basically the same thing happened. The Cavs suffered a big loss to the Warriors, 132-98. As we all know, a few months later Cleveland beat those same Warriors in the NBA Finals.

By that measure, the Cavs are right on schedule for another championship.

Crowquill, by Plain Dealer artist Ted Crow, appears three times a week on cleveland.com.

Cleveland Indians season prep - smiles, healthy Michael Brantley, Paul Hoynes bobblehead: Bud vs. Doug

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In Prepare for List Off, Bud and Doug offer advice to the American League champs with spring training fewer than four weeks away. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Indians are 25 days away from pitchers and catchers reporting to spring training in Goodyear, Ariz., and what else do the American League champions have left to plan?

Bud Shaw has a great idea.

In this Prepare for List Off, Bud Shaw offer advice to the Indians on what they should be doing between now and Feb. 12, other than preparing for Tribe Fest on Jan. 28. 

Trying to come up with things the Indians really need to work on is getting more and more difficult. Sure, they need to get healthy. But the lineup, starting rotation and bullpen is looking pretty good, and the Indians even made things look easy in arbitration, agreeing to deals with seven players.

Check out what Bud and I had to say in the video above. Also, give a listen to our new all-sports Cleveland podcast, which Zack Meisel and I will be bringing to you twice a week, with expert input from all the beat writers and columnists here at cleveland.com. We talked a lot about the Indians in our latest podcast, out Monday. Look for a new one on Thursday as well.

Subscribe on iTunes

 

Why Cleveland Cavaliers rookie Kay Felder is having a tough time: Terry Pluto (video)

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Rookie guard Kay Felder is struggling to fit in with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Kay Felder is having a tough time in his rookie season with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Felder has played two games with the Cavs team in the D-League, the Canton Charge, and is averaging 30 points.

So why has he struggled with the Cavs?

Does the 5-foot-8 point guard have an NBA future? Or is he just another little guard who will have to battle to stay in the NBA?

We talk about it in this video.

Can Jordan Fuller be Malik Hooker? Ohio State 2017 secondary depth chart projection

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Projecting the Buckeyes two-deep at safety and cornerback for next season, with a long look at the safety who opened eyes as a freshman backup in 2016. Watch video

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Who better to ask who can be the next Malik Hooker than Malik Hooker?

What does being the next Malik Hooker mean? A player who could go from not starting to an All-American in his first year in the lineup.

The first name out of Hooker's mouth?

Jordan Fuller.

Fuller's reaction to being told he's a candidate to be the next Hooker?

"Really? Oh, thank you so much," Fuller said before Ohio State's loss to Clemson in the Fiesta Bowl. "That means a lot."

For Ohio State to maintain its level of play in the secondary, it can't view a player like Fuller making a Hooker-like leap as a luxury. It's a necessity.

The Buckeyes are losing three starters from one of its best secondaries ever. Hooker, a unanimous first-team All-American at safety, and cornerbacks Marshon Lattimore (another player who became a star as a first-year starter) and Gareon Conley are all potential first-round picks in the 2017 NFL Draft.

So that's the level. From out of the spotlight to star of the show.

"I think I'm ready," Fuller said. "I've been working hard all season, all offseason. If my name was called now, I think I could go play."

Fuller didn't get much defensive time in 2016, but the No. 131 overall player in the 2016 recruiting class according to 247sports.com did make a dent on special teams, getting action on kickoff coverage, kickoff return and punt block. 

Now you wonder exactly how he'll fit into the 2017 secondary plans.

Safety Damon Webb, who will be a senior, is the only returning starter in the group, but he also plays the position that Fuller plays. The Buckeyes now call it the Falcon position, and it's the cover safety spot played by Vonn Bell in 2014 and 2015, where the safety often lines up in man coverage and plays like a cornerback.

"I know to be a safety you need to be rangy, to go get the ball when it's in the air, but at this position you need to be able to cover people," Fuller said. "I think I do that well, too, so it's a good fit for me."

At 6-foot-2 and nearly 205 pounds, Fuller has a size edge on the 5-10, 195-pound Webb. Regardless, the Buckeyes will get their two best safeties on the field, so that could be Webb and Fuller together.

The hole in the lineup is to replace Hooker, who was allowed to play more center field and chase big interceptions. Veteran Erick Smith may be more of a natural fit there.

At cornerback, Denzel Ward, who was almost a co-starter with Lattimore, and Damon Arnette, who saw early-season action in the nickel defense, have experience and an early edge for starting spots.

