UPDATED: Rookie point guard Kyrie Irving doesn't start for the Cavaliers, but he has 21 points, six rebounds and three assists to lead them to a 91-87 victory over the Detroit Pistons in the preseason opener on Friday night.

View full sizeCarlos Osorio, Plain Dealer ReporterCavaliers guard Kyrie Irving, center, and Pistons guard Brandon Knight (7) chase a loose ball during the first quarter Friday at the Palace in Auburn Hills, Mich.

Early in the second quarter of the first exhibition game, the new face of the franchise wore a pained expression. Irving clutched his left ankle after tumbling to court, his off-balanced shot violently swatted into the ether by Detroit's Jason Maxiell.

But as Cleveland fans braced for the worst -- they are conditioned for it, after all -- Irving rose to his feet and showed tantalizing glimpses of why the Cavaliers selected him No. 1 overall in the NBA draft.

He got to the basket. He went to the foul line. He dove out-of-bounds attempting to save a ball like a training-camp invitee. Not a bad start to his pro career, even if it is just preseason.

Coming off the bench, Irving scored 21 points and grabbed six rebounds in 27 minutes, leading the Cavaliers to a 91-87 win over the Pistons in front of an intimate gathering at The Palace at Auburn Hills on Friday.

Forward Samardo Samuels contributed 15 points and seven rebounds and Antawn Jamison added 13 points for the Cavaliers, who return to The Q for the annual Wine and Gold Scrimmage on Sunday.

But this night, as many will be this season, was about the play of Irving. He committed five turnovers, shot 4-of-14 from the floor and had some rookie moments down the stretch as the Cavaliers nearly squandered an 11-point, fourth-quarter lead.

It was an encouraging first act, however. That is, after he gathered himself from the hard fall courtesy of the Maxiell collision.

"That was my kind of welcome to the NBA [moment]," Irving said. "I didn't get a foul call so I had to keep on moving and get back to the defensive end."

Did he have any idea how much anxiety was coursing through the veins of Cavs faithful as they saw him grab his ankle?

"Someone told me that when I came out," Irving said. "It was a little ankle twist."

Coach Byron Scott was not worried. He was more concerned with the point guard's turnovers and his sketchy defense at times. Coach and rookie were talking throughout the game. Irving would come to the sidelines and Scott would offer advice and observations.

As they walked to the locker room at halftime, Scott had his arm draped over the 19-year-old's shoulder.

"I thought he played hard, he played OK," Scott said. "You can still see he's a rookie, he's young. Five turnovers are too many. He's got to do a better job taking care of the ball and running the offense. But for his first game in nine months I'm not going to be too critical on him."

Scott playfully suggested the injury looked worse than it was.

"[Irving] spent some time in L.A., visited Hollywood a lot," he said. "He's getting ready for a starring role in some movie."

Iving, who admitted to nerves, missed his first two shots and committed a turnover before being put to the floor by Maxiell. The hard hit seemed to relax Irving, who soon after found a rhythm. He looked good in transition and consistently got to the foul line.

He finished 13-of-15 at the stripe.

Irving spent long stretches in both halves matched up against Pistons rookie point guard Brandon Knight, the eighth overall pick. The Kentucky product had nine points and four assists – one more than Irving.

Fellow rookie Tristan Thompson shook off a rough start to register eight points and four rebounds in 22 minutes. The power forward had no points and four fouls in the first half, but gained some momentum with a fourth-quarter blocked shot.

The youngsters were on the court in the final minutes as the Pistons cut the Cavs' lead to one point (86-85). Irving made a few mistakes, but accounted for the team's final five points, all at the foul line.

ELYRIA, Ohio — Basketball teams don't hit their best stride in mid-December. But the games all count, so Brunswick was not about to gripe about style points after its 59-53 overtime victory over Elyria on Friday night in the Northeast Ohio Conference Valley Division opener for both at Elyria's new gym.

ELYRIA, Ohio — Basketball teams don't hit their best stride in mid-December.

But the games all count, so Brunswick was not about to gripe about style points after its 59-53 overtime victory over Elyria on Friday night in the Northeast Ohio Conference Valley Division opener for both at Elyria's new gym.

What's to complain about after squandering a lead in the final minute of regulation and still finding enough energy to overcome the lost momentum during the extra session?

"It was a big team effort," said Brunswick junior guard Kyle Wheeler, who had 12 of his team-high 16 points in the second half. "We made some clutch free throws. We got a nice one on the road."

The Blue Devils, now 5-0, looked to finish this one off in regulation after sophomore Ryan Badowski made two free throws for a 49-43 lead with 1:35 to go. But the Pioneers used their pressure tactics to force two turnovers, the second setting up a free-throw situation with 6.2 seconds to go.

Sophomore Ronnie Smith, inserted for defensive purposes, got his only points of the game as he calmly netted both attempts to forge a tie, 49-49.

But Elyria's good fortune evaporated during the extra four minutes.

The Blue Devils got a big driving basket from junior post Taylor Armagost and eight free throws, six from Badowski and two from Wheeler, to secure the win.

Badowski, who came in averaging 19.5 points, had seven points in the first half. After that, all eight of his points came from the line.

"Scoring was not an issue with me," said Badowski, who finished with 15 points. "They are really an athletic and fast team. I think we might have had a couple mistakes out there, but then we took another swing at them."

The Blue Devils held their biggest lead, 45-35, after Wheeler connected on a 3-pointer with 6:15 left in the game.

"We can go back and look at some of the mistakes we made when we had a chance to close it out," Brunswick coach Joe Mackey said. "But sometimes you have to give the other team credit. For us to be able to calm ourselves and control the overtime was good to see."

The Pioneers (2-1) got 16 points from senior wing Anthoni Horton, their lone player in double digits. Senior Rodney Beckett came off the bench to contribute eight and junior guard Kidy Bender finished with six points.

"We made more mistakes than what we did good," said Elyria coach Brett Larrick, whose club was 1-for-6 from the field in the extra session. "We're not a great team right now. We've got to do a better job of playing together."

Both clubs struggled through the first half, each committing eight turnovers and making less than half their shots.

The Pioneers held a 20-13 lead after two baskets by Beckett. But the Blue Devils rallied to tie it as Wheeler closed out the half with two baskets, the last one with 10 seconds to go to tie the game, 22-22, at the half.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: jmaxse@plaind.com, 216-999-5168

On Twitter: @JoeMaxse

AKRON, Ohio — He is known more for his exploits on the football field than on the basketball court, and being the quarterback of Lake Catholic has given Mark Baniewicz an understanding of what it takes to win. "I saw this game as an opportunity to step up and be a leader," the junior said after coming off the...

AKRON, Ohio — He is known more for his exploits on the football field than on the basketball court, and being the quarterback of Lake Catholic has given Mark Baniewicz an understanding of what it takes to win.

"I saw this game as an opportunity to step up and be a leader," the junior said after coming off the bench to score a team-high 14 points -- all in the second half -- and lead the Cougars to a 57-50 high school boys basketball victory over host Archbishop Hoban on Friday.

Lake Catholic (2-1) faced the daunting task of playing its North Coast League Blue Division opener on the road at previously unbeaten Hoban without the Cougars' two leading scorers from last season. Joe Vuyancih was unavailable due to illness, and Mike Whalen has yet to play this season after suffering a knee injury in the team's final scrimmage.

Still, the Cougars pulled together for the win -- an indication that once Vuyancih and Whalen return, they will be a real force to be reckoned with.

"We didn't really dwell on who we did and didn't have," said Lake Catholic coach Mark Chicone. "All we talked about this week was giving a better effort. These guys are capable of having a really good year, but they have to understand that you play the way you practice. It doesn't matter who's sick and who's hurt. If you play with effort, good things will happen."

Baniewicz barely played in the first half, as Paul Wojtila scored eight of his nine points, and Bill Poti had eight of his 11 in giving the Cougars a 28-27 halftime lead.

Hoban appeared to take control of the game in the first five minutes of the third quarter, as Jaelen Hollinger scored nine of his 11 points to help the Knights go on a 15-5 run that resulted in a 42-36 Hoban lead with 3:07 left in the period.

The Knights' shooting then turned ice cold. They didn't score again until there was 2:42 remaining in the fourth quarter and didn't make another field goal until there was just 1:28 left.

"It was a combination of a lot of things," said Hoban coach T.K. Griffith. "We got sloppy with the ball, we had a few defensive breakdowns and they hit some big shots. I thought we played well defensively, but we need to score a little bit more."

While the Knights went cold, Baniewicz and his teammates were just warming up. The Cougars went on an 18-0 run to take a 54-42 lead with 3:52 to play, with the 6-1 junior scoring nine on a variety of layups and free throws. Hoban never got closer than six the rest of the way.

"We were missing a few starters, so we knew the bench guys had to do well," Baniewicz said. "We needed people to step up."

Joe Magill is a freelance writer from Cleveland.

Grand Rapids scores late in the second period and early in the third to post a 3-2 comeback victory.

View full size

CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Monsters, so gritty Wednesday at the end of a long trip, fell flat upon their return home Friday night.

The Grand Rapids Griffins scored late in the second period and early in the third to post a 3-2 comeback victory in front of 10,015 at The Q.

The Monsters (12-14-1-1) were coming off a 2-1 shootout victory at Hamilton. Their six-game trip had begun Dec. 2 at Rockford.

"We came out ready to play and set the tone in the first 10 minutes," Monsters coach David Quinn said. "Then we hit a wall. We looked like a tired team. From top to bottom, we didn't have the energy or life we normally have. Not making any excuses, but it was a long trip."

Grand Rapids (12-12-1-2) held a 32-26 advantage in shots, including 8-4 in the third.

The American Hockey League teams meet again tonight at The Q.

"We've got to come out with a lot more energy and a lot more physicality," Quinn said. "We'll be ready."

