There are still areas to clean up, but Cleveland State is showing plenty of positives as it gets ready to enter Horizon League play.

View full sizeJohn Kuntz, The Plain DealerCleveland State's Trey Harmon steals the ball from Sam Houston State's Aaron Harwell in the first half Thursday at the Wolstein Center in Cleveland.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Cleveland State men's basketball team is starting to fine-tune itself for the final two-thirds of the season, and it showed Thursday night during the victory over Sam Houston State.

Guard Jeremy Montgomery started at point guard, but freshman Charlie Lee saw extended minutes at the position, leaving Montgomery to roam the wing and find his shooting range. He finished the game with 11 points, including 3-of-6 from 3-point range.

"We've got to get [Montgomery] shooting the basketball," head coach Gary Waters said. "We need his 12 points a game."

Other areas Waters wants to clean up is turnovers -- there were 13 against the Bearkats -- and fouls. "We've got to cut back on unnecessary fouls," Waters said.

One plus for CSU is continued solid play off the bench. The Vikings got 25 bench points against the Bearkats.

Five alive: Cleveland State is 7-0 in games decided by five points or fewer, and that includes four games in which the Vikings won on their last possession.

Trey Harmon hit a 3-pointer with 2.8 seconds to play in a 67-64 victory over St. Bonaventure; Montgomery stole an inbounds pass and hit two free throws with 3.4 seconds to play in a 63-62 victory over Boston University; D'Aundray Brown tipped in a missed shot with 0.3-seconds to play for a 45-43 victory over Wright State; and Montgomery hit a 3-pointer with 21.2 seconds to play in a 69-66 triumph over Akron.

Frequent flyers: Cleveland State has played nine of its first 12 games away from the Wolstein Center and stands 7-2 in those games. The Vikings have eight more road games this season, and possibly more if they do not host the Horizon League Tournament, which means they have a chance to break the school record of 13 road wins in a season, set in 2008-09.

Did you know? The Vikings have played 149 straight games without going into overtime. The most recent time CSU went into overtime was Nov. 17, 2007, when the Vikings beat Florida State, 69-66 . . . Before Thursday, the Vikings were 36-of-46 (78 percent) from the free throw line in the final five minutes of games this season.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: ealexander@plaind.com, 216-999-4253

Irving has shown the willingness and fearlessness to play a fast-pace style of offense. But is he durable enough to absorb the elbows and forearm shivers that come with repeatedly driving the lane?

View full sizeJoshua Gunter, The Plain DealerCavs rookie Kyrie Irving, right, has only played two preseason games, but he's demonstrated a fearless style.

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio — Cavaliers coach Byron Scott said he didn't know why they needed ice bags in a basketball locker room when he was a 19-year-old shooting guard.

"I thought they were used for Kool-Aid," Scott said jokingly. "I didn't know you were supposed to put them on your knees and legs until I was about 25."

Chances are Kyrie Irving will get acquainted with them much sooner. In two preseason games, the rookie point guard has pushed the ball up the court in transition, driving to the basket, getting to the foul line and collecting some bruises for his effort.

The image of Irving leading the break will become a familiar one this season, as the Cavaliers find ways to manufacture offense. After years of searching for secondary scoring in support of LeBron James, they must generate it by committee in a rebuilding season.

Scott is hoping his emphasis on defense throughout training camp will help provide some easy baskets in transition. Otherwise, it could be another long and low-scoring campaign for a club that ranked 29th last season in field-goal percentage (.434).

"We don't want to be a half-court team," Scott said. "We don't want to have to set up every time we come down the floor because I don't think we have the firepower to do that. But if we can create turnovers and rebound the ball, then we have the opportunity to get in the open floor. That's where we will thrive the most."

Irving has shown the willingness and fearlessness to play that style. In preseason, he averaged 16 points and got to the line 16 times, converting 14 free throws. But is the 6-2, 180-pounder durable enough to absorb the elbows and forearm shivers that come with repeatedly driving the lane?

The Duke product certainly will add a jolt to an offense that ranked 25th in scoring (95.5 points). Gone from that team are Mo Williams and J.J. Hickson, who combined to average 27.1 points.

Veteran Antawn Jamison is the only returning Cav to average in double figures (19.7) for his NBA career. The 35-year-old power forward should get his points again this season, but they won't come as easy if the Cavaliers can't establish a perimeter presence. Jamison believes the club needs to get 15 to 18 points per game from the small-forward position. That sum used to make for a decent half on many nights when James played it.

Now the Cavaliers are relying on Omri Casspi, who becomes a full-time starter for the first time. Casspi has averaged 9.5 points in his two seasons in Sacramento, and he should help Anthony Parker and Daniel Gibson deliver buckets from the perimeter.

On the low blocks, what offense is created will likely come from the energy and second efforts of Anderson Varejao, Samardo Samuels and Tristan Thompson. The undersized Samuels, listed at 6-9, might be the club's best low-post presence.

All of which is why Scott wants to force turnovers and control the defensive glass.

"Coach has been pushing us to get out on the break and run," Gibson said.

Scott has already parked his intricate Princeton offense to allow for more creative and instinctive play. That should help his point guards, Irving and Ramon Sessions, who also gets to the basket.

Jamison said Irving is still learning some of the finer points of the position but enjoys watching him run the floor and create offense.

"Young fella is going to be all right," Jamison said. "I try to get on him and try to find weaknesses. But he is tough and he brings it."

Which means Irving will also have to take it.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: treed@plaind.com, 216-999-4370

Tayler Hill has 21 points for the Buckeyes, while Samantha Prahalis finishes with 20 points and 10 assists.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Samantha Prahalis overcame a slow start to spark a second-half run and No. 11 Ohio State surged to a 79-57 victory over Washington State on Thursday night.

Prahalis, averaging 17.8 points, had two in the first 20 minutes as the Buckeyes (13-0) clung to a 40-35 halftime lead. She had six points in the opening four minutes after the break then hit her second 3-pointer with 11:38 left to spark a 17-1 spurt that gave the Buckeyes a 70-45 lead.

Tayler Hill had 15 of her 21 points in the first half for the Buckeyes, while Prahalis finished with 20 points and 10 assists.

Carly Noyes scored 15 for the Cougars and Jazmine Perkins added 10.

The turning point came in the last 30 seconds of the first half, when Ohio State's Amber Stokes had four points and Maleeka Kynard made two free throws to turn a 35-34 deficit into a five-point advantage.

The Giants and Jets and the Eagles and Cowboys square off in games that will go a long way in determining who will make the playoffs.

View full sizeRon T. Ennis, Fort Worth Star-TelegramTony Romo has played well this month, and he'll need to keep playing well on Saturday if the Cowboys want to beat the resurgent Philadelphia Eagles.

N.Y. Giants (7-7) at N.Y. Jets (8-6)

TV: WJW Channel 8.

Early line: Jets by 3.

The skinny: After week of trash talk, most of it from Jets coach Rex Ryan, teams meet in showdown of New York-area rivals. If Giants beat Jets and then Dallas next weekend, they win NFC East and return to playoffs for first time since 2008. Two wins will likely clinch Jets a third straight wild-card appearance under Ryan. . . . Three players in game have played for both Ryan and Giants coach Tom Coughlin: Jets WR Plaxico Burress and QB Mark Brunell, and Giants P Steve Weatherford. . . . Giants have lost five of past six, but have won past four regular-season games against Jets. . . . QB Eli Manning has thrown for franchise-record 4,362 yards, and with 25 TDs joined Peyton Manning, Brett Favre, Dan Marino and Drew Brees as only QBs with at least 3,000 yards and 20 TDs in seven straight seasons. . . . WR Victor Cruz has 1,194 yards receiving and needs 150 in last two games to top Amani Toomer's team record set in 2002. . . . Jets looking to improve to 7-1 at home, which would match best mark in team history -- most recently set in 1998. . . . Burress facing Giants for first time since they released him in 2009 after accidentally shooting himself in November 2008. . . . QB Mark Sanchez needs 283 yards passing to top career best of 3,291 set last season.