But youth is coming. 

Nowhere is Ohio State's best recruiting class ever, this 2017 group, deeper than in the secondary.

Ohio State has two five-star cornerback recruits on the way in Jeffrey Okudah from Texas and Shaun Wade from Florida, though Okudah wouldn't be a bad safety either. Marcus Williamson of Westerville is a four-star corner, as is Cincinnati's Amir Riep. At safety, Isaiah Pryor is a four-star recruit from Florida.

Then there's Kendall Sheffield, a junior college recruit who was once a five-star high schooler who enrolled at Alabama. He'll arrive at Ohio State as a junior and could be ready to play right now.

That's a lot of options, and there are other young Buckeyes already on the roster in Joshua Norwood, Rodjay Burns, Wayne Davis and Jahsen Wint.

Ohio State scholarship breakdown by position

So there are secondary options ready to play, just like Hooker was a year ago. It took starting safeties Tyvis Powell and Vonn Bell leaving early for the NFL to clear his path.

"Whether Tyvis or Vonn would have been here, I would have gone out and competed. If I wasn't good enough to start, so be it," Hooker said.

He was. He was.

Now he said Fuller could be like him. Or Smith at safety. Or Malik Harrison or Keandre Jones at linebacker.

"The secondary again is going to be something scary," Hooker said.

Fuller could be part of that. He's long and he's physical. And he says he's ready.

"I definitely feel good about my progress. I'm not going to say I'm going to be an All-American," Fuller said, laughing and shaking his head. "That's definitely a goal, though."

How do we think Ohio State's secondary will look in 2017? Here's a projection at the two-deep at cornerback and safety next season

Can Villanova repeat? Florida State impressing, Gonzaga still perfect: College Basketball 2017 (video)

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The Villanova Wildcats are back on top of the AP poll and looking to become the first team to repeat as national champion since Florida in 2006-2007. Meanwhile, Florida State is looking like a team that could challenge anyone and faces two tests this week. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- With Villanova back at the top of the Associated Press Top 25 poll, it will be interesting to see how long the Wildcats can stay there this time.

If it is proven to be for another long haul, the next question should be can the Wildcats become the first team since Florida (2006-2007) to repeat as national champion? Considering how diluted 2016-2017 seems to be of high quality teams, that is not a far-fetched conclusion.

The schedule will be somewhat kind this week considering Villanova is at home against Seton Hall and Providence. No. 2 Kansas, which actually had more first-place votes (32) than Villanova (28) follows up a Monday game at Iowa State with a Saturday home game against Texas.

But the team to watch this week is Florida State. Coach Leonard Hamilton's Seminoles have the look of a team capable of playing with just about any other in the country and the next few days could prove it. A pair of Top 25 tests at home begin with Notre Dame on Wednesday night then Louisville on Saturday.

Finally, the last of the undefeated, Gonzaga, plays at Santa Clara and home to Portland, a pair of .500 teams.


Cleveland Indians' 2017 payroll becoming clearer after signing of Edwin Encarnacion, arbitration-eligible players

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The Indians' payroll will be higher in 2017, but by how much? Did Paul Dolan step into one of those cash tornado phone booth things? Or did he reach into his pocket and pull out a few quarters, a buffalo nickel, a Canadian coin and a ball of lint? Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- It's no secret that the Indians will operate with a higher payroll in 2017.

But just how much more money will ownership be spending on its major-league roster?

Did Paul Dolan step into one of those cash tornado phone booth things? Or did he merely reach into his pocket and pull out a few extra quarters, a Buffalo nickel, a Canadian coin and a ball of lint?

Well, it's certainly somewhere between those two ends of the spectrum. The Indians have routinely ranked near the bottom of the league in payroll in recent years; that might change in 2017. With Edwin Encarnacion aboard and seven of the team's eight arbitration-eligible players signed to deals, let's take a look at the payroll breakdown to get a better idea.

The mainstays

The Indians have nine players -- Encarnacion, Carlos Santana, Jason Kipnis, Andrew Miller, Michael Brantley, Corey Kluber, Carlos Carrasco, Yan Gomes and Josh Tomlin -- signed to long-term deals. Those nine are expected to earn a combined $74.5 million in 2017.

Encarnacion's contract breaks down like this, according to a source: $13 million in 2017, $17 million in 2018, $20 million in 2019, plus a $5 million signing bonus (spread out over the three years) and either a $20 million club option for 2020 or a $5 million buyout.