The Monsters lost despite the season debut of center Patrick Rissmiller and the return of winger Greg Mauldin. Both had been injured -- Mauldin for the previous three games.

The Monsters thought they opened the scoring at 2:35 of the first period. Ryan Stoa flipped in a rebound as the pipes came off the moorings. The horn sounded, but as it did, referee Nick Krebsbach wasn't buying.

After a brief delay, Krebsbach signaled no goal. Apparently, the pipes had come loose a fraction of a second before the puck crossed the line.

Grand Rapids center Jamie Johnson lit the lamp on a power play at 11:00. The cage stayed put.

Late in the first, Monsters defenseman David Liffiton fought with Grand Rapids winger Mitch Callahan. Credit Liffiton with a victory, to the delight of most of those in attendance. Callahan, though, would be heard from later.

The Monsters tied it at 6:32 of the second when Stoa beat goalie Joey MacDonald with a wrister from the right. It was Lake Erie's first goal against MacDonald in five periods this season. He crafted a 3-0 shutout Nov. 2 at Grand Rapids.

Midway through the second, Hugh Jessiman gave the Monsters their only lead. He skated hard up the right side, cut to the middle and deposited his team-leading 11th goal. It came on the power play.

At 17:45, Cameron Gaunce was whistled for elbowing. The Griffins took full advantage, Johnson scoring at 18:40.

That sequence seemed to sap even more energy from the Monsters. They didn't start the third particularly well, either, and it bit them at 4:06. Griffins winger Gustav Nyquist put the puck on net, and it bounced onto the stick of Callahan, who had sneaked in behind the defense. Callahan almost had no choice but to push it past goalie Trevor Cann.

As part of "Cleveland Hockey Heritage Night," the Monsters wore Cleveland Crusaders-themed sweaters. Before faceoff, Lumberjacks legend and current Monsters Director of Hockey Operations Jock Callander was honored.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: dmanoloff@plaind.com; 216-999-4664

Rookie Tristan Thompson rallies from a shaky start and puts in a solid performance in his first NBA preseason game.

View full sizeDavid Guralnick, The Detroit NewsThe Cavaliers' Anthony Parker goes flying over Detroit's Ben Gordon as he goes after a loose ball in the first quarter.

"When all is said and done, it was a good first day of preseason," said Thompson, the fourth pick in the 2011 draft. "I think overall, once the game went on, I got adjusted."

After a shaky first half, in which he had no points, two rebounds, one turnover and three fouls in 10:06, Thompson looked much better in the fourth quarter, throwing down a pair of two-handed dunks and swatting away a couple of shots on the defensive end, one of which went flying into the stands. He finished with eight points, four rebounds, two blocks and one steal in 22:06.

"That's what he does," Cavs coach Byron Scott said. "He plays good solid defense. He's an energy-type guy. Tonight he had some pretty good moments.

"The block where he came across and blocked it out of bounds, I would hope he would take a note out of Bill Russell's book and try to keep it in play for us to get it. But it was an impressive block."

Thompson, who finished with five fouls, also made 4-of-8 free throws, about par for the course. In his one year at Texas, he shot 48.7 percent from the free-throw line.

Injury updates: Omri Casspi did not play because of his sprained right knee. Semih Erden (broken right thumb), Daniel Gibson (tooth extraction) and Manny Harris (right foot ulcer) are not with the team.

Davis update: When former Cavs point guard Baron Davis cleared amnesty waivers Friday night, he became an unrestricted free agent. The Cavs will owe him about $24 million, not the $28 million that has been widely reported. Although his salary has been reported as $14 million in each of the next two seasons, because of the lockout, he lost about one-fifth of his salary from this season (16 games) and not all of his salary was guaranteed for next season.

Cavs chat: Cavs owner Dan Gilbert held a conference call Friday with assorted season-ticket holders, stakeholders and fans, some of whom declined to renew their season tickets.

He covered a variety of topics, including the difficulty of being unable to communicate with fans and/or the media during the recent lockout, as per Commissioner David Stern's directive. He also discussed the recently leaked email he send to Stern and a couple of owners blasting the proposed Chris Paul trade to the Lakers, but he declined to name the other owners and who might have leaked the information.

Basically, he said the league is moving forward. He's thrilled with where the Cavs are, especially regarding rookies Kyrie Irving and Thompson.

Of Thompson, he said: "He's got the heart of a lion. He's immensely athletic. He is a great person and he wants it as much anybody I've ever seen. I think Cleveland is going to fall in love with both these guys."

Gilbert, who watched part of Friday's game from the second row of the baseline seats near the Cavs bench, did not back down from predictions of the Cavs winning a championship one day as he predicted in the wake of LeBron James' departure in the summer of 2010.

"It'll be one big . . . party," he said. "But we've got a lot of work to do before we get there."

Proud parents: Rookie Kyle Goldcamp's parents showed their support with a big yellow sign that read "#50 Goldcamp we r proud." Joe and Mary Jo Goldcamp made the 51/2-hour drive from Pittsburgh to support their son even though they didn't expect him to play --and he didn't.

"That would be icing on the cake," said Mary Jo Goldcamp, a Kent State graduate.

Kyle Goldcamp, a 6-10 free agent forward, played at Gannon University and has been playing with the Erie Bayhawks of the NBADL, averaging 6.4 points and 6.8 rebounds in five games.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: mschmitt@plaind.com, 216-999-4668

On Twitter: @pdcavsinsider

See a photo gallery from the triangular here. EASTLAKE, Ohio — Mentor's football team this fall publicly embraced the legacy of their fallen teammate, Brandon Shima, who died last year. The Cardinals adopted the slogan "State for 38," and amazingly had several games they either scored, won or lost by 38 points, which was Shima's jersey number.

Lake Catholic’s Warren Hudson, left, and Riverside’s Nick Boggs lock horns in a 126-pound match. - (Gus Chan, PD)

See a photo gallery from the triangular here.

EASTLAKE, Ohio — Mentor's football team this fall publicly embraced the legacy of their fallen teammate, Brandon Shima, who died last year. The Cardinals adopted the slogan "State for 38," and amazingly had several games they either scored, won or lost by 38 points, which was Shima's jersey number.

Sean Fee, meanwhile, has a quieter approach. The softspoken Lake Catholic senior wrestler was close to Shima, and he simply writes Shima's initials in black marker on a white sock before every meet. It's a small gesture, and behind it are big emotions.

Fee placed fifth at the state meet as a sophomore in March 2010. When Shima died of natural causes that November, it hit Fee hard, and he struggled on and off the mat. He didn't make it back to the state tournament, losing in the Firestone district.

"My head wasn't really right for a lot of the year," Fee said between matches Friday night at Eastlake North during a triangular with Riverside. "Brandon and I went to junior high together, and we were very, very good friends.

"It was really hard, it still is, on me. I was heartbroken. Wrestling was not the most important thing to me. When I was in the wrestling room, I was mad and not understanding why things were happening."

Fee credited Lake Catholic campus minister Michele Bernot with helping him grieve.

"She has been everything to me. This year, my head is clear and I'm really excited. I'm mentally a lot stronger than I was last year," Fee said.

Fee (6-2) looked sharp, especially on his feet, in a pair of victories Friday. Wrestling at 132 pounds, he won a 14-4 major decision and pinned in 3:15.

Fee will drop to 126 pounds next week. He was at 103 as a sophomore and 112 last year. He has grown and added significant power to go with his already excellent speed.

"My goal is to be a state champion," he said.

Fee is a senior co-captain on a team that starts 10 freshmen and sophomores. The Cougars have a solid foundation with Fee, returning state qualifier Brad Taton at 106, Walsh Jesuit transfer Anthony Tutolo (120) and Jimmy Szep (195), who was second at the recent Solon Comet Classic. Taton won by pin and a major decision Friday. Tutolo had a pin and a technical fall. Szep and promising freshman Nick Wrobel were injured and didn't wrestle.

"We graduated a lot of kids last year, and we have a good nucleus," said Cougars second-year coach Jim Ayers. "That's kind of exciting to have a good group of young guys to kind of mold them."

Lake Catholic had three forfeits in a 33-27 loss to Riverside. The Beavers (2-1) also beat North, 40-21. Riverside's Nick Boggs (126) and Jake Denman (145) were double winners.

Lake Catholic defeated North, 58-19. The Cougars wrestle at Mentor next Thursday.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: twarsinskey@plaind.com, 216-999-4661

On Twitter: @TimsTakePD

Cavaliers were one of the league's worst teams defensively last season, allowing 104.5 points per game

View full sizeAnderson Varejao had a solid game in his return from ankle surgery. He had 10 points, four rebounds and was aggressive defensively

Adams says he might run for mayor of his hometown after his football career.

View full sizePD fileBrowns safety Mike Adams.

Q: Where does your nickname "Pops" come from?

A: All my brothers and sisters have nicknames, but it's coming from Popeye the cartoon character. I loved spinach, that's why. It's still one of my favorite things.

Q: A story about you a few years ago said you were thinking about running for mayor of your hometown, Paterson, N.J., someday. Do you still think about doing that?

A: I think about it a lot. I do think about it. I'd definitely clean the streets up. There's a lot of negativity, a lot of ... I don't want to bad-mouth my town, but there's a lot of negative things going on that shouldn't be going on that's unacceptable. From top to bottom. I would like to fix a lot of that stuff. I don't have experience in [politics], but I'm a politician, anyway.

Q: You've had a real knack for interceptions this year with three of them. What's the secret to it?

A: Just reading the quarterback, studying film. That's the truth. Honestly, that's the truth. And more playing time. I'm playing more, and I get to see more. When I'm studying, I know what to look for. There's no secret. Actually, I'm doing more studying than I ever have. With more playing time, the more things I've got to look at.

Q: When you were in college at Delaware, your mom passed away after a battle with stomach cancer. How did that change your life to become the family patriarch suddenly?