Philadelphia (6-8) at Dallas (8-6)

When: Saturday, 4:15 p.m.

TV: WJW Channel 8.

Early line: Cowboys by 1 1/2.

The skinny: Dallas wins NFC East by winning last two games. . . . Eagles can still win division and make playoffs if they win last two games and get some help. But they would be eliminated from postseason contention even before playing Dallas if Giants win earlier against Jets. . . . Philadelphia going for first season sweep of Cowboys since 2006. . . . All Cowboys' losses this season have been close, except 34-7 at Philadelphia on Oct. 30. Their other five losses have been by average of four points, biggest being 19-13 in OT at Arizona. . . . Two of NFL sack leaders will be featured. Philadelphia's Jason Babin leads the NFL with 18 sacks, three shy of Reggie White's team record set in 1987. Dallas' DeMarcus Ware is third with 16. . . . Ware had three sacks in 2010 season finale against Eagles. . . . Eagles and Houston Texans are only two teams in NFL ranked in top 10 in both total offense and total defense. . . . Cowboys 2-3 in games played on Christmas Eve. Philadelphia 2-2 the night before Christmas, 0-2 on road.

Oakland (7-7) at Kansas City (6-8)

When: Saturday, 1 p.m.

Early line: Chiefs by 2.

The skinny: Oakland needs to win last two games and have Kansas City beat Denver in Week 17 to win AFC West. Chiefs need to win last two, have San Diego lose one of its next two and have Denver lose at Buffalo on Saturday. . . . Raiders have lost three straight. . . . Chiefs 31-13 (.705) overall against Oakland dating to 1990, including 1991 playoff game. Kansas City 14-7 in regular season at Arrowhead Stadium. . . . Kansas City had season-high 438 yards against Packers last Sunday. . . . Chiefs intercepted season-high six passes in their first meeting with Oakland. . . . QB Kyle Orton threw for 299 yards against Green Bay, hitting 10 different receivers in first start for Kansas City. . . . K Ryan Succop has converted 21 straight field goals for Chiefs, longest active streak in NFL. . . . Carson Palmer has three 300-yard passing games in eight starts, most by Raiders QB in a season since Kerry Collins had three in 2005.

Jacksonville (4-10) at Tennessee (7-7)

When: Saturday, 1 p.m.

Early line: Titans by 7 1/2.

The skinny: Jaguars rookie QB Blaine Gabbert has at least one TD pass in four of five road starts. . . . Jaguars got first road win against AFC South opponent Nov. 13 at Colts. . . . Maurice Jones-Drew (61) needs two rushing TDs to pass Fred Taylor (62) for most in team history. Jones-Drew has 73 career TDs, most total TDs in club history. Jones-Drew has NFL-best 1,334 yards rushing and needs 58 yards rushing to pass his career-best of 1,391 yards in 2009. . . . WR Chastin West caught his first TD pass of his career last week. . . . LB Paul Posluszny leads Jaguars with 110 tackles. . . . Titans QB Matt Hasselbeck has thrown for 750 yards with eight TDs and three interceptions with a 97.5 passer rating in past three games vs. Jaguars. Hasselbeck needs 76 yards passing to reach 3,000 for eighth season. . . Chris Johnson needs 70 yards rushing to reach 1,000 for fourth straight season to start career. Johnson averaging 95.4 yards rushing in 11 career home games vs. AFC South. . . . Johnson (38) needs two rushing TDs to join Earl Campbell (73) and Eddie George (64) as only players to reach 40 for a career in team history.

St. Louis (2-12) at Pittsburgh (10-4)

When: Saturday, 1 p.m.

Early line: Steelers by 16.

The skinny: St. Louis has dominated series, and is 11-1-1 in Pittsburgh, lone loss coming in 1996. . . . St. Louis DE Chris Long fifth in league with 13 sacks, fifth-highest total by a Rams player since stat became official in 1982. . . . St. Louis RB Stephen Jackson needs 34 yards to top 1,000 yards for seventh straight season, longest active streak in league. . . . Rams last in league in scoring, averaging 11.9 points per game while Steelers allowing 15.5 points per game, second-fewest in NFL. . . . Pittsburgh QB Ben Roethlisberger needs to average 236 yards passing over final two games to break his team record for yards in a season (4,328) set in 2009. . . . Pittsburgh TE Heath Miller broke franchise record for career receptions by tight end last week and needs three receptions to surpass Hall of Famer Lynn Swann for fourth-place on team's all-time reception list. . . . Pittsburgh would finish 7-1 at Heinz Field this season with a victory, first time since 2007 Steelers have won at least seven home games in a season. . . . Steelers 3-3 all-time on Christmas Eve.

Denver (8-6) at Buffalo (5-9)

When: Saturday, 1 p.m.

Early line: Broncos by 2 1/2.

The skinny: Bills coach Chan Gailey is friends with Bob Tebow, father of Broncos QB Tim Tebow, going back to when the two attended Florida together in early 1970s. Gailey, who spent 2002-07 as Georgia Tech coach, attempted to recruit Tim Tebow to play for Yellow Jackets, but lost out to Florida. . . . Broncos have won five of past six meetings. . . . Denver, 7-2 in past nine, controls own destiny in attempting to clinch first playoff berth since 2005. . . . Broncos averaging NFL-leading 161.3 yards rushing, and facing team that's allowing 139.5 yards rushing a game, including season-worst 254 last week. . . . Tebow has engineered 18 scoring drives in fourth quarter or OT in past 10 games. . . . RB Willis McGahee facing former team for third time since Buffalo traded 2003 first-round pick to Baltimore in March 2007. With 990 yards rushing this season, he's 10 yards from joining Ricky Watters in becoming second NFL player to reach 1,000 with three teams. . . . Bills have lost seven straight, their longest skid since 0-8 start last season. Destined for seventh straight losing season and will miss playoffs for 12 straight year -- AFC's longest drought. . After outscoring opponents, 211-142, in getting off to 5-2 start, Bills have been outscored, 224-100, in past seven.

Tampa Bay (4-10) at Carolina (5-9)

When: Saturday, 1 p.m.

Early line: Panthers by 7 1/2.

The skinny: Bucs have lost eight straight games. . . . Bucs have scored 20 or more points in one of past eight games. . . . QB Josh Freeman has eclipsed 3,000 yards passing for second straight year, but has more interceptions (18) than touchdown passes (15). . . . Freeman didn't play in last meeting with Carolina. He has won past two starts against Carolina with 419 yards passing, four touchdowns and no interceptions. . . . RB LeGarrette Blount was held to 19 yards rushing in the last meeting with Carolina. . . . TE Kellen Winslow has caught a pass in 90 straight games. . . . Panthers QB Cam Newton has 30 touchdowns (17 passing, 13 rushing), the most by rookie in NFL history. . . . Newton needs 18 yards passing to break Peyton Manning's rookie passing record. Newton has 3,722 yards passing.

Minnesota (2-12) at Washington (5-9)

When: Saturday, 1 p.m.

Early line: Redskins by 6 1/2.