The arbitration guys

Brandon Guyer is the lone arbitration-eligible player without an agreement for 2017. He and the Indians exchanged proposed salary figures last week. They have until at least the end of the month to settle before the two sides would head to an arbitration hearing.

The other seven arbitration-eligible players signed at the end of last week. Here's the breakdown, according to a source:

Cody Allen: $7.35 million
Bryan Shaw: $4.6 million
Lonnie Chisenhall: $4.3 million
Trevor Bauer: $3.55 million
Danny Salazar: $3.4 million
Zach McAllister: $1.825 million
Dan Otero: $1.055 million

That adds up to $26.08 million. Guyer is expected to land a salary of about $2 million for the 2017 campaign. So, between the long-term contracts and the arbitration-eligible players, the Indians will spend about $102.5 million on 17 players this season.

Indians sign 7 of 8 arbitration-eligibles

The rest of the roster

The other eight players on the roster will earn at least the major-league minimum of $535,000. Some might earn a bit more, especially if any veterans on minor-league deals with spring training invites make it to Opening Day.

Still, we can guarantee that those eight will account for at least another $4.3 million in salary.

That brings the total to about $107 million for the 25-man roster. The Indians also owe $9 million to Chris Johnson, the spider-bite guy who appeared in 27 games in 2015. Johnson also has a $1 million buyout at the end of the season.

2017 payroll estimation: About $117 million

That would likely place them in the middle third of the league (probably somewhere between 14-20, though things can change between now and April). At the start of last season, the Indians ranked in the bottom fifth in the league, in the vicinity of about $90 million. General Manager Mike Chernoff suggested last week that the Indians' signing of Encarnacion all but used up their available budget.

Indians thought they had no chance at EE

Changes for 2018

Santana's salary ($12 million) comes off the books as he enters free agency. Shaw will also hit the free-agent market and the Indians will no longer owe Johnson any cash. There will be a bunch of pay raises, though.

Kipnis' salary will jump to $13.7 million from $9.2 million. Kluber's salary will increase by about $3 million. Gomes and Carrasco will see slight increases. If the Indians opt to exercise Brantley's option, his salary will jump to $11 million from $8.4 million. Encarnacion's salary increases considerably as well. Those eligible for arbitration will receive pay increases. Abraham Almonte, Jose Ramirez and Roberto Perez will join that group.

At some point, the Indians figure to engage in discussions with Ramirez and Francisco Lindor about long-term contract extensions.

Will there be enough money to go around?

7 things to know about Indians' payroll

Boys Basketball Rewind: Brian Roberts Jr. charges Copley’s second wind (Jan. 18)

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Brian Roberts and Copley are halfway to another unbeaten regular season. The streak is up to 35 games, and Roberts is a big reason why.

COPLEY TOWNSHIP, Ohio – Few boys basketball players started the season hotter than Brian Roberts Jr.

A 5-foot-8 junior guard, Roberts opened with 35 points in a close win against Barberton. He didn’t stop there after leading Copley’s JV team to a 22-0 mark — parallel last season to the varsity program.


Now here is Roberts and Copley, ranked 12th in this week’s cleveland.com Top 25. Their 68-59 win Tuesday against No. 19 Stow has them halfway to another unbeaten regular season. The streak is up to 35 games, and Roberts is a big reason why.


“Brian’s a stud,” coach Mark Dente said. “I’ve never seen a better 3-point shooter than him.”


Roberts’ scoring production has slowed in recent games. Dente attributes that to success other teams are having against him, but moreso “he’s been a little banged up.”


“His numbers have come down only because of the minutes he’s played,” Dente said. “He’s a scorer and a shooter.”


Roberts identically described his game.


“We can all shoot, so that’s our game plan,” he said. “Three is more than two, so that’s what we try to get.”


Get to know Roberts in the above video. For more highlights on the Indians’ win against Stow, see below.





PERFORMANCES OF THE NIGHT


In a winning effort or losing effort at Medina? Bees senior guard Luke Schaefer put up 36 for Medina, which needed it to overcome junior Collin Rittman’s 40 for Highland. The big games led to No. 14 Medina beating Highland, 93-83.


TOP PLAYS AND GAME BALLS CONTESTS


Be sure to vote for this week’s Game Ball nominees and the top plays. Click on the previous links to access each poll. Watch the top plays from last week below.



EARLY BRACKETOLOGY


The OHSAA made its regional tournament pairings known. Nothing has changed from last season with the matchups of district champs.


Click here to read them.


Regional semifinals begin March 15.