A: That was tough. That was tough. It was kind of sudden. I still have problems talking about it, as you can tell. It was tough going into that situation and not being drafted, then my mother never seeing me in an NFL game. All that had a part in it. It was a lot of chaos, and she brought the family together. I became the breadwinner, obviously, playing in the league. But for the most part, my grandmother has done a good job with us. We were older and in college, but it was still difficult.

Q: You mentioned going undrafted. How has that fueled your NFL career?

A: It drives me. I always want to go against the best. Just to make a point, just to prove. I remember when I was an undrafted free agent with San Francisco, Rashaun Woods was our first-round pick, the wide receiver. I went against him every day. Every day just to prove I could play in the league. I think I did pretty well because I stuck. And this is my cockiness coming out, but I just felt like I was one of the best and I could be one of the best. I just wanted to make the point and prove it doesn't matter what school you're from. You've just got to want it. I've still got that want-to.

-- Jodie Valade

The Ohio State women's basketball team is on the road at California, while the Akron men host Florida A&M.

View full sizeAPOhio State women's basketball player Samantha Prahalis.

Men

Akron vs. Florida A&M

Tipoff: 4 p.m. at Rhodes Arena.

Radio: WARF AM/1350.

Notable: The Zips (4-5) snapped a three-game losing streak vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Thursday. Florida A&M (2-8) has yet to notch a Division I win on the season, so the Zips, who have scored more than 80 points in their past two victories, should continue to fine-tune for the bulk of the season. Suspended Nick Harney is a game-time decision, but his loss has been eased by the offensive emergence of 7-0 Zeke Marshall, who has scored double figures in four of the past five games.

Next for Akron: Monday vs. Youngstown State, 7 p.m.

-- Elton Alexander

John Carroll vs. Otterbein

Tipoff: 2 p.m. at DeCarlo Varsity Center, University Heights.

Radio: WJCU FM/88.7.

Notable: JCU (5-2, 2-1 Ohio Athletic Conference) will look to continue its mastery of Otterbein (3-4, 2-1) in University Heights. The Blue Streaks have won nine in a row at home over the Cardinals, dating to 2002. JCU coach Mike Moran's squad is led by senior Corey Shontz, who is third in the league in scoring (17.0 ppg) and first in assists (5.14 apg). As a team, the Blue Streaks are 17th in the nation in scoring, dropping in 85.7 ppg. Otterbein, led by coach Dick Reynolds in his 40th season at the helm, features the league's lone player averaging a double double. Senior Chris Davis is putting up 17.6 points and 11.1 rebounds per game.

Next for JCU: Dec. 29, vs. Regis (Mass.) at Case Western Reserve Bill Sudeck Holiday Tournament, 6 p.m.

-- Compiled using info from JCU sports information

Women

No. 12 Ohio State at California

Tipoff: 5 p.m. at Haas Pavilion, Berkeley, Calif.

Notable: Ohio State (9-0) is led by guards Tayler Hill (21.2 points, 2.5 steals per game) and Samantha Prahalis (18.5 points, 7.0 assists, 2.0 steals). Buckeyes coach Jim Foster has 749 career wins. This is the second road game of the season for OSU, the Buckeyes winning at Oklahoma on Dec. 4. The Bears (8-2) have lost two games by a total of four points (73-70 to Rutgers, 61-60 to Texas) and have won five straight. Reshanda Gray (11.4 points) and Layshia Clarendon (11.1) are Cal's top scorers.

Next for OSU: Monday vs. Charlotte, 2 p.m.

-- From staff reports

Baldwin-Wallace vs. Muskingum

Tipoff: 3 p.m. at Lou Higgins Center, Berea.

Radio: WBWC FM/88.3.

Notable: B-W (5-3, 1-2 Ohio Athletic Conference) has beaten Muskingum (3-3, 1-2) four straight times and in 18 of their past 19 meetings. The Yellow Jackets have won three of their past five games and are 3-0 at home. B-W is led in scoring by sophomore G Jessica Lairson's 12.9 ppg. Senior F Catherine Spisak averages an OAC-leading 11.5 rpg and has 46 boards in her last three outings. Muskingum also has won three of its last five contests. The Fighting Muskies are led in scoring by senior forward Hannah Nelson at 13.8 ppg.

Next for B-W: Tuesday at Otterbein, 7:30 p.m.

-- Compiled using info from B-W sports information

Driskill makes it the fifth consecutive year a Mount Union player has made the first team.

View full sizeDon Petersen, Associated PressMount Union head coach Larry Kehres talks to his team during the second half Friday in Salem, Va.

SALEM, Va. — Mount Union defensive back Nick Driskill was named to the first team of the Associated Press Little All-America Team, keeping a streak alive for the Purple Raiders.

It's the fifth consecutive year a Mount Union player has made the first team.

Wide receiver Cecil Shorts III, a Collinwood grad now playing for the NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars, was a first-team selection in 2009 and 2010. Running back Nate Kmic was on the 2008 first team. Defensive back Matt Kostelnik was first team in 2007. There was no first-teamer in 2006, but the Purple Raiders had a first-team pick in 2005 (cornerback Ross Watson).

Entering Friday night's game, Driskill (Wabash, Ind.) had 105 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 6 1/2 sacks, four interceptions, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries and nine passes defensed.

Under review: Because Division III football games are not televised nationally during the regular season and early rounds of the playoffs, plays are not reviewed. However, with Friday's game being televised on ESPN2, video replays were available, and the first call down to the field came with 7:30 to play in the first half. An official on the field ruled a pass from Mount Union quarterback Matt Piloto to wideout Jasper Collins complete. After review, the on-field call was reversed.

Slow start: For the first time in the seven meetings between Mount Union and Whitewater, there was no score after the first quarter. Only once before was there no touchdown scored in the first quarter. In 2006, Whitewater led, 3-0, after one quarter in a game Mount Union went on to win, 35-16.

Whitewater scored the first points of Friday's game with 11:19 to play in the first half on a 45-yard field goal by Eric Kindler. It was the sixth time in the seven games that the Warhawks scored the first points of the game.

A bit chippy: Neither team was flagged for any kind of illegal procedure or holding in the first half, however, yards were marked off. Four personal fouls were called in the first half -- two on each team.

Attendance: Rain throughout the day and an atypical Friday kickoff may have kept a number of football fans from coming to the game. The announced attendance was 3,784. Last year, 4,598 came to see Mount Union and Whitewater play.

Steve Hemphill is the sports editor of The Roanoke (Va.) Times.

UPDATED:Step by step, inch by inch, GM Chris Antonetti is trying to improve the Indians. On Friday, Felix Pie and Jose Lopez were signed to minor-league deals and Aaron Cunningham was acquired in a trade.

The Indians see Felix Pie as a safety net for an injury prone outfield, starting with Grady Sizemore in center.

Antonetti on Friday signed infielder Jose Lopez and outfielder Felix Pie to minor-league deals with spring-training invitations. Then he traded Class AA closer Cory Burns to San Diego for outfielder Aaron Cunningham.

The cupboard is bare in the Indians' outfield, which explains the additions of Cunningham and Pie. Cunningham, who is out of options, was added to the 40-man roster when right-hander Josh Judy was designated for assignment. If Cunningham doesn't make the club out of spring training, he could be lost on waivers.

Pie, signed for $700,000 with a chance to make another $300,000 in performance bonuses, is a left-handed hitter. The Indians don't need another lefty bat, but they do need an outfielder who can run, play defense and stay healthy, given the injury histories of starters Grady Sizemore, Michael Brantley and Shin-Soo Choo.

The Indians feel once highly regarded Pie, 26, is probably best suited for left field, but can play all three positions. He appeared in 67 of his 85 games last season with Baltimore in left field and hit .220 (36-for-164) with eight doubles and seven RBI.

"He still has the tools that put him on all those prospect lists," said Antonetti. "The performance has yet to follow, but he'll play at 27 and that's usually the age when things come together for a ballplayer."

Cunningham and Lopez are right-handed hitters. Antonetti needs right-handed bats to balance manager Manny Acta's lineup. Cunningham, 25, can play right and left field and a little center.

He hit .178 (16-for-90) last season with the Padres and .329 (112-for-340) with 34 doubles, four triples, nine homers and 63 RBI at Class AAA Tucson (Ariz.). He started his big-league career with Oakland in 2008 and is a .256 (33-for-129) career hitter against lefties.

Lopez, 28, can make $900,000 if he makes the Indians. He played for Colorado and Florida last year. Lopez spent most of last season at third base but can play second and first.

He hit a combined .216 (50-for-231) with 12 doubles, eight homers and 21 RBI. He spent parts of seven seasons with Seattle and, in 2009, hit .272 with 42 doubles, 25 homers and 96 RBI. He has hit 18 homers since.

"He had a couple of good years with Seattle and has rededicated himself," Antonetti said. "He's playing winter ball in Venezuela and doing well."

Burns was the Indians' eighth-round pick in 2009 out of the University of Arizona. He was 2-5 with a 2.11 ERA and 35 saves in 37 chances last season at Akron. He struck out 70 and walked 15 in 59 innings.

"Cory has a chance to pitch in the big leagues," Antonetti said. "San Diego had a lot of outfielders and was thin in the bullpen. We had good depth in the bullpen, but not a lot of outfielders. It was a good match."

Pie and Lopez have nearly identical winter-ball numbers. Pie, who played winter ball for Acta, is hitting .290 (36-for-124) with five doubles, three triples, two homers and 14 RBI for Estrellas in the Dominican Republic. Lopez is hitting .290 (36-for-124) with 11 doubles, three homers and 14 RBI for Lara.

"We will continue to look to improve whether it's now or in March," Antonetti said.

Swing and a drive: The Indians will use a two-man team in the radio booth in 2012 following the retirement of Mike Hegan at the end of last season.