The skinny: Vikings have lost six straight, need to win last two to avoid matching or setting worst record in franchise history. Current low-water mark is 3-13 in 1984. . . . Minnesota hasn't lost seven in row in single season since expansion year of 1961. . . . Win at Washington last November came in Leslie Frazier's debut as Minnesota's coach. He is 5-15 overall. . . . Minnesota DE Jared Allen second in NFL with 171/2 sacks, needs 51/2 to surpass NFL season record (221/2 set by Michael Strahan in 2001). Since entering NFL in 2004, he has NFL-best 1001/2 sacks. . . . Vikings RB Adrian Peterson is 68 yards shy of fifth straight 1,000-yard season. . . . Game features two of NFL's lowest rated quarterbacks: Minnesota's Christian Ponder (72.3) and Washington's Rex Grossman (71.4), ranked 28th and 29th, respectively. . . . Washington has committed at least one turnover in 28 straight games, longest active NFL streak. . . . Redskins have lost five straight at home, haven't lost six straight home games since 1994.

Miami (5-9) at New England (11-3)

When: Saturday, 1 p.m.

Early line: Patriots by 9 1/2.

The skinny: In season opener, teams combined for NFL single-game record 906 yards passing. . . . Patriots have won seven of past nine games against Dolphins. . . . Teams tied for first in AFC with 34 pass plays of 25 yards or more. . . . Miami coach Todd Bowles 1-0 since replacing fired Tony Sparano. . . . RB Reggie Bush sixth in AFC with 973 yards rushing after gaining career-high 203 last Sunday. . . . Dolphins have just 34 offensive penalties, second fewest in league to Jacksonville's 33. . . . Tom Brady needs 491 yards passing in his last two games to pass NFL record-holder Dan Marino's 5,084. . . . Rob Gronkowski needs 150 yards receiving in last two games to surpass record of 1,290 for tight ends set in 1980 by Kellen Winslow of San Diego.

Arizona (7-7) at Cincinnati (8-6)

When: Saturday, 1 p.m.

Early line: Bengals by 4 1/2.

The skinny: Cardinals have won four in a row and six of seven. They can stay in playoff contention with win over Bengals and loss by either Atlanta or Detroit. . . . Win would give them their first five-game winning streak since 1977, when they won six in a row. . . . Arizona has three overtime wins, tying NFL record for a season. Denver also has three OT wins this year. . . . Cardinals have overcome fourth-quarter deficits six times this season, tied for second-most such wins by any team since 1970. Indianapolis did it seven times in 2009. . . . RB Beanie Wells (Akron Garfield, Ohio State) has 994 yards rushing and 10 TDs. He needs 6 yards to become first Cardinal with 1,000 yards and 10 TDs. . . . Cincinnati tied with Jets for final AFC wild-card berth, but New York has tiebreakers in its favor. . . . Game will match Bengals WR A.J. Green, the fourth overall pick, and Cardinals CB Patrick Peterson, the fifth overall pick. They went head-to-head twice in college at Georgia and LSU, splitting their two games. . . . Green needs seven catches and 4 yards receiving to top Cris Collinsworth's club rookie records from 1981.

San Diego (7-7) at Detroit (9-5)

When: Saturday, 4:05 p.m.

Early line: Lions by 2 1/2.

The skinny: Detroit can clinch first playoff berth since 1999 with win. . . . Last week, Chargers QB Philip Rivers joined Peyton Manning and Drew Brees as only passers with at least four consecutive 4,000-yard seasons. Rivers 23-2 as starter in December, best mark among QBs who began careers in Super Bowl era with minimum of 15 starts. . . . Lions have won record four games after trailing by at least 13 points. . . . San Diego TE Antonio Gates needs three catches to surpass Hall of Famer Charlie Joiner (586) for franchise record. . . . Lions QB Matthew Stafford is second-youngest QB to pass for at least 4,000 yards and 30 touchdowns in season, behind Dan Marino. . . . Detroit WR Calvin Johnson has 14 touchdown catches, joining Lance Alworth and Jerry Rice as only players with at least 12 in three of first five seasons. . . . San Diego has converted NFL-best 83.3 percent on third-and-less-than-4. . . . Lions have scored NFL-best 63 points on drives of under four plays.

San Francisco (11-3) at Seattle (7-7)

When: Saturday, 4:15 p.m.

Early line: 49ers by 2 1/2.

The skinny: San Francisco beat Seattle, 33-17, in season opener on strength of two kick returns for touchdowns by Ted Ginn Jr. (Glenville, Ohio State) in final four minutes after Seattle had pulled within 19-17. . . . San Francisco has won two straight over Seattle, both in Bay Area. . . . Win by San Francisco and loss by New Orleans would clinch No. 2 seed and first-round playoff bye for 49ers. . . . QB Alex Smith has won 12 of past 15 starts dating back to last season and is 5-1 in past six starts vs. NFC West. 49ers 10-0 this season when Smith has a passer rating of more than 100. . . . 49ers have allowed five touchdowns in first half this season and haven't surrendered a touchdown rushing all year. According to STATS LLC, since 1932 no team has allowed zero touchdowns rushing in a season. . . . Offensive line gave up no sacks vs. Steelers after Smith was clobbered 18 times in previous three games . . . Seahawks have won five of six to inch back into NFC playoff race, but need to win their final two games and get two losses from Detroit and/or Atlanta to have shot at postseason. . . . Seattle had string of six straight games with at least 100 yards rushing snapped last week at Chicago when Seahawks were held to 60 yards.

Chicago (7-7) at Green Bay (13-1)

When: Sunday, 8:20 p.m.

TV: WKYC Channel 3.

Early line: Packers by 13 1/2.

The skinny: Packers can clinch home-field advantage in NFC with win, or San Francisco loss, on Sunday. . . . Packers' loss at Kansas City last Sunday broke 19-game winning streak and was first loss in nearly a year, having lost at New England on Dec. 19, 2010. . . . Will be fourth meeting between Bears and Packers in 2011. Two teams faced off in 2010 regular season finale, NFC Championship Game, and earlier this season. . . . QB Aaron Rodgers is first Packers player and fifth player overall in NFL history to throw 40-plus touchdowns in season. . . . Five of WR Jordy Nelson's 10 touchdowns this season have been for 35-plus yards. . . . WR Donald Driver has 9,979 yards receiving and needs 21 to become the first Packers player with 10,000. . . . Bears would be eliminated from playoff contention with a loss. . . . Josh McCown replaces Caleb Hanie as Bears starting QB after Hanie struggled in wake of Jay Cutler's thumb injury. McCown hasn't started a game since Dec. 23, 2007, for Oakland against Jacksonville.

Atlanta (9-5) at New Orleans (11-3)

When: Monday, 8:30 p.m.

TV: ESPN.

Early line: Saints by 6 1/2.

The skinny: Falcons have won seven of past nine games, with one of two losses coming against New Orleans. . . . QB Matt Ryan has completed 64 percent of his passes for 544 yards, seven TDs and no INTs in past two games. . . . Ryan needs 302 yards passing to become second Falcons QB with 4,000 yards passing in a season. . . . WR Roddy White had 10 catches for 135 yards and two TDs last week. . . . Rookie WR Julio Jones has eight catches for 189 yards and three TDs in his past two games. . . . DE John Abraham had 31/2 sacks and two forced fumbles last week. . . . Saints have won six straight. . . . QB Drew Brees leads NFL with 4,780 yards passing.

Mercier enjoys playing golf and football when he's not on the ice.

View full size

Born: June 25, 1987, Erie, Pa. Ht/Wt: 5-11, 190.