SCOREBOARD WATCHING


Some of Tuesday’s notable scores, starting with Top 25 matchups.


No. 5 St. Edward 76, No. 1 Lorain 63: The Eagles handed Lorain its first home loss behind Kelvin Calhoun’s 20 points inside. St. Edward held off the Titans in the second half to beat the area’s top-ranked team.



No. 24 Bay 86, Clearview 60: A dominating second quarter handed Clearview its second straight loss after an 8-0 start. The Rockets surged to a 34-8 second quarter. Five players scored in double figures, led by sophomore guard Erik Painter’s 17 points. Javon Todd led Clearview with 16.


MLK 55, East Tech 51: Ronald Vann Jr.’s 15 points led the Crusaders to a vital Senate League home win against East Tech, which is at full strength with guard Isaiah Washington and Aaron Pate now in the lineup after their transfer from Rhodes.


Avon 48, Berea-Midpark 40: Avon strengthened its hold on the Southwestern Conference lead behind sophomore Ryan Maloy’s 15 points and Justin Ladegaard’s 13. The Eagles rebounded from their first loss and improved to 10-1.


Olmsted Falls 65, North Olmsted 54: The Bulldogs are two games back with Berea-Midpark in the SWC after beating rival North Olmsted. They face Avon on Friday after getting 21 points Tuesday from Josh Goodwin.


CLICK HERE FOR TUESDAY’S SCOREBOARD


FAST FORWARD


Here is a look ahead at what is coming the rest of this week.


No. 7 Cleveland Heights (7-4) at No. 21 Lutheran East (9-4), Wednesday: A familiar gym for the Tigers. Cleveland Heights visits the Falcons, whose home served as their home court for Lake Erie League games last season. Next season, the independent Division IV school will become an LEL member. Cleveland Heights is trying to end a two-game losing streak.



No. 4 St. Vincent-St. Mary (7-4) at No. 16 Ellet (9-2), Thursday: This Akron showdown should be a gem. STVM is coming off a weekend trip to Dayton in which it lost to Division II frontrunner Trotwood-Madison and faced Pickerington North junior standout Jerome Hunter.



Brush (11-2) at No. 25 Madison (9-0), Friday: The Blue Streaks took both matchups last season in en route to a share of the Western Reserve Conference title. The winner of this one is in sole possession of first place.


No. 11 Holy Name (12-1) at No. 24 Bay (9-4), Friday: This Great Lakes Conference matchup is a rematch of Holy Name’s 90-81 win in the opener.



No. 18 Solon (9-3) at No. 14 Medina (11-2), Friday: Both teams stumbled in Greater Cleveland Conference play last week to Elyria, making this matchup a vital one.



CLICK HERE FOR FRIDAY’S SCHEDULE


No. 2 St. Ignatius (8-4) at No. 22 Central Catholic (6-4), Saturday: This is St. Ignatius’ only matchup of the week after a hectic weekend that included an overtime victory against rival St. Edward and a 19-point loss to North Canton Hoover. Coach Brian Becker’s Wildcats should be rested for this trip, while Central Catholic will be coming off a Friday matchup with Louisville St. Thomas Aquinas.


Revere (6-5) at No. 9 Benedictine (9-2), Saturday: The Bengals’ perimeter defense will test the Minutemen, led by junior guard Samson Albert and 6-7 Pete Nance. Revere has had a busy week, starting with a loss Monday to Cornerstone Christian at Euclid's MLK showcase.


CLICK HERE FOR SATURDAY’S SCHEDULE


Contact sports reporter Matt Goul on Twitter (@mgoul) or email (mgoul@cleveland.com). Or log in and leave a message below in the comments section.

Technically speaking, officials charged with cleaning up college basketball (photos, video)

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Basketball coaches say NCAA emphasis on decorum has led to a rise in technical fouls being called in games around the country. Watch video

AKRON, Ohio -- As was noted recently there seems to be a major up-tick in technical fouls being called around the country. And that includes the Mid-American Conference. The unofficial total was 30 after 30 games in the MAC.

There were five called in the Akron-Ohio University game Tuesday night, and two in the Kent State-Buffalo game.

They ranged from hanging on the rim to a stray elbow. But most are just the result of a lot of lip.

"Too much trash talking," one official said during the Akron-OU game.

Indeed, there seemed to be just as much jawing coming from the benches of both teams as there was on the floor.