Tom Hamilton signed a multiyear contract extension as he prepares for his 23rd season calling Indians games. Jim Rosenhaus, starting his sixth year as part of the Tribe's radio team, will be Hamilton's partner.

Hamilton has been calling Indians games since 1990. He became the team's lead announcer following the retirement of Herb Score after the 1998 season. He has called 68 Indians' postseason games, including the 1995 and 1997 World Series.

Rosenhaus has spent the past five years being the producer/engineer for the Indians' radio network. The past two years he did some play-by-play work as Hegan cut back his travel schedule.

For 11 years, Rosenhaus broadcast games for Class AAA Buffalo (N.Y.), the Indians' top farm team at the time. He also worked for the Class A Kinston (N.C.) Indians, the Wilmington (Del.) Blue Rocks and the Toronto Blue Jays' radio network.

Spring broadcasts: The Indians' spring training broadcast schedule was announced Friday. SportsTime Ohio will televise six games (March 10, 12, 13, 15, 19, 21) and the Indians' radio network will carry 20 games, including 13 live and seven delayed broadcasts.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: phoynes@plaind.com, 216-999-5158

UPDATED: After leading the Buckeyes this season, he seems to be a candidate for the Panthers.

Marvin Fong, The Plain DealerLuke Fickell

Fickell was in Hershey, Pa., about three hours east of Pittsburgh, on Friday night, watching Noah Spence, a recruit planning to visit Ohio State this weekend, play in a state championship game. OSU coach Urban Meyer and fellow assistant Mike Vrabel were on hand as well.

Fickell was the Buckeyes' head coach during their 6-6 season this year and is continuing to lead the team through its Gator Bowl preparations, he is scheduled to coach the Buckeyes in their game against Florida on Jan. 2. Meyer is recruiting, and after the bowl, he will take over the entire program, with Fickell staying on as a significant defensive assistant.

That is, unless Fickell heads to somewhere such as Pittsburgh. The Panthers lost their head coach when Todd Graham, after one season, left Pitt for Arizona State this week.

While serving as an assistant, Fickell will retain the $775,000 salary that he was boosted to as the head coach this season. He has strong ties in Columbus, where he grew up, for his family and for his wife's side of the family. His life is here. He played in Columbus for five years and then returned to coach for the Buckeyes, starting in 2002. His life has been far less transient than most people in the coaching profession.

So he won't leave for just any job. For instance, Fickell did not have much interest in the Akron job this year. But, at 38, he does want to be a head coach. If he wants to be the head coach at Ohio State again someday, he very well might have to leave Columbus for a head job elsewhere to make that happen.

But he won't go until what he's gaining is worth what he's giving up. A job such as Pitt, now in the Big East but moving to the Atlantic Coast Conference, certainly seems to be that kind of job. Fickell in past years, for instance, did have interest when a school such as Cincinnati had an opening.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: dlesmerises@plaind.com, 216-999-4479

The New Mexico Bowl, Potato Bowl and New Orleans Bowl are today.

View full size

New Mexico Bowl

Temple vs. Wyoming

Kickoff: 2 p.m. at University Stadium, Albuquerque, N.M.

TV: ESPN.

Early line: Owls by 7.

Notable: A Temple victory would give the Owls (8-4) nine wins for just the fourth time in the school's history but second in the past three seasons. Temple also is looking for its second bowl win. Wyoming (8-4) is looking to go above .500 in bowls. The Cowboys are 6-6. . . . Wyoming quarterback Brett Smith, Mountain West Freshman of the Year, goes against the Temple defense that was ranked third nationally in scoring defense (13.8 points per game). . . . Temple junior RB Bernard Pierce rushed for 1,381 yards and a school-record 25 touchdowns this season, which was second in the country. Paired with Matt Brown, the Owls' ground attack averaged 256.7 yards per game, seventh in the country.

Potato Bowl

Ohio vs. Utah State

Kickoff: 5:30 p.m. at Bronco Stadium, Boise, Idaho.

TV: ESPN.

Early line: Aggies by 1 1/2.

Notable: Ohio (9-4) has another chance to win a bowl game for the first time in school history. The Bobcats have gotten to the postseason three straight years, but have a six-game bowl losing streak. For Utah State (7-5), a victory would cap a remarkable turnaround in a season that started 2-5, and be its first postseason win since 1993. . . . The Aggies and TB Robert Turbin have set a handful of school rushing records this season. Turbin, the Western Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year, has 1,416 yards on 229 carries, leading a ground attack that has rolled up a school-record 3,330 yards and 35 touchdowns. . . . Ohio sophomore QB Tyler Tettleton became the first quarterback in school history to throw for more than 3,000 yards in a season. He has also tossed 26 touchdown passes this year, and is a serious threat to run with the ball if flushed out of the pocket.

New Orleans

San Diego State vs. Louisiana-Lafayette

Kickoff: 9 p.m. at Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans.

TV: ESPN.

Early line: Aztecs by 5.

Notable: San Diego State (8-4) is looking for a second postseason triumph in as many seasons after defeating Navy in the Poinsettia Bowl in San Diego in 2010. The Ragin' Cajuns (8-4) seek their first bowl victory as a Division I FBS program. . . . Key matchup is the Aztecs' pressure defense, which racked up 28 sacks this season, against dual-threat Ragin' Cajuns quarterback Blaine Gautier, who passed for 2,488 yards and 20 TDs, and rushed for 464 yards and three TDs. . . . San Diego State sophomore RB Ronnie Hillman ranks third in the nation in rushing with 138 yards per game and 11th in all-purpose yardage with 156.4 yards per game. Louisiana-Lafayette TE Ladarius Green has 21 career receiving TDs, which leads all active tight ends nationally.

-- Associated Press

The Falcons improve to 4-6 with the win.

Lauren Macer (Twinsburg) added 16 points and Danielle Ledrick 14 for the Falcons (4-6), who snapped a two-game losing streak during the first day of the Step-It-Up Classic. NDC faces Southwestern Christian (Okla.) today.

Macer distributed six assists and made four 3-pointers as Notre Dame College went 11-of-24 from beyond the arc.

The Seahawks (2-7) lost their fifth in a row.

No. 7 Miami 103, Louisiana-Monroe 39 Shenise Johnson, Riquna Williams and Krystal Saunders each scored 16 points to lead the host Hurricanes (9-1).

Morgan Stroman added 14 points, and Michelle Woods had 13 for Miami in its 30th straight home win.

Johnson scored eight points, including two 3-pointers, during an opening 22-0 run by the Hurricanes.

Larrie Williams scored 11 points for the Warhawks (1-10).

Men

Central Michigan 70, Illinois-Chicago 67 Andre Coimbra scored 22 points, including the go-ahead basket with 27 seconds left, to give the host Chippewas a victory over the Flames.

Derek Jackson scored 14 points, Austin McBroom 12 and Trey Zeigler 10 for Central Michigan (5-5), which ended a three-game losing streak in its first home game in 31 days.

Daniel Barnes had 20 points for Illinois-Chicago (3-7), which has lost five of six. Hayden Humes added 16 points, and Darrin Williams had 13 points and nine rebounds for the Flames.

Central Michigan shot 54 percent (28-of-52) from the field.

Paris Carter's free throw gave Illinois-Chicago a 67-66 lead with 53 seconds left.

But Coimbra hit a layup 26 seconds later for a 68-67 Chippewas edge, and he stole the ball with 4 seconds to go to preserve the victory. McBroom's two free throws provided the final margin.

The Buckeyes are still trying to sort out how their freshmen will fit into the lineup.

View full sizeFred Squillante, Columbus DispatchOhio State freshman forward Sam Thompson (12) had eight points in 21 minutes Wednesday against South Carolina-Upstate at Columbus.

This season, it counted as a breakthrough.

"Sam is starting to pick things up, and Sam is one of those kids that just wants to win," OSU coach Thad Matta said after that 82-58 victory over South Carolina-Upstate. "He understands the game and can look at things and say this is what you need to do."

Not exactly All-American type of praise. But it is definite progress as the No. 2 team in the country sorts out how its No. 8-ranked freshman class will fit in this season, with today bringing a road game at South Carolina.

In the previous five seasons, 12 OSU freshmen averaged at least 14 minutes per game -- players from Jared Sullinger to Mike Conley Jr. to Kosta Koufos helping to lead the Buckeyes in their first seasons on campus. This season, two OSU freshmen -- Thompson and Shannon Scott -- are averaging barely 10 minutes per game, and none has locked in on roles 10 games into the season.

Matta's oft-discussed philosophy regarding his bench is working itself out on a team with one senior, one junior and five sophomores in the regular rotation, and five freshmen trying to prove they belong in there as well. Matta clarified one point Wednesday night -- regardless of the circumstance, regardless of your age, regardless of the score of the game, you aren't getting on the court until you earn it in practice.

"We're evaluating their capability to function through duress in practice," Matta said. "I'm not into psychological warfare with guys, but we want competition."

"You've got to be a great player in practice to be able to play for coach Matta," said Sullinger, who played nearly 32 minutes per game as a freshman last season, the most of any freshman under Matta. "Sam obviously is stepping up his game more and more."

Thompson, for the moment, looks like the freshman ready to take on the biggest role, with the long arms, smarts and defensive ability to take some minutes at the two-guard spot from sophomores Lenzelle Smith Jr. and Jordan Sibert.

"When my name is called, I just want to get in there and do what they ask me to do," Thompson said.

Scott was a preseason candidate to not only give starting point guard Aaron Craft a breather but also to play with Craft at times. That hasn't happened, as the Buckeyes wait for Scott to relax.

"I've said this to him numerous times, to really let himself go and get into the flow of the game," Matta said.

Big man Amir Williams played 15 minutes while Sullinger sat out against Kansas last Saturday, looking solid and lost on alternating possessions. But with Sullinger back, he played just three minutes Wednesday.