PD: Best active hockey player on the planet?

JM: I know he's out of commission at the moment, but Sidney Crosby.

PD: If not Crosby, whom?

JM: A lot of players are making names for themselves, but this season, Claude Giroux of Philadelphia is right there with any of them.

PD: Best friend on the Monsters?

JM: Patrick Bordeleau.

PD: One thing about him he wouldn't want us to know?

JM: As mean and tough as he is on the ice, he's super-nice off it.

PD: Monsters coach David Quinn in 15 words or fewer?

JM: Passionate about his job. Cares about his players.

PD: Which is tougher, a game or an average Quinn practice?

JM: An average Quinn practice -- 100 percent. I think our pregame skates are harder than most teams' practices.

PD: Best part about playing for Lake Erie Monsters?

JM: Hands down, it's got to be the fan support. It keeps getting better. The fans here love their hockey and their team.

PD: Most interesting part of Monsters' season to date?

JM: Our ability to rebound from an 0-5 start. [The Monsters are 13-15-1-1]. We've been banged up, but we're resilient.

PD: What do you, individually, need to do to get to Colorado and stay there?

JM: More than anything else, be consistent. One of the biggest things for every player in the American Hockey League is to play your best on a daily basis.

PD: The previous time we did a Q-and-A, you said your sister, Courtney, was the smartest person you knew. Has that changed?

JM: No. She still is. I'm jealous. She works very hard, but it also comes naturally.

PD: She is a senior at Michigan, where she played soccer. What's next for her?

JM: I think she's on track to go to Michigan law school.

PD: What are your post-playing career plans?

JM: I can see myself in the business world and coaching on the side.

PD: Favorite sports outside hockey?

JM: Golf and football.

PD: Who is going to win the Super Bowl?

JM: I'm biased because I'm a Steelers fan. I'll take the Steelers over the Eagles. Yes, the Eagles.

PD: What's up with your guy James Harrison against Cleveland?

JM: A lot of the trouble he gets into is out of passion, not intent to injure.

PD: Surprised no retaliation from Browns after Harrison hits the past two years?

JM: Yes. Maybe it's just a different mind-set in football. In hockey, if someone hits a guy on your team, he's going to pay.

The Buckeyes find some energy and cruise past Miami (Ohio), 69-40, at Nationwide Arena in Columbus.

View full sizeJay LaPrete, Associated PressOhio State's J.D. Weatherspoon, center, gets mugged while trying to shoot between Miami's Adam Thomas, left, and Julian Mavunga during the second half Thursday in Columbus.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Jared Sullinger's dive in the second half Thursday landed just short of the Ohio State bench. His shot blocked by Miami's Julian Mavunga, not for the first time, Sullinger tried in vain to track down the loose ball in the scramble and wound up on his stomach.

As Miami (Ohio) took off down the court, Sullinger was still getting to his feet. By the time the RedHawks missed in transition, Sullinger was there to fight for the rebound. And as the ball headed out of bounds, OSU point guard Aaron Craft jumped over the Buckeyes' dance team to save the ball back in to Sullinger.

Fans love it whenever a guy jumps over the dance team.

"I think I landed on one of them, so I apologize," Craft said.

View full sizeColumbus DispatchOhio State forward Deshaun Thomas (1) makes a shot over Miami forward Julian Mavunga (4).

At the other end, DeShaun Thomas converted a layup; on the next possession Sullinger looked a little angry on his aggressive post move for two points; Lenzelle Smith then hit a 3-pointer; and after Craft forced a five-second violation on Miami, he hit Thomas with a bounce pass for a leaning layup.

And that was how Ohio State gained some energy in its last nonconference game of the season, a 69-40 win against the RedHawks at Nationwide Arena. William Buford led the Buckeyes with 18 points, Thomas had 15, Sullinger added 11 and six rebounds, and Craft had four points, eight assists and another night of harassing defense. Mavunga scored a game-high 20 for Miami.

The contributions were varied, but the energy hasn't been a given. Sullinger questioned the Buckeyes' vigor after their 20-point win Tuesday, believing something had to change for conference play. And Miami was successful in slowing the tempo in the first half, as Ohio State went into the locker room leading only 26-17.

So the dance-team jump helped serve as a lift, as the No. 2 Buckeyes (12-1) started rolling.

"We wanted to get back out and play our style of basketball," Craft said. "We knew they tried to slow it down in the first half, and we didn't want them to do it in the second half."

Freshman LaQuinton Ross, making his debut as a Buckeye after his career was delayed into December by academic issues, gave Ohio State another lift late, making a 3-pointer with 3:31 to play -- the first time he touched the ball in his college career. The OSU bench jumped up -- and cracked up -- at Ross' confidence. Ross finished with five points on 1 of 3 shooting, and going 2-of-2 from the line, in four minutes.

"We were trying to figure out if he would take a shot or not," Craft said. "But it gave us a lift to see how he reacted to the game plan."

The Buckeyes were playing at Nationwide, home of the NHL's Columbus Blue Jackets, because Ohio State is serving as the host for a round of the NCAA Tournament in March. Those games will be played at Nationwide, and NCAA rules mandated that the Buckeyes play a home game at the site. By rule, though, Ohio State can't play in Columbus in March.

So Thursday night was a practice run for the venue, and there was that bit of a tournament vibe. But the Buckeyes would agree they aren't ready for March.

They should be ready for Northwestern, though, when Big Ten play opens Wednesday.

"I think we can do a lot better," Buford said. "We need to put points on the board and value every possession, and I think we need to pick it up a little bit."

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

10 Browns wins in 10 days: Suffering Browns fans deserve a holiday treat so we present 10 Browns wins in 10 days. Part 9 looks back at a 1989 victory in Houston that sent the Browns to the playoffs. Scoring the winning TD was Kevin Mack, who missed much of the season because of a drug problem.

Curt Chandler, PD fileBrowns running back Eric Metcalf is shown earlier in the season, in October 1989, running against the Houston Oilers in Cleveland.

With precious seconds ticking away and the Astrodome fans exhorting the Houston Oilers to stand tough, Mack plowed through the center of his offensive line and scored a 4-yard touchdown that won the Browns the AFC Central Division championship.

Mack's touchdown with 39 seconds left capped a furious Cleveland rally in the final two minutes to give the Browns a wild, 24-20 victory and their fifth division title of the decade.

Under first-year coach Bud Carson, the Browns (9-6-1) extended their playoff streak to five years in a row. They will host a first-round playoff game Jan. 6 or 7.

"It's the biggest victory of my life as a coach," said Carson, who owns two Super Bowl championship rings.

Mack, who missed 13 games this season because of drug problems, was instrumental in the final Cleveland drive, which began at the Browns 41 with 2:30 left.

Quarterback Bernie Kosar, in a sterling performance, moved the Browns to the Houston 35 and a first down at the two-minute warning.

Then Mack churned out a 12-yard run and followed with another for 11 yards on third down. He would not be denied on his last carry, bowling over the goal line with the intensity the Browns' offense had lacked all season.

Mack finished with 62 yards on 12 carries.

"I'm not ready to settle for this one," said Mack, who was released from prison Nov. 6. "I'm ready to move on to bigger and better things."

The big fullback came to tears as Browns President Art Modell hugged and kissed him in the trainer's room after the game.

"I'm happier for Kevin Mack than I am for myself and for the Browns," said Modell, who stood by Mack throughout his seven-month drug ordeal. "I'm proud of the way he came through this thing. He's a stronger man for it."

Kosar had another magnificent performance in the clutch, throwing two first-half touchdown passes and engineering the winning drive.