Coaches admit the NCAA has placed an emphasis on officials to blow the whistle in an effort to have more decorum during games. While the plethora of games on television makes the technical fouls seem out of control, coaches believe the bulk of the whistles could just as easily be handled by officials just stepping between players quickly and sending them to their respective hurdles.

"All this does now is just draw more attention to it,'' Akron head coach Keith Dambrot said of the whistle emphasis. OU coach Saul Phillips seems to agree.

In the groove: The Akron Zips (15-3, 5-0) are primed to make their move in the Mid-American Conference race. Friday's 6:30 p.m. home matchup with Eastern Michigan will be the latest and arguably biggest test of the conference season, considering Tuesday's 83-68 victory over Ohio University was somewhat anti-climactic.

The Bobcats, the preseason conference favorites, played without reigning MAC Player of the Year Antonio Campbell, who is sidelined with a foot injury. It was Akron's first MAC win by double digits.

"We haven't been dominant, but we are still getting our wins," Akron coach Keith Dambrot said.

Unlike OU, Eastern will have all hands on deck now that senior point guard Raven Lee is back after a recent suspension. The Eagles (12-6, 4-1), favored to win the MAC West, have arguably the deepest, most talented and most veteran team in the league.

They also play a 2-3 zone, which most teams in the MAC don't see often. With a starting lineup of 6-11, 6-10 and 6-9 along the baseline, plus a 6-7 point guard, the Zips will have their hands full.

But the plus for Akron is the game will be in Rhodes Arena, where the Zips have now won 26 straight, and they are riding a hot player in senior Kwan Cheatham. While fellow senior Isaiah Johnson and the Zips perimeter snipers get most of the attention, Cheatham is quietly playing stellar basketball. He's averaging 10.6 points and 7.0 rebounds on the season. But in five MAC games he's averaging 16.5 points and 9.9 rebounds per game.

A dangerous double: Two things that can stifle a basketball team are youth and inexperience. Kent State, loser of four straight, is suffering that this MAC season. Kent's roster has eight freshmen and sophomores, seven players who entered the season with no MAC experience, and none on the 13-man scholarship roster that had made a complete tour of the league.

The primary issue is suspect play at point guard, evidenced by Kent's 19, 14, 23 and 21 turnovers in the four MAC losses. Everything seems to trickle down from there. Rarely does a power forward lead a team in assists averaging 2.5 per game.

Senior Jimmy Hall does for Kent. But he also leads the team in turnovers. When he has had three or more assists in a game, Kent has won. When he has three or more turnovers, Kent usually loses.

Kent (9-9, 1-4) will look to get back on track Saturday when it hosts Toledo (10-8, 3-2) at 7 p.m. in the M.A.C. Center.

Rise and shine: Cleveland State (6-13, 2-5) is back on the road Friday at Milwaukee (5-14, 1-5), looking to back up its impressive road upset earlier this week at Oakland, 76-65. The Vikings only other league win was at home over Milwaukee the opening week of Horizon League play. CSU will play the third of four straight road games on Monday at Green Bay.

Sophomore guard Rob Edwards was key for the Vikings over Oakland as he scored a career-high 32 points on 10-of-14 shooting from the field.

Could the Cavaliers use a pep talk after getting routed by the Warriors? -- Bud Shaw's You Said It

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Cleveland sports fans wonder about motivational speakers, Meat Loaf lyrics and Johnny Manziel's memorabilia show at the Super Bowl next month.

Rick Finotti becomes new John Carroll coach

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Rick Finotti, who was also the coach at St. Edward, leaves his position at Michigan to return home.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - John Carroll will introduce former St. Edward coach Rick Finotti as the Blue Streaks new coach this afternoon. Press conference is set on campus at 4 p.m.

Finotti has been with the University of Michigan since 2015. He joined Michigan as director of football operations. He was defensive analyst last year.

Finotti will replace Tom Arth who left John Carroll for University of Tennessee at Chattanooga not long after John Carroll lost in the Div.III semifinals.

He will address the home crowd during halftime of today's basketball game with Baldwin Wallace.

Finotti won two state titles and was 62-15 in six seasons at St. Edward.

Laurie Massa, John Carroll's director of varsity athletics and recreation, said in a written statement: "We are excited to have Rick leading our football program. He is a winner, and has made a positive impact on students at both the high school and collegiate levels. He has made a conscious decision to continue teaching young people with the hope of making a difference in their lives. He has unique experiences at the highest level of college football which we expect will help us build upon our recent success."

(Updated at 1:15 p.m. with reaction from John Carroll director of athletics)

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