"I thought he competed and thought he had a competitive nature about him. He was going to the glass, he was attempting to rebound, he was challenging shots," Matta said of the Kansas performance.

But Williams is still far from polished. Fellow big man Trey McDonald has played even less and remains a work in progress, aiming to contribute later in his career. And then there's shooter LaQuinton Ross, who got a late start, joining the team just this week after starting school late because of academic problems. He may have been the freshman most likely to help the team if he had been around the whole time, but, for now, he is showing how hard it can be to catch up.

"It was really hard to even tell he was out there," Matta said of Ross' early practices, talking about his unfamiliarity with the program. "He tried hard, and he does have a high basketball IQ. He's asking a lot of questions. But knowing we have something going on here, he has to find his niche and find his way on the court."

That applies to all the freshmen. This team has a chance to win a lot of games, and they may not need any freshmen contributing to do that. Any spot needs to be earned, and, for the freshmen, that means going all-out without knowing all the ins-and-outs.

"As long as I played hard, I tried to cover up the things I didn't know," sophomore Craft said of his freshman season, when he played 29.6 minutes per game.

That's what Thompson is trying to do now.

"The No.1 thing you have to do is play hard and talk," Thompson said. "That covers up a lot of issues."

If he keeps it up, he may make the kind of freshman impression to which Ohio State has grown accustomed.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: dlesmerises@plaind.com, 216-999-4479

Mount Union tries to rally late after being held to just 80 yards of offense through the first three quarters but loses, 13-10, as the Warhawks win their third consecutive title.

View full sizeDon Petersen, Associated PressWisconsin-Whitewater defenders tackle Mount Union quarterback Matt Pilotto, center, forcing a fumble on the goal line during the second half Friday in Salem, Va.

But the Purple Raiders had never lost the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl three years in a row. And all three of those came against Wisconsin-Whitewater, which established a mini-dynasty of its own by beating Mount Union, 13-10, on Friday night in front of 3,784 chilled fans at Salem Stadium.

How does that feel for a team that has lost just three times in three years? Well, it's something the team would rather not talk about.

"We're not going to answer that," Mount Union coach Larry Kehres said. "You can just put a blank line at the end of that sentence and add your own answer there."

A one-word description for Friday's game would be defense. For the first time in what is now seven consecutive Stagg Bowls for the Purple Raiders (14-1) and Warhawks (15-0), the winning team didn't score at least 31 points.

Mount Union's defense was very good. It held the Warhawks to 210 yards of offense and just one touchdown -- the result of a drive that started on the Raiders' 1-yard line after a costly lost fumble -- and two field goals.

But Whitewater's defense, with a significant assist from some strong special teams play, was just a little bit better. The Warhawks surrendered 238 yards to Mount Union, and all but 80 of those yards came in the fourth quarter and after Whitewater had built a 10-0 lead.

"It was another exciting four-quarter game between these two teams that went down to the very end," Whitewater coach Lance Leipold said. "It was tough for us to get anything going consistently on our offense, but I think we had an excellent defensive performance from our team tonight."

The Warhawks had possession of the football for more than 20 minutes in the first half and outgained Mount Union, 142-59. But that advantage led to just three points -- a 44-yard field goal by Whitewater kicker Eric Kindler with 11:19 to play in the second quarter.

Meanwhile, when Mount Union had the football, it was often deep in its own territory, forcing the Purple Raiders to play conservatively.

The Warhawks' defense did everything but put the ball in the end zone on their team's lone touchdown drive. With a little more than four minutes to play in the third quarter, Mount Union quarterback Matt Piloto fumbled as he was sacked inside the Purple Raiders' 10, and the Warhawks recovered.

One play later, Whitewater's Little All-American Levell Coppage scored on a 1-yard run to put Whitewater ahead, 10-0.

"They have a great defensive line that can cause a lot of problems," said Piloto, who completed 21-of-38 passes for 177 yards and a TD with two interceptions. "They can pressure in a lot of different ways, which can force a quarterback to do things he normally doesn't do. That happened at times tonight."

But after falling behind by 10, Piloto and the Mount Union offense got better. However, Whitewater's defense also improved.

The Warhawks' most impressive defensive moment came early in the fourth quarter after Mount Union had reached the red zone for the first time in the game. With first-and-goal on the 6-yard line, the Purple Raiders managed to gain just 5 yards on the next three plays and settled for a 19-yard field goal by Tyler Almeida.

That defensive stop became an even bigger deal when the Warhawks managed to get a 30-yard field goal by Kindler with 5:34 to play to go up, 13-3. It was the only real contribution the Whitewater offense made in the second half, but it was enough.

The Raiders responded with an eight-play, 72-yard drive that ended with Piloto hitting Medina grad A.J. Claycomb for an 8-yard TD pass with 3:20 to play to make the score, 13-10. And then a three-and-out on Whitewater's next possession meant Mount Union would have one last chance to either tie the game or win it. A 50-yard punt by Kris Rosholt meant the Purple Raiders would start the drive on their own 16 with 2:12 to play.

Mount Union managed one first down, but on fourth-and-10 from its own 31, a Piloto pass to Chris Denton gained just 3 yards, and Whitewater was on its way to a third straight championship, and the right to claim a little DIII dynasty of its own.

"We're a very fundamentally sound team," said Coppage, who finished with 105 yards of total offense. We're well coached and well put together. We're going to do whatever it takes to be the face of DIII. Mount Union has a great program, so it's very amazing that we've been able to do what we have for the past three years."

Steve Hemphill is the sports editor at The Roanoke (Va.) Times.

10 Browns wins in 10 days: Suffering Browns fans deserve a holiday treat so we present 10 Browns wins in 10 days. The third game in the series is a season-closing victory over the New York Jets on Dec. 17, 1972.

AP fileMike Phipps, shown here in a 1973 game as he receives pressure from the Pittsburgh Steelers' Ernie Holmes, was part of the victory in Shea Stadium against the Jets.

Nick Skorich's team did its part Sunday on a skating rink called Shea Stadium by turning back the New York Jets, 26-10, before 45,094 frozen fans.

PD file 1978 Plain Dealer sportswriter Chuck Heaton covered the Browns for decades.

Pittsburgh also answered the challenge, however, by defeating the Chargers in San Diego. So the Steelers are the Central Division champions, having dethroned Cleveland with that 11-3 record, and will host the Oakland Raiders on Saturday.

The Browns wound up with 10 victories and four setbacks. It is an almost incredible mark for a team that lost all its exhibitions and three of the first five regular-season games.

This was one victory better than the 9-5 showing that brought a division crown in 1971. This time, however, it's only good for the "wild card" spot - the club with the best record in the conference other than the division champs.

Miami wound up a perfect season Saturday by beating Baltimore for a 14th straight victory. That's an NFL record. The Dolphins are one of the best-balanced and most solid teams in the game.

The Browns, certainly the big surprise of pro football, face the most formidable challenge of the season. They have responded successfully to such pressure situations, however, this season against Pittsburgh and Cincinnati.

Plans call for workouts in Cleveland on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. There will be a late afternoon departure for Florida Thursday and two workouts in the Orange Bowl.

Weather conditions at Shea Stadium, which actually was sold out but had about a third of the customers not showing up because of the cold, meant the absence of Joe Namath from the New York Lineup. The gimpy-kneed quarterback had a problem with an ankle injury this week. Coach Weeb Ewbank didn't want to risk his passer on the frozen surface. Also, the swirling winds pretty much negated the passing game.

Young Mike Phipps did well considering this. The thermometer stayed at about 24 degrees, but the wind chill factor had playing conditions at 15 degrees below zero. Despite this, the passer from Purdue hit on two touchdown passes.

Big one of the game - the combination that pretty much sewed up the victory - came in the third quarter with things tied at 10-all. Bobby Howfield, who knotted the count with a 19-yard field goal for the Jets, missed from 18 yards out.

It was the first play from scrimmage after the miss when Phipps ignited the bomb. He picked on Steve Tannen, wounded warrior of the New York secondary.

Pitts, the big-play receiver, took the ball at about the Jets' 34. He tightroped the sideline for some 10 yards and then shifted into high gear for the 80-yard touchdown.

It was only a 17-10 lead, but the Jets were beaten. It was all Cleveland after that, with Pitts scoring later on a 7-yard toss from Phipps. This combination will be around to plague sports announcers for a long time.

The Browns' first touchdown was scored on a 27-yard dash by Bo Scott. The fullback hit the line and moved to the outside on a nice maneuver.

Plain Dealer fileDon Cockroft was the Browns placekicker from 1968 to 1980.

Cockroft booted a pair of field goals of 8 and 13 yards. The booting specialist had his string of extra points interrupted, however. After 88 in a row, one hit the cross bar and bounced the wrong way, but it was a bad day with the icy surface, the wind and the cold.

The Browns rolled up 342 yards to 206 for the Jets. Their average offensive play gained 6.3 yards to 3.9 for Weeb Ewbank's losers.

New York hurt its cause with five fumbles and lost the ball twice. Both of these were on bobbles by Emerson Boozer. They were recovered by Rick Kingrea, who entered the game as a substitute for Dale Lindsey at middle linebacker.

Boozer, bouncing back after earlier injuries, was a big contributor to the New York cause. He rambled for 106 yards on 22 carries.

Leroy Kelly and Scott ran well for the winners. Kelly was handed the ball 18 times and gained 78 yards for a 4.3 average.

Scott, particularly effective during the early going, rolled for 69 yards in 10 carries. Phipps also took the ball himself five times for 38 yards.\

Mike went the distance at quarterback. He put the football into the swirling winds 17 times and clicked on seven. He accounted for 156 yards, however, and the two touchdown passes. There were also two interceptions, however, by Tannen and linebacker Ralph Baker.