"I just went into the huddle and we believed in the guys," said Kosar, who was 18 of 36 for 228 yards. "We knew we could move the ball on them."The 58,852 fans in the Astrodome were stunned.

The Oilers, who trailed most of the game, finally surged ahead, 20-17, on a 27-yard touchdown pass from Warren Moon to Drew Hill with 4:46 left.

That play was made possible by a bonehead lapse in judgment by linebacker Clay Matthews, who recovered an errant snap for Moon, but tossed the ball away trying to lateral it.

Plain Dealer fileStar linebacker Clay Matthews, a first-round draft pick in 1978 and a member of the Cleveland Browns through 1993, recovered a fumble in the 1989 game in Houston but tossed the ball away on an lateral.

Houston recovered and Moon's touchdown to Hill came on the very next play.

"He would have had to live with that for the rest of his life if we'd lost," Carson said.

"I was trying to get it to Chris Pike," Matthews said. "I've done that (lateral) five or six times in my career. In retrospect, I guess it was a little silly."

Moon scorched the Browns for 414 passing yards and two touchdowns in making up a 17-point third-quarter deficit.

"We couldn't hold 'em off," the AFC Pro Bowl starter said. "You have to give them credit."

The Oilers (9-7) can make the playoffs only as a wild-card if Indianapolis loses at New Orleans today or Cincinnati loses at Minnesota tomorrow.

"I thought we had the game won," said Houston coach Jerry Glanville.

Moon was brilliant on a73-yard touchdown drive after the second-half kickoff that brought the Oilers to within 17-10.

He completed six of nine passes from all angles. He executed a beautiful play-fake for a 22-yard gain to tight end Chris Verhulst, flipped a desperation pass to fullback Alonzo Highsmith for a 15-yard gain and connected with Hill on a 9-yard slant-in past Tony Blaylock for the touchdown.

The Browns sacked Moon five times to set a franchise record with 45 for the season.

The Browns were without Eric Metcalf in the second half. He suffered a possible fractured little toe in the first half. Metcalf scored in the first quarter on a 68-yard touchdown catch and run.

The Browns came out of their locker room more fired up than they had been all year. They used that energy to build a 17-0 lead, the most points in a first half since the opening game against the Steelers.

But the Oilers sped 69 yards in the final 1:30 and managed a 30-yard Tony Zendejas field goal with 14 seconds left to trail, 17-3, at halftime.

Cleveland's three scoring drives were wonderful bits of strategy. Each had its own personality.

The Browns established a frenetic pace to the game by blasting out of their opening series in a no-huddle offense.

Using four wideouts with Mack in the backfield, Kosar moved the ball on the ground to set up the pass. Midway he received a big break.

An overthrown pass for Lawyer Tillman on third down was intercepted by linebacker Robert Lyles and returned to the 50 after a lateral to safety Bubba McDowell, but Houston's Sean Jones was whistled for offsides.

Given new life, Kosar went for the jugular. Three times in the 47-yard, 13-play drive, he passed into the end zone, each time overthrowing his receiver.

They settled for a 32-yard Matt Bahr field goal and a 3-0 lead.

Houston's Moon retaliated, moving 57 yards in 10 plays. But on the 11th, he was intercepted by career nemesis Felix Wright at the Cleveland 2-yard line. It was the ninth steal of the year for the Pro Bowl-snubbed Wright, and the seventh time he victimized Moon, including two interceptions in the Canadian Football League.

Plain Dealer fileCleveland Browns running back Kevin Mack was a key part of the victory.

After the interception, the Browns came out in the I-formation, featuring Metcalf behind Mack. And they were even more explosive than in the first series.

On third down from the Cleveland 32, Kosar fired a 10-yard pass to Metcalf in the middle of the field. The rookie from Texas turned the simple pass into a 68-yard touchdown, the longest play of his young career.

The little scatback, one of eight Browns who laced up orange shoes for the nationally televised affair, darted to the right sideline, evaded a flailing tackle attempt by safety Kenny Johnson, then played off a block on safety Jeff Donaldson and broke the play inside and all the way.

The Browns' third scoring drive featured a split backfield combination of Mack and Barry Redden. Redden got moderate gains to take the Browns to the Houston 35. On third-and-one, Mack was stuffed for no gain.

After a timeout, Carson elected to go for the first down. Kosar's pass squirted out of his hands and sailed high and incomplete, but Houston linebacker Al Smith was flagged for defensive holding on Reggie Langhorne.

Two plays later from the 40, the Oilers blitzed - and paid dearly for the gamble.

Kosar found Webster Slaughter covered only by cornerback Cris Dishman, who started in place of the veteran Patrick Allen. Slaughter waited slightly for the ball, expertly staving off Dishman with his body. Slaughter trapped Kosar's pass against his facemask and broke free for a 40-yard touchdown.

"The most important block in the foundation is a top shelf QB. McCoy is not that block. We will be wasting another year and passing up an excellent draft opportunity if we don't go after a quarterback. I think McCoy will be lucky to even be on the roster next year. Too many people are making up excuses for McCoy's bad play. It's not all on the O-line and receivers. McCoy has shown his own shortcomings, with or without help." - bigdawgy54

View full sizeRobert Duyos | Sun Sentinel | MCTColt McCoy.

"The most important block in the foundation is a top shelf QB. McCoy is not that block. We will be wasting another year and passing up an excellent draft opportunity if we don't go after a quarterback. I think McCoy will be lucky to even be on the roster next year. Too many people are making up excuses for McCoy's bad play. It's not all on the O-line and receivers. McCoy has shown his own shortcomings, with or without help."

"While Beltran may have ultimately rejected Cleveland, there must have been some level of interest or the Tribe would not have wasted their time in the offseason. I believe Swisher is in the final year of his contract. The Tribe could give up a reliever and a starter such as Huff or Gomez for Swisher. The upshot of the whole thing is that it appears the Indians are willing to spend some money, and perhaps trade a player or two, for a 1B-OF who could make $10 million this year. That certainly beats the unlikely possibility that LaPorta will hit 20 HRs and knock in 85." - lambbone

View full sizeAP Photo | Marcio Jose Sanchez, FileCarlos Beltran is headed to St. Louis.

"While Beltran may have ultimately rejected Cleveland, there must have been some level of interest or the Tribe would not have wasted their time in the offseason. I believe Swisher is in the final year of his contract. The Tribe could give up a reliever and a starter such as Huff or Gomez for Swisher. The upshot of the whole thing is that it appears the Indians are willing to spend some money, and perhaps trade a player or two, for a 1B-OF who could make $10 million this year. That certainly beats the unlikely possibility that LaPorta will hit 20 HRs and knock in 85."

Plain Dealer Browns reporter says 2012 free-agent class will be deep at positions of need for Cleveland. Watch video

Cleveland, Ohio - Welcome to today's edition of Starting Blocks TV, hosted by David Campbell, Associate Sports Editor at The Plain Dealer.

It's Friday, which means Plain Dealer Browns reporter Tony Grossi is checking in to answer questions from his weekly Hey, Tony! feature.

This week Tony answers fan questions about whether the Browns might be able to trade for St. Louis QB Sam Bradford; where the Browns might try to find some quality wide receivers; whether the Browns' QB situation would have been different if Mike Holmgren had been coach; and how active the Browns will be in free agency.

Tony also makes his pick for the Browns-Ravens game on Saturday, which is the question in today's Starting Blocks poll.

SBTV will be on hiatus until after the first of the year. Happy Holidays!