Robert Dorksen, PD fileCleveland Browns coach Nick Skorich, a native of Bellaire, Ohio, is flanked on the sidelines in 1971 by Jim Copeland, left, and Jim Houston, 82.

The Browns had an interception. Walker Johnson grabbed a tipped ball in the final quarter. Cleveland took advantage of this and scored a touchdown that put the game completely out of reach.

The Jets won the toss but chose to kick off. This strategy was nullified, however, when Ken Brown brought the boot back 47 yards.

So the Browns started from their own 48, and in five plays, all on the ground, moved into the end zone. Scott's touchdown dash of 27 yards saw the fullback go up the middle and then bounce to his left.

Cockroft kicked the extra point and Cleveland, led 7-0, with 2:55 gone in that first quarter.

The Browns forced a punt and were on the move again when Phipps took to the air. A pass bounced off the hands of Kelly into those of Baker.

So the Jets took possession on their own 40. Davis started out by keeping the ball and making 20 yards after he couldn't find a receiver open. Then Boozer went to work, and the Browns couldn't stop his rugged cunning.

He cut over his own left tackle for 3 yards and the score. Howfield kicked the point, and it was all tied up with time running out in the period.

The Jets were on the move again near the end of the period when Boozer ran head-on into Walter Johnson. There was a fumble, and Kingrea recovered on the Cleveland 44.

Cleveland couldn't get the first down then, but after an exchange of punts began to move again from their own 33. This drive carried to a first down on the 19. Tannen intercepted Phipps' third-down pass intended for Pitts at the 7 to end the thrust.

Kingrea recovered another Boozer fumble just after the two-minute warning before the half. The Browns took over on the Jets' 38, and a Phipps to Pitts serial carried to the 25.

Phipps kept the ball twice for gains and the second time seemed to be over for the touchdown. The ball was ruled dead on the 1-yard line, however, and his sneak was thrown back.

New York had a 12th man on the field, however. So the Browns got another chance and Cockroft booted an 8-yard field goal for a 10-7 Cleveland lead at the intermission.

It was all Browns in the second half, as the Jets were held to a field goal and shut out in the last quarter.

Now comes the great challenge. The Dolphins are very, very rugged, but the Browns have been a team geared to surprises.

Perhaps they can pull off another one.

X-rays show no fracture in Sullinger's foot, but it's unknown if he will play in the Buckeyes next game. Meanwhile, Deshaun Thomas scores a career high 30 points.

View full sizeMary Ann Chastain, APOhio State's Jared Sullinger (0) shoots against South Carolina's RJ Swawson (33) and Malik Cooke, right, during the first half of their NCAA college basketball game on Saturday. Sullinger left the game early with an injured left foot.

COLUMBIA, S.C. -- Deshaun Thomas scored a career high 30 points and No. 2 Ohio State overcame the loss of star Jared Sullinger to defeat South Carolina 74-66 on Saturday and give Thad Matta his 200th win as Buckeyes coach.

Sullinger left in the first half after getting kicked in the left foot. X-rays showed no fracture, although it wasn't known if Sullinger would play against Lamar on Tuesday night in Ohio State's next game.

Even if he can't, Thomas showed he's more than ready to lead Ohio State (10-1). The 6-foot-7 sophomore hit 13 of 16 shots and surpassed his previous high of 24 points set last season against North Carolina A&T. William Buford added 17 points for Ohio State.

Malik Cooke led South Carolina (4-6) with 21 points.

Matta, in his ninth season with Ohio State, became just the third coach in school history to reach 200 wins, joining Fred Taylor (279 wins 1959-76) and Harold G. Olsen (254 from 1923-46).

Ohio State trailed 35-29 as Lakeem Jackson started the second half with all-too easy inside bucket. Then the Buckeyes began a 20-8 charge to take control.

Thomas got the run started with a jumper. Lenselle Smith Jr. had a basket and a 3-pointer to put Ohio State in front for good, 41-37. Thomas added a 3-pointer and finished the surge with a short jump shot for a 49-43 lead.

The Buckeyes eventually built the lead to 11 points.

South Carolina cut things to 70-63 in the in the final minute. But Buford answered with a 3-pointer with 48.2 seconds to go to restore Ohio State's edge.

Ohio State figured to roll over a troubled Gamecocks club that had already lost to Elon and Tennessee State. Things started to change for the Buckeyes when Sullinger came up limping after getting kicked in the left foot on an early possession.

Trainers spent several minutes working on Sullinger's foot on the bench before he put his sneaker back on, talked with Matta and returned to action. But Sullinger was limping badly moments later after defending Carlton Geathers' drive with 10 minutes to go.

Ohio State was up 18-11 after William Buford hit a 3-pointer and made a breakaway basket off a South Carolina miss.

The Gamecocks, though, closed the half with a 22-11 run to lead 33-29 at the break. Malik Cooke had 10 points in the half, including a pair of baskets in the final two minutes as the Gamecocks moved in front.

South Carolina was also helped by a technical foul on Ohio State's Amir Williams, who taunted R.J. Slawson after a bucket.

The Buckeyes had hoped to build on the momentum with Sullinger back for his second straight game. He had missed two games with back spasms, including Ohio State's only loss of the season, 78-67, at Kansas last Saturday.

Earlier this week, Sullinger looked like his smooth, confident self with 12 points and 10 rebounds in 25 minutes of action in an 82-58 win at USC Upstate on Wednesday.

Results of the X-rays showed no fracture in the foot. Still, team spokesman Dan Wallenberg said it was too soon to know when Sullinger might play again. Ohio State faces Lamar on Tuesday and Miami of Ohio on Thursday before opening Big Ten Conference play against Northwestern on Dec. 28.

--  Pete Iacobelli

Got a Browns question? Send it in. Submit your question at cleveland.com/heytony, and Plain Dealer Browns beat writer Tony Grossi will choose at least one to answer each Sunday here in the Sports section. All of Tony's answers are archived online.

View full sizeJoshua Gunter, The Plain DealerBaltimore Ravens outside linebacker Terrell Suggs prepares to sack Cleveland Browns quarterback Colt McCoy. Should the Browns stick with Colt McCoy at the quarterback position or begin to look at other options via the draft or a trade?

Got a Browns question? Send it in. Submit your question at cleveland.com/heytony, and Plain Dealer Browns beat writer Tony Grossi will choose at least one to answer each Sunday here in the Sports section. All of Tony's answers are archived online.

Hey, Tony: I like Mccoy but after [the loss to] the Steelers I think it's official -- we need a stronger-armed QB. What do you think instead of drafting a guy we go get Matt Flynn from Green Bay? He has big arm, has already won games for the Packers, knows the West Coast offense and already plays outdoors in bad conditions in Green Bay. I would rather take a shot at him then go with a rookie. Then we can go get (Oklahoma State receiver Justin) Blackmon, (Alabama running back Trent) Richardson or a right tackle in the first round. Thoughts on those scenarios? Thanks -- Dustin Kitts, Marion, Ohio

Hey, Dustin: Flynn hasn't won a game for the Packers. He played well in a loss to New England last year. For all the other reasons you mention, Flynn is worth researching by the Browns. As a young free agent, he will command a big contract. Before that investment is made, the Browns have to determine if Flynn is the next Matt Schaub or the next Kevin Kolb.

Hey, Tony: I always liked Marty Schottenheimer when he was coaching the Browns. I felt that his downfall was his rigidity and inflexibility in adjusting to the game, players and situations. Are we seeing some of the same with Pat Shurmur? -- Brian Damon, McCook Lake, S.D.

Hey, Brian: I don't think there's any valid comparison there. If Shurmur has a brother and appointed him defensive coordinator, I'd say you had a point.

Hey, Tony: Do you think that D'Qwell Jackson will win this year's Comeback Player of the Year Award? -- Josh Eclebery, Hebron, Ohio

Hey, Josh: He deserves it, but notoriety is hard to come by for a player on a 4-9 team.

Hey, Tony: I like Colt McCoy, but he simply can't win in this division. Maybe he would have fared better if he was in the NFC West or AFC West, but his problem is that he simply does not elevate the play of the guys around him. Look at Big Ben -- worst O-line in the league and he gets the job done at a Pro Bowl level. If McCoy played with the Steelers' O-line he'd be slaughtered. If the Colts want to trade, we have the most ammo to move up. Two firsts this year and one next year should get it done. If Andrew Luck really is the guy then we got to get him. Any thoughts? -- Billy D, Mentor

Hey, Billy: Indianapolis will not trade the pick. So move on to Plan B.

Hey, Tony: I've seen a few of Pat Shurmur's press conferences and each time he's asked about McCoy's performance in the game, he usually comes back with "he battled." Is it me or does that not sound like a ringing endorsement of McCoy and an indicator that they are more than likely going to draft one in the first round next year? -- Josh Reed, White Oak, Pa.

Hey, Josh: By now you should have figured out that "battled" is a euphemism for "played hard." You want your quarterback to play hard and make plays.

Hey, Tony: Have you seen enough? As previously written would you give up both first-round draft picks and Colt McCoy to ensure the first pick in the 2012 draft? Would President Mike Holmgren and General Manager Tom Heckert make that trade? -- Joe Pudis, Palm Desert, Calif.

Hey, Joe: No GM not under sedation would give up the 2012 No. 1 pick for the Browns' two No. 1s and McCoy. Just wouldn't.

Hey, Tony: You have said many times this year that someone "has the right agent" to be considered for a position -- is this common with other organizations? -- Brian Schorr, Frisco, Texas

Hey, Brian: This seems to happen with the Browns more than any other NFL organization. Presently, the power broker in Cleveland is Las Vegas-based Bob LaMonte, one of Mike Holmgren's best friends. LaMonte also represents Tom Heckert and Pat Shurmur. In another era, Cleveland-based agent Neil Cornrich represented Phil Savage, Rob Chudzinski, Todd Grantham and Mel Tucker. In yet another era, Los Angeles-based Marvin Demoff pulled the strings while representing Butch Davis and having long relationships with Carmen Policy and Dwight Clark.

 Hey, Tony: I read this comment in an ESPN article: "A lot of coaches out there don't know how to win. They think it's more about their systems when it really is about what their players can do. They're more concerned with stats or showing people how smart they are." Does this help to explain why McCoy looked sharper and the offense looked competent during the first weeks of the preseason? Why is it that the more coaching the offense has received, the worse they have become? -- David King, Joelton, Tenn. 

Hey, David: I go back to my opinion that the Browns were fooled in preseason and gave McCoy too much responsibility at the beginning of the season instead of going with their strength at the time (Peyton Hillis) and easing into a pass-first offense. At some point, they tried to lean on the running game and discovered it no longer was there. Injuries hit, receivers dropped balls, the special teams collapsed . . . and here we are.

Hey, Tony: I went out with some friends, who are Steelers fans, to watch the game at a local pub that had NFL Network. McCoy threw some good passes and some terrible ones. When he got hurt and Seneca Wallace came in, Wallace threw a good pass to put the Browns at first and goal. Why do you think the Browns yanked Wallace? Why not leave him in at least long enough to see if they can score. Having Wallace play some might answer whether the problem really is the new system, the receivers we have or the play of the QB. The few times I have seen McCoy play I am unimpressed with his accuracy and arm strength. Do you think Wallace should have stayed in the game? -- Erol Altug, Stony Brook, N.Y.

Hey, Erol: Yes, Wallace should have stayed in the game. At best, McCoy was shell-shocked from the James Harrison hit. We later learned he suffered a concussion on the play. Even though McCoy did not show concussion symptoms, he should have been told: "Look, you've been hit hard. Take a breather. This is why we have a veteran backup." Now, I can understand the thinking the other way. If McCoy is reinserted and he pulls out the win, it could be a career-changing experience for him. The reward was great. But the risk was losing the game and, of course, suffering further injury to his head.

Hey, Tony: Coach Sam Rutigliano once said Brian Sipe had to drive a Cadillac to be successful. McCoy is driving an under-powered Fiat. The O-line has two NFL players on it. Upgrade the line, get Peyton Hillis straight and Colt will be fine. The kid has been a player his whole life. The O-line stinks, big time. -- Mike Teague, Euclid

Hey, Mike: Quarterbacks have to make plays regardless of who is playing with them. That's why they're paid more.

Hey, Tony: I'm not suggesting nor stoking a QB debate. What shortcomings does Seneca Wallace have that preclude him from being a starter? Is it possible that Colt could have learned from the sideline this year and the team evaluate him during practices? After all, Colt surely can't hide his lack of arm strength, etc., in practice. -- Walter Goodfield, Mentor

Hey, Walter: The Browns made a commitment to find out about McCoy this year. I think they found out. Wallace is a fine career backup who can win a game off the bench or win a few as the starter. His history is that when he is forced to play several games in a row, defenses catch up to him.

Hey, Tony: In watching the game against the Steelers, it seemed like McCoy had some open receivers but waited too long to throw his passes. Is this your perception? -- Glenn Toplyn, Pittsfield Township, Mich. 

Hey, Glenn: That's been true all year.

Hey, Tony: I noticed that many of the Steelers' running plays featured pulling guards, either to add punch up the middle or lead sweeps. I know the Browns have young players at guard. How well are they performing as far as standard run-blocking, pulling, etc.? Is this an area where the Browns are lacking in personnel or in the design of plays? Thanks. -- Stan Himes, West Des Moines, Iowa

Hey, Stan: This part of the Browns' running game was lost when Eric Steinbach was hurt in training camp. It appears the Browns have been trying to develop Jason Pinkston as a pulling guard. I don't see it happening with Shawn Lauvao.

View full sizeJohn Kuntz, The Plain DealerCleveland Browns receiver Greg Little hangs on to a catch in the endzone until he hit the ground and was ruled an incomplete pass in the third quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars in November.

Hey, Tony: What would you do with Greg Little this off-season to prepare him for 2012? Does Jordan Norwood have what it takes to potentially be a No. 1 receiver? -- Eric Lysle, San Jose, Calif.

Hey, Eric: With Little, I would hire a local quarterback and throw him 100 passes a day. Norwood at best is a useful, shifty slot receiver.

Hey, Tony: At what point does the NFL just say, "James Harrison, every helmet-to-helmet shot you take gets you an immediate ejection"? I thought the NFL was starting to take head injuries seriously. -- Terry Allen, Washington, D.C. 

Hey, Terry: Oftentimes, the NFL's bark is worse than its bite.

Hey, Tony: Why does the coach consistently put Montario Hardesty in? He runs for 2-3 yards and falls down, even without being touched. Chris Ogbonnaya is more eager to make a play than just collect a paycheck. -- David Brown, Elyria 

Hey, Tony: Hardesty is a hard-working guy trying to regain the form he had before a torn ACL in 2010. I think your characterization is off base. We'll see what he looks like in the 2012 training camp.

Hey, Tony: I have been able to find the Browns home opponents next year, on the Browns website, but have not been able find who they play on the road. Can you help me? I am already looking forward to 2012. -- Jim Pierotti, Kane, Pa.

Hey, Jim: The Browns' road opponents in 2012 are Oakland, San Diego, Dallas, N.Y. Giants and Indianapolis, along with their division foes.

Hey, Tony: Please explain how a franchise and especially an offense can be habitually terrible year after year after year even with top 10 draft picks every single freaking year? -- Matt Maurer, Troy, Ohio

Hey, Matt: This may be an oversimplification, but having an elite quarterback makes an organization look brilliant. Without one, an organization can bang its collective head against the wall for years.

Hey, Tony: What is your confidence level that Holmgren and Shurmur know what they're doing and are headed in the right direction? Despite Mr. Holmgren's pedigree as an offensive expert and developer of quarterbacks, the offensive talent assessment and acquisition doesn't look good. Pat Shurmur doesn't seem to be able to put together a game plan that scores. Are we headed for another total staff/system tear-down and rebuild? -- John Turner, Johns Island, S.C.

Hey, John: We are not headed for another total staff tear-down. I think Shurmur will be much better in his second season. 

Hey, Tony: After watching the past couple of games I think Sheldon Brown is becoming an older version of Eric Wright. Meaning not wanting to tackle/be physical against opposing players and playing 15 yards off of opposing receivers. What's your opinion? -- James Bycynski, Stow

Hey, James: I've never seen Brown shy from a tackle. To compare him to Eric Wright in that regard is totally off base.

Hey, Tony: How many millions is Mike Holmgren being paid per season? And do you know if the Browns are hiring? I'm fairly certain I can do just as well as he has and I'd be willing to take the position for about $60k per season. One more thing -- can you honestly think of a better job in America than "The Big Show's" seven-figures a year to produce a four-win team that seems to be allergic to the chalk that lines the end zone? -- Anthony , Youngstown

Hey, Anthony: Holmgren's deal with the Browns was reported by national outlets to be five years for $40 million.

Hey, Tony: It's easy to blame Shurmur for the ridiculous decision to put McCoy back in the game against Pittsburgh Thursday night, especially since we have so much experience at Heinz Field with players getting really bad concussions and all--and Harrison's hit on McCoy was the most brutal of them all. And I agree with you that you have Seneca Wallace on the roster for precisely those situations. But I'm starting to wonder if it is really somebody on the Browns' staff who really dropped the ball and let Shurmur down. What do you think? -- Spike, Tampa, Fla.

Hey, Spike: I really think this call falls on the head coach. A coach in that situation has to decide which gives his team the best chance to win -- reinserting a rattled, if not concussed McCoy, or keeping in the experienced Wallace who had completed a nice pass to Evan Moore at the 5-yard line? I think that choice was an easy one.

Hey, Tony: Do you believe "Pony"McCoy's father when he said Colt didn't remember anything after the Harrison hit? Even though the PD's post-game article quoted McCoy after the game describing what he saw and what his thought process was throughout the fourth-quarter interception (make Polamalu choose a side, give Mo Mass a jump ball, etc.). Sounds like dad is looking for excuses. -- Nico , Youngstown

Hey, Nico: An independent neurologist told me that symptoms from a concussion can be delayed. It appears that's what happened with McCoy. So it's entirely possible that when Brad McCoy spoke to his son, he was feeling the effects of the concussion. I don't believe he was making excuses for his son.

Hey, Tony: Is McCoy's father's accusation an indication that Colt already knows his days are numbered? No way they speak out if he's confident of his role/future. -- Steve Cornelius, Avon Lake

Hey, Steve: I think it was the case of a concerned father watching in horror on TV as his son lay on the ground after one of the most gruesome hits in football, and then being equally horrified as he was sent back on the field almost four minutes later. I don't blame him.

Hey, Tony: Considering the history James Harrison has with the Browns, I am surprised there has not been any retaliation. In the past, didn't teams address this type of situation by sending a message to players who crossed the line? And I don't mean mailing them a complaint letter. At a certain point, don't the other Browns need to stick up for their teammates? I seem to recall Doug Dieken and Jack Lambert having a few words after questionable hits. -- Fred Fields, Euclid

Hey, Fred: I think the best retaliation would be to send a convoy of blockers at Harrison on a screen pass and take him out with force that way. And then do it again.

Hey, Tony: Does Mike Mayock have a man crush on the Steelers? Sure sounded like it. I thought he would be more unbiased. The comment about James Farrior nailing Colt out of bounds (Farrior just grazed Colt and just sort of flopped). What a jerk. -- Vic Meyers, Allen, Texas

Hey, Tony: I love Mayock's work as a draft and game analyst, but I thought he had a poor game. His failure to raise questions about Harrison's hit on McCoy -- and McCoy's swifty re-entry into the game -- was lame.