"If they can trade Andy, they should do it. The best thing that could happen is we end up with another first rounder next draft, with as deep as that class will be." - Luke Harangody's Eyes are too Close Together

View full sizeJohn Kuntz | The Plain DealerAnderson Varejao could have some trade value this season if he stays healthy.

"If they can trade Andy, they should do it. The best thing that could happen is we end up with another first rounder next draft, with as deep as that class will be."

NBA rosters must be set for opening night by late Saturday afternoon

View full sizeChuck Crown, The Plain DealerMychel Thompson said his goal is not to make an NBA team, but to remain with one

Excerpt: Believe it or not, Antawn Jamison is talking about playing defense and improving on that end of the floor

By Mary Schmitt Boyer Plain Dealer Reporter

If Cavaliers coach Byron Scott needs proof that his preaching about defensive improvement this season is setting in, he need look no further than starting power forward Antawn Jamison.

Yes, that Antawn Jamison.

JULIAN H. GONZALEZ/DETROIT FREE PRESSAntawn Jamison, here guarding Detroit's Charlie Villaneuva in an exhibition game on Dec. 16, is entering the season with a renewed commitment to playing defense.

The Cavs leading scorer last season who averaged 18 points per game and 15.6 shots per game -- roughly one every 2 minutes.

The guy LeBron James once called the most unorthodox scorer in the league because of his variety of weird flip shots and floaters.

On the first day of training camp this season, Jamison talked about his leadership role on this young team and the fact that it had to start on the defensive end of the floor.

"I think defensively I have to not be a liability and when we watch film coach can always rely on me being in the right spots and not being the teaching point of our film sessions," Jamison said. "I think defensively letting guys know I'm not what they call a defensive specialist but just through hard work and paying attention I can improve on that."

It probably isn't the first time in his career the 13-year veteran has said that, but defense definitely hasn't been his strong suit. His renewed commitment thrills Scott.

"That's a veteran who understands how important it is on that end of the floor," Scott said. "He has such a leadership role on this team that it's going to be big for him, and for us, if he's committed on that end of the floor. I think it shows all our young guys that if Antawn can do it, a guy who has been in the league [13] years, there's definitely no way in the world that they're going to be able to get away with not doing it."

The Cavs should be greatly helped by the return of Jamison, who missed the last 26 games of the season with a broken left pinkie finger. That capped off what had been a trying season, what with the Cavs losing 63 games and setting an NBA record with a 26-game losing streak in the middle of it.

In fact, nothing has worked out quite the way Jamison or the Cavs had hoped since they obtained him for Zydrunas Ilgauskas at the trade deadline in 2010, hoping he'd be the final piece in a team featuring James and Shaquille O'Neal.

Now Jamison, scheduled to make $15 million in this, the last year of his contract, has been rumored to be trade bait or an amnesty candidate. But he has learned not to worry about things he can't control.

"I just think about the cards that are dealt right now," he said. "To be honest, if they didn't get rid of me last year, I don't see a reason to do it now. There's a part of me that really wants to be here. There's a part of me that wants to show Tristan [Thompson] and Samardo [Samuels] and even Kyrie [Irving] how to do this, how to be a professional, knowing that they're going to be the foundation of this organization and to sort of have my footprints into just the way they prepare for games, the way they come in and prepare themselves."

Time away with his injury last season gave Jamison a totally new perspective on the game he loves. Well, that and getting up for his turn at car pooling his kids to school at 6:15 a.m.

"Last year I was to the point where I was like, 'Yeah, man, I don't know how many years of this I can take,'" he admitted. "Even though last year was a tough year, the times I played I enjoyed competing. A lot of these young guys look up to me, so I want to set the best example for them as well. Even though things are not going well you still have to come in and compete at a high level and try to make it as fun as possible.

"I'm to the point now where I'm just enjoying the game. Before I got traded here my biggest concern was that I never had an opportunity to compete for a championship. Even though it was a short stint, I had that opportunity. I'm just here to do what I love to do, which is play the game of basketball. I'm enjoying it more than ever."

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter:

mschmitt@plaind.com, 216-999-4668

On Twitter: @pdcavsinsider

However, Gannon thinks McCoy might not get the chance to develop and prove he can deliver for the Browns.

View full sizeJohn Kuntz, The Plain DealerBrowns quarterback Colt McCoy won't be getting hit by the Ravens' Pernell McPhee on Saturday -- McCoy's not playing.

BALTIMORE, Md. — Former Super Bowl quarterback and CBS analyst Rich Gannon, who will call his fourth Browns game Saturday in Baltimore, still thinks Browns quarterback Colt McCoy can be the guy.

Problem is, he suspects McCoy might not get the chance to prove it.

"I know people are saying, 'Is this guy a player?' but there's a lot of things to like about him," said Gannon, who has studied most of McCoy's games this season. "I mean, there's something about him that makes me think he's got a chance. I like him."

Gannon should know. His 18-year career got off to a remarkably slow start, but he went on to make four straight Pro Bowls with the Raiders, earn NFL MVP honors and lead his team to a Super Bowl. He excelled in the West Coast offense under then-Raiders coach Jon Gruden, who learned the scheme from Browns President Mike Holmgren.

"People don't understand that you've got develop the quarterback position," Gannon said. "We're making a huge mistake in the NFL with these young guys. These coaches come in and say, 'He's not my guy, I want to get rid of him,' and then they bring another guy in. Then it takes a couple of years to develop that guy. Meanwhile, they fire that head coach, and the next guy comes in. It's a terrible cycle."

Gannon cited 49ers quarterback Alex Smith, who is flourishing under Jim Harbaugh after struggling his first six seasons. Smith has led the 49ers to an 11-3 mark this season and has a 91.1 passer rating.

"When you have a talented kid like Colt who can do some things, you put your arm around him like [coach] Jim Harbaugh did with Alex Smith and show him some love," Gannon said. "You tell him you believe in him and that you trust him, and that you're going to win this thing together. Now you're seeing a different guy in Alex Smith. He has five interceptions this year. He's not throwing 40 touchdowns [Smith has thrown for 16], but he's playing winning football."

Gannon can see the same thing happening with McCoy -- either here or elsewhere. McCoy will sit out Saturday's game with the concussion he suffered in Pittsburgh on Dec. 8, and might be done for the season.

"I think Colt McCoy can be that guy," Gannon said. "He might not be the Aaron Rodgers or the Tom Brady that throws 38 or 39 touchdown passes every year, but he's not in that system and he's not asked to do those things just yet. He might be a guy that can throw 25 touchdowns and seven or eight interceptions, and play winning football and help win the division championship -- but I don't know if he's going to get that opportunity."

Gannon attributes McCoy's 4-9 record this season in large part to the lack of a running game and playmaking receivers.

"In my opinion, they missed the boat in the off-season in terms of not bringing in more help at wide receiver," he said. "Brian Robiskie and Mohamed Massaquoi were two young guys, and Massaquoi's been hurt. They drafted Greg Little, but they knew that was going to take a little bit of time.

"I thought maybe they could've signed a guy like James Jones [496 yards, five TDs for the Packers this season], the kid from Green Bay who was on the market. He's a good player, he knows their system inside and out and he has a good work ethic. I just don't know that they got better enough in that area to help Colt."

And then, he said, the whole Peyton Hillis saga was hard to overcome.

"For most of the season, Colt didn't have Peyton Hillis or Montario Hardesty," Gannon said. "They weren't going to be any good on offense if they couldn't run the football. You saw last week what an impact a healthy Hillis can have. To sit here and say that the Browns are 4-10 because of the inconsistent play of the quarterback, I don't think that's fair."