Hey, Tony: I'm just curious -- do you know where Robert Griffin III is projected to be taken in the draft? -- Scott Yehl, Princeton, N.J.

Hey, Scott: Probably between the second and fifth overall pick.

Hey, Tony: With Greg Little proving your theory on rookie wide receivers, do you see the Browns pursuing a veteran WR or will they try once again to find help in the draft? It looks to me that Colt is still a year or two away from being a good QB, maybe another rookie WR and Little as well as Colt could all peak two years from now. Although, can anyone wait that long? -- Curtis MacDonald, San Antonio

Hey, Curtis: Little's case is somewhat unique because he didn't play at all in 2010 because of his NCAA suspension. The Browns hope that is the reason for his numerous drops as a rookie. I don't think the Browns are going to wait two years for McCoy to develop.

Hey, Tony: Saw Aaron Rodgers complete his first 26 passes against USC in the Coliseum. Cal nearly won game. Believe accuracy (more than arm strength and height) is the most important attribute for a quarterback. Do you agree? If so, do you agree that Kellen Moore will be a good starting NFL quarterback? -- William McCormick, La Canada, Calif. 

Hey, William: I've seen amazingly accurate college quarterbacks suddenly lose their accuracy in the NFL. The reason is the "windows" to the receivers are so much smaller and reaction time from cornerbacks is so much quicker. Thus, arm strength becomes more important to achieve accuracy in the NFL. I think the elite quarterbacks need all three qualities. Drew Brees is one exception who lacks height, but every elite QB in the NFL right now is accurate with a strong arm. Rodgers is amazing at both.

View full sizeGene J. Puskar, APPittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison, right, sits on the bench during the third quarter the game against the Cleveland Browns in Pittsburgh. The NFL denied Harrison's appeal of a one-game suspension for a helmet-to-helmet hit on Cleveland quarterback Colt McCoy.

Hey, Tony: Why was Harrison not immediately ejected from the game, and will he be able to walk out of Cleveland Browns Stadium on his own power after the game in Cleveland? When will the Browns players learn that bullies only learn from one thing, brute force? How many players will he knock out before any Brown retaliates? -- Richard Kluge Jr., Ravenna

Hey, Richard: I'm guessing that Harrison will intimidate the Browns again on Jan. 1.

Hey, Tony: If Colt McCoy doesn't work out for the Browns, why don't they try Thaddeus Lewis at QB? After all, he was with Pat Shurmur when he was with the Rams -- Bob Steward, Erie, Pa.

Hey, Bob: About six weeks ago I made the comment to friends and colleagues that I see this season ending with Seneca Wallace and Thad Lewis both having starts at quarterback. We're two-thirds of the way there.

Hey, Tony: The Browns obviously (and sadly) missed out on drafting the son of Browns great Clay Matthews, but what about Chase Minnifield, the son of another Browns great, Frank Minnifield? He's a top-rated cornerback out of Virginia and projected to go as high as the (late) first round. He seems to fill an obvious need while having the bonus of being a good PR move for the increasingly unpopular Mike Holmgren. Is Minnifield even on the Browns' radar? After having taken Joe Haden in 2010, would they draft another CB this high this quickly? -- Ernest Kovacs, Albany, N.Y.

Hey, Ernest: I'm sure the Browns will know all about Minnifield by the time of the draft. I'm not sure they can afford to use one of their No. 1 picks on a cornerback, however.

Hey, Tony: Like you I have a 7-year-old (a daughter). I coach her soccer team. My first year as coach I had a goal of making sure everyone stayed in position instead of playing magnet ball. (Process, like Mangini who I liked and had a plan.) My second year, my goal was having them not kick the ball just to kick the ball, but to control it, and then make a decision to pass or dribble the ball. Year three (Mangini's year) is coming for me but not Mangini. Do you see the process that everyone team has to go through? Mangini was and is a great coach (No I'm not a relative but I see no talent on the Browns team and he did a great job). -- Rick DelPrado, Middletown, Conn. 

Hey, Rick: I respect your opinion on Mangini. One of his downfalls was loading his roster with older players who were familiar with his "system." Many coaches with experience on other teams frequently do that when they start with a new team. This tends to make the team older. That's OK, as long as you win.

Hey, Tony: Nice touch with the Mangini pic, but it still doesn't explain your vendetta against him. Why don't you stop this charade like you had no problem with him and explain to your readers what happened at the February 2009 combine? -- Mike B., Dover, Ohio

Hey, Mike: I'm not responsible for the photos. At the February 2009 combine, Mangini hosted a breakfast meeting with Browns beat reporters who were in Indianapolis. There was an on-the-record session and an off-the-record session. In the off-the-record session, he explained his rules, philosophies, etc., that he would install as head coach and how they affected the media. He explained his theory on not disclosing injuries, or disclosing them only to the extent of following NFL guidelines. Other reporters gave their opinions and then I gave mine. I thought it was important to let him know where I stood, and I did. It was a good, productive meeting. When it was over, we shared stories about our young children and I asked him about his guest appearance on "The Sopranos".

-- Tony

NBA Commissioner David Stern vetoed a multiple-team trade that would have sent Chris Paul to Hollywood's Team, he then played kingmaker. The commissioner brokered a fine deal in its own right, bringing good players and a primo draft pick, belonging to the Timberwolves in 2012, to the owner-less New Orleans Hornets.

View full sizeMark J. Terrill, APNewly acquired Los Angeles Clippers basketball point guard Chris Paul smiles during an NBA basketball news conference to introduce him on Thursday. NBA Commissioner David Stern vetoed an ealier trade proposal that would have sent Paul from the league-controlled New Orleans Hornets to the Los Angeles Lakers.

So the Washington Generals got Chris Paul.

The usually hapless Los Angeles Clippers, under the faulty generalship of owner Donald Sterling, did so because NBA Commissioner David Stern knew how it would look if the mighty Lakers got him instead. If Stern didn't, the message from Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert, time-stamped hours after the veto came down, made clear the unhappiness with more team-stacking by the Christmas Club of teams kicking off the season Dec. 25.

The Cavs weren't invited to open their presents along with the big boys.

In his message, Gilbert told Stern competitive disparity was turning 25 of the NBA's 30 teams into the Generals, the team serving as the Harlem Globetrotters' pathetic foils.

After Stern vetoed a multiple-team trade that would have sent Paul to Hollywood's Team, he then played kingmaker. The commissioner brokered a fine deal in its own right, bringing good players and a primo draft pick, belonging to the Timberwolves in 2012, to the owner-less New Orleans Hornets.

The Lakers had to trade away Mr. Kardashian, Lamar Odom, because his feelings were hurt by being included in the original trade. They now face another season of placating their diva superstar, Kobe Bryant.

Sterling is the nearest thing to a broken rudder in the NBA, but he suddenly owns a glitzy team. Sterling must feel as though he just won the lottery. Then again, he had more figurative pingpong balls in the hopper. It's always better for a big star such as Paul to land in a major market, even if it's with the team that has served as the Lakers' junior varsity for years.

View full sizeJoshua Gunter, The Plain DealerIn recent e-mail to David Stern, Cavaliers' owner Dan Gibert expressed the concern that the competitive disparity in the NBA is turn 25 of the 30 teams into the Washington Generals.

It's a wonderful life, if you aren't Dan Gilbert.

He seems to be the only owner from now on who will ever get "LeBronned" and watch a top free agent dance off in the fog while receiving nothing in return. "Let's make a deal," the soon-to-be-spurned teams will plead to their superstars' suitors, in a ragged, urgent chorus.

Clearly burned by the blowback of James' betrayal, Stern was willing to trample all sorts of conflict-of-interest objections in the interest of public perception. The view that the Lakers (and Heat, Celtics and Knicks) aren't special will hold until Dwight Howard chooses to become the Lakers' next Shaquille O'Neal, anyway.

If the Cavs were going to get any favors at all in the intrigue-rich Kingdom of David, it was in the lottery ball that bounced their way in this year's draft, triggering suspicion around the NBA and delivering Kyrie Irving as the top pick overall.

Slow and steady is all that's left for Gilbert, as far as building a contender. No premium free agent has ever jumped to a cold-weather city, including Chicago, when Michael Jordan was there. Trades and good talent evaluation here, despite Gilbert's angry pledge the night of The Defection, won't beat James to the ring Dwyane Wade will carry him to in Miami.

The real problem goes back to the milquetoast agreement that ended the NBA lockout. Presumably, Gilbert was one of the five owners who voted no.

The fans who remain can hope a throwback species of player comes along to revive the loyal days of John Stockton and Karl Malone, lifer and near-lifer, respectively, at small-market Utah; to rekindle the competitive fire of Larry Bird and Magic Johnson; and to revive the ferocious will to win of Michael Jordan against all comers.

Or they can refuse to support a league of Globetrotters-Generals mismatches.

The majority of NBA owners had no stomach for seeking an NFL-like "franchise player" provision, modifying the free-agency rules and allowing teams to retain one player per team at a high price.

A franchise-player rule would have meant the usual television commentators who fawn on players would scream "plantation mentality" as they tried to put the provision in an utterly improper historical context. A plantation reference is a stick of dynamite in the NBA, an overwhelmingly black league.

But there is no such caterwauling about the NFL. Given the disproportionate impact one player can exert in basketball, the provision would have been nothing more than a competitive mechanism for a league that is becoming a joke.

Gilbert, a Michigan guy, has always modeled the Cavs on the Detroit Pistons, from the high-decibel presentation of the game to defensive orientation on his coaching staff. Detroit won the 2003-04 championship without a "go-to" guy, aided by the implosion of the Lakers in the Kobe-Shaq feud. It is a development to be devoutly wished upon Miami.

The Cavs began their exhibition schedule Friday in the Detroit suburbs. Their regular season will begin after Christmas. Like all the Bob Cratchit teams, they needed something more than waiting for the spirits to visit Ebenezer James.