Gannon likened McCoy's situation to that of 2010 No. 1 pick Sam Bradford of the Rams. Bradford went 1-9 this season in St. Louis in the new offensive system under Josh McDaniels. Overall, he's 8-18 with a 74.2 rating. McCoy is 6-15 with a 74.5 rating after switching from the Patriots' style last year to the West Coast this year.

"It's an almost identical situation," Gannon said. "Pat Shurmur coached Sam Bradford, and now McDaniels has him, and the kid's taken a major step back with the new system in year two. Colt was brought up in Brian Daboll's offense. I mean, it's traumatic."

McCoy also had not much of an off-season to learn the new scheme.

"They said: 'Here's the playbook, take a look at it. When you come back, here's what we're going to do,' " Gannon said. "That's no way to learn a system."

Gannon said it's also significant that this is Shurmur's first year as a head coach.

"He's only been calling plays for three years to begin with, and it's a lot different calling plays as the head coach as opposed to the coordinator," Gannon said. "As the head coach, he's dealing with substitutions, injuries, the kicking game and all of that. So when you look at all of that and you start evaluating Colt McCoy, I think it gets a little tricky."

Gannon said many are raving about Bengals rookie quarterback Andy Dalton this season, but that he has a much better supporting cast.

"Is Andy Dalton still Andy Dalton without A.J. Green this season?" Gannon said. "A.J. Green already got 1,000 yards receiving and seven touchdowns, and the guy goes up and makes all of these plays when he's covered. Who's that guy for the Browns? They don't have that guy yet. Then he's got Ced Benson and a good veteran group up front and [tight end Jermaine Gresham]. They also have a [top-six] defense. They're much more talented across the board."

Gannon said he can understand why some will prefer quarterback Seneca Wallace after these few starts.

"When your starter is struggling, people always love the backup," he said. "Welcome to my world. I've been the guy that's come in as the backup and treated like the savior and the guy that's watched the backup come in and get treated like that. Happens all the time."

Gannon said McCoy has all the intangibles and can make all the throws.

"He's a tough kid and [has] some of the same qualities as a Tim Tebow," Gannon said. "He's tough, he's got great leadership ability, work ethic, he sets a good example and he makes everyone around him better. Those are things you like about him."

He said the fact McCoy was a third-round pick and not a first-round pick "makes it a little easier to push him aside. I don't know how it's all going to shake out."

He cited players such as Tom Brady, Ben Roethlisberger and Peyton Manning who have had consistency throughout their careers. He pointed to other players such as Drew Brees who needed a fresh start to get his career on track. Brees went 2-9 with the Chargers in 2003 with 11 TDs and 15 INTs before becoming a Super Bowl MVP with the Saints.

"If you're not in the right situation, it can hurt your career," Gannon said. "But Mike Holmgren and Pat Shurmur understand the need to develop young quarterbacks. Hopefully they'll do that with Colt. Whether it's in Cleveland or somewhere else, I can see him going on to have a terrific career."

SHAKER HEIGHTS, Ohio — The championship game of the second Bob Wonson Memorial Classic was, well, a classic. The fourth quarter featured five lead changes and four ties before Shaker Heights guard Terry Rozier, the tournament MVP, took over in the last minute of the game to give the Raiders a 73-67 boys basketball victory over Richmond Heights.

Terry Rozier had 31 points for Shaker Heights.

SHAKER HEIGHTS, Ohio — The championship game of the second Bob Wonson Memorial Classic was, well, a classic.

The fourth quarter featured five lead changes and four ties before Shaker Heights guard Terry Rozier, the tournament MVP, took over in the last minute of the game to give the Raiders a 73-67 boys basketball victory over Richmond Heights.

Rozier hit an off-balance bank shot with 55 seconds left and split two free throws with 18 seconds left to give Shaker Heights a 70-67 lead.

Richmond Heights had a chance to tie on its final possession, but Rozier intercepted a pass intended for sharpshooter Rico Jones in the corner. Rozier drove the length of the floor and slam dunked for the final points at the buzzer.

"We just wanted to do everything we could to win," said Rozier, who had 31 points. "It was just a natural reaction. The ball came to me, and I'm glad it did. [Jones] is real good. I just told myself I could not let him touch the ball."

Rozier had plenty of help in the fourth quarter from 6-6 freshman Esa Ahmad, when he scored seven of his 14 points.

"[Ahmad] had really been struggling the first five games," Shaker Heights coach Danny Young said. "All the coaches have been spending time with him, just trying to get him to keep his confidence and play hard. I'm very proud of him. That will do wonders for his confidence."

The early going featured runs by both teams. Richmond Heights finished the first quarter with a 5-0 run to lead, 14-10. Shaker Heights took control with a 7-0 run to finish the first half. Rozier scored the final six points to give the Raiders a 36-26 lead.

"We need these kinds of games," Young said. "I know the guys want to blow everyone out, but these games build character. These are the kinds of games we're going to see as we progress during the season, and also in the tournament."

The Spartans regrouped with a 7-0 run late in the third quarter, regaining the lead, 49-47, on a jump shot by Ishaam Smith. Smith and Jones each scored 20 for Richmond Heights (5-1).

"I'm just happy with my kids' effort," Richmond Heights coach Jason Priah said. "They could have put their heads down at halftime, but collectively they came in like it's not over. [Shaker Heights] had their run, and it was time for us to have our run."

Bob Migra is a freelance writer in Westlake.

SHAKER HEIGHTS, Ohio — Orange was unable to maintain its level of play from Wednesday's semifinals at the Bob Wonson Memorial Classic, when they gave top-ranked Shaker Heights all it could handle in an eight-point loss. East started fast in the consolation game and was never really threatened in a 70-53 victory. Davonte Brunson, Mycle Shadie and Brandon Townsen...

SHAKER HEIGHTS, Ohio — Orange was unable to maintain its level of play from Wednesday's semifinals at the Bob Wonson Memorial Classic, when they gave top-ranked Shaker Heights all it could handle in an eight-point loss. East started fast in the consolation game and was never really threatened in a 70-53 victory.

Davonte Brunson, Mycle Shadie and Brandon Townsen combined for 30 of the Dragons' 32 first-half points as they ran out to a 32-16 advantage.

Orange had a brief flurry to start the second half, getting a layup from Devaughn Wingard, a second-chance basket from Austin Garcia and a slam dunk by Wingard off a Spencer Williams steal to cut the deficit to 34-22. But a series of turnovers allowed East to resume a comfortable lead.

Brunson led East (5-1) with 27 points. Shadie scored 19 and Townsen had 15 points. Wingard led Orange (4-2) with 14 points. Julian Turner scored 10.

Bob Migra is a freelance writer in Westlake.

MENTOR, Ohio — Lake Catholic's Mark Chicone took the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" coaching mentality in a 63-51 win over visiting Benedictine in high school boys basketball Friday. All week, his team prepared for facing Benedictine's bigger, overpowering post play.

Benedictine’s T.J. Steele, left, and Lake Catholic’s Dan Schweikert scramble for a loose ball. - (Tim Harrison, Special to PD)

MENTOR, Ohio — Lake Catholic's Mark Chicone took the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" coaching mentality in a 63-51 win over visiting Benedictine in high school boys basketball Friday.

All week, his team prepared for facing Benedictine's bigger, overpowering post play.

The Cougars' answer was to use a zone defense early and then switch through some formations as the game went on.

But the 2-3 zone stuck.

"We just got comfortable with the zone," Chicone said. "I wasn't going to try and coach my way into this one. I just figured out what's working and went with it."

That effective zone defense kept Benedictine's big men in check, forcing the Bengals to settle for some less-than-mediocre shots.

That trend started early.

As Lake Catholic took an early lead, which Benedictine would never overcome, the Bengals looked flustered as they attempted to get the ball inside to their big men.

The Cougars' defense forced perimeter shots, which created an early deficit for the Bengals.

"I don't think we were necessarily ready to play from the start," Benedictine coach Albert Wilson said.

"There were times where we settled on passing the ball around the perimeter and shooting jump shots. You'll get beat every time playing like that."

Lake Catholic, which is ranked No. 13 in The Plain Dealer poll, used its zone to force No. 8 Benedictine to continue looking for some type of offensive continuity throughout, but the Bengals would only find solace in small runs that couldn't bring the team into a single-digit deficit.

"We knew they were going to outmatch us in the paint," said senior Joey Vuyancih. "So we sat back in a zone and made them shoot the ball and didn't let their big guys do their thing."

Benedictine's Winston Grays sunk four 3-pointers and recorded 18 points.

But the Bengals did not have much more success on the perimeter.

The Bengals, who trailed, 37-26, at halftime, managed to keep the game within reach, 47-37, at the end of the third quarter.

A quick 8-0 run to start the fourth sealed the victory for the Cougars, as Benedictine would not have enough time to formulate a comeback.

"We got little spurts of energy everywhere," Vuyancih said. "We had it just when we needed it. Things just came together tonight."

The Cougars, who led by a double-digit point total for the entire second half, cruised to victory behind Vuyancih, who tallied a game-high 22 points.

"He's a coach on the floor," Chicone said. "Down the stretch of the game, I told him: 'Joe, I want the ball in your hands at the end. I want you to take over this game.' "

Cody Erbacher is a freelance writer in Kent.

The Plain Dealer's Browns beat writer offers some insight into today's game.

View full sizeTracy Boulian, The Plain DealerRavens quarterback Joe Flacco has played seven games against the Browns and never lost.

1. Make a difference

Regardless of their record, the Browns have a golden opportunity to salvage something from this abysmal season. A win over Baltimore would badly hurt the Ravens and possibly cause them to lose first place and a first-round playoff bye to the Steelers. Then they would have the chance to inflict similar pain on the Steelers in the season finale on Jan. 1. Finishing the year with a 6-10 record and knocking off their two chief rivals would erase some of the bad feelings about this season -- even at the cost of worsening their draft position.

2. Kick it to 'em

With Shayne Graham expected to replace thunderfoot kickoff specialist Billy Cundiff today, the Ravens aren't likely to sail every one of their kickoffs out of the end zone. And since the Ravens aren't extraordinary in covering kicks, this should give the Browns' kick returner some chances to jump-start the offense. Josh Cribbs has been nursing a groin injury and has gone 32 games without a return touchdown. It's time to give college sprint relay champion Buster Skrine some opportunities on kickoffs.

3. The Flacco factor

Joe Flacco is 7-0 in his career against the Browns. In those games, he has completed 64.4 percent of his passes and earned a passer rating of 97.3. Both of those figures are better than his marks against all other teams. Flacco is not quite yet at elite status among NFL quarterbacks and is only second-best in the AFC North to Ben Roethlisberger. He's going to be around for a while. If the Browns ever hope to draw close to the Ravens in the standings, they're going to have to learn how to defeat Flacco.

4. Up the tempo

The Ravens' defensive strengths are well-known -- tough to run against, deadly on third-and-long, opportunistic in the secondary when Ed Reed is ball hawking. The Chargers showed last week the Ravens can be set on their heels with a quick passing attack. With veteran Seneca Wallace at quarterback for the second game in a row, this might be a good time to let him run an up-tempo, no-huddle attack. I mean, can it be any worse than what they've tried to run for 14 games?

Pashos recently became a father, and he's already learning things from the experience.

View full size

Q: Your locker is covered with Ron Paul paraphernalia. What's the deal with your support of the presidential candidate? When did that start and why?

A: A long time ago. Because I love America. I really do. I think that if you think about the uniqueness of what's so special about this nation, he represents that and wants to maintain the grasp on that. I can recite quotes and lines and all that stuff, but most importantly he is trying to bring this country back and remind us of why we are so special and why we are so unique in the grand scheme of this whole planet.

Q: Have you always been active in politics?

A: I'm Greek. Didn't the Greeks invent democracies? I guess it's in my blood. I was a history and [political science major at Illinois]. But I think it starts with my grandfather. I spent my entire summers with him, and him being a World War II vet, when it's just you and grandpa, you soak in a lot of stories. I'm a guy who respects every word that my elders or my parents say because it comes from experience. That's why I was more geared into history and poli sci.

Q: Your parents are from Greece and you spent summers there. What were your favorite memories from there?

A: That was my first language. I spent many years with a speech (pathologist). My favorite memories are just those moments and those memories when you're sitting there as a child, being able to spend time with your grandfather one-on-one like that. How many people get that? And at the time, you didn't get it, but afterwards you do. I really appreciated those one-on-one memories he and I built together.

Q: I heard you have a real estate license. Why did you get that?

A: I did have it, it's not active anymore. I would go in the evenings and take real estate classes because I over-thought. I always do. I wanted to prepare myself as best I could. I got a degree, I wasn't starting [in Baltimore], so I was like, "Maybe I should get a real estate license?" Everybody's making a lot of money in it, it's exciting. So in my evenings I'd leave practice and go get certified for that. But you have to renew it and sell and stuff, but I haven't been in Maryland, I haven't lived in Baltimore in how many years now? But when I bought my house, I was very educated on the ways, it helped me out. Education never hurts anybody.

Q: You and your wife recently had a baby girl. What have you learned since becoming a father?

A: It's still kind of early. I learned a lot about myself and how important my actions and what I do from here on out and what I have done will prepare her going forward. You're very selfless when you have a child, and you're even more so once you actually meet the child. I knew that going into it, but once she came out, I was like, "Wow." It hits you. I love it. Every day is a great day when I go home and see them.

-- Jodie Valade

Browns left tackle Joe Thomas always has his best battles against the Ravens linebacker.

View full sizeAPRavens linebacker Terrell Suggs.

Browns left tackle Joe Thomas can't think of anyone he'd rather spend Christmas Eve with than Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs.

Suggs always gives Thomas his best battles of the season, and Thomas considers him one of the best -- if not the best -- outside linebacker in the NFL.

"We've got to make sure it's not the Terrell Suggs show," Thomas said. "He's going to make his tackles, he's going to get a sack every now and then, but you've got to do whatever you can, whether it's doubles, chips, run-action, play-action, you've got to make it a tough day -- otherwise he's going to make it tough on you."

In the first meeting Dec. 4, a 24-10 Ravens win, Suggs had four tackles, one sack, two tackles for loss and a pass broken up.

"I think we did a pretty decent job, but he's a guy that you don't really shut out in a game," said Thomas, a four-time Pro Bowler. "You just try to minimize his impact because he's such a good player that he's going to get his plays. You've just got to make sure that he doesn't take over the game. That's kind of the key with him."

Suggs has 13 sacks this season, tied for fifth in the NFL and tied for third in Ravens history. It tops his previous career high of 12 in 2003. His 13 career sacks against the Browns in 17 games are his second most against any team. His seven forced fumbles against Cleveland are his tops against any team.

"He's right up at the top of the class, there's no question," Thomas said. "He's such a disruptive force -- run and pass. . . . That's why he fits so well with the Ravens because they like those guys that are kind of the jack of all trades."

-- Mary Kay Cabot