A photo gallery from the game can be said here. SHAKER HEIGHTS, Ohio — Defense does it every time.

Shaker Heights' Richard grant (23) moves the puck past University School's Jack Linderman. - (Tim Harrison, Special to PD)

A photo gallery from the game can be said here.

SHAKER HEIGHTS, Ohio — Defense does it every time.

University School put together the ultimate defensive package, solid goaltending and backline defense, to shut out rival Shaker Heights, 3-0, on Friday night at packed Thornton Park. It was the first meeting between the visiting Preppers and the Raiders in five years in a Greater Cleveland High School Hockey League Red North Division contest.

"I grew up watching these games since kindergarten," said senior goaltender Sam Althans, who stopped 26 shots for the Preppers (13-5-2, 6-0). "It was an incredible experience."

The teams had not played the past few years because Shaker Heights was in the league's Red South Division. The much-anticipated renewal brought out good efforts from each club, with the US defense earning special praise.

The Preppers stopped the Raiders on five power-play opportunities, with penalty-killing defensemen Andrew Domonkos, Andrew Musser and Conner Judson coming up big when needed.

Junior Jack Linderman put the Preppers in front when he sent home a rebound seven minutes into the game. Judson came through when he fired in a slap shot from inside the blue line five minutes into the second period. It was the only play he could make.

"All you can do is let it go," said Judson, the puck coming to him off a scramble. "You just hit it hard to the net. We got a lot of young guys in the swing of things, especially with the crowd they faced."

The Raiders had their chance to get back in it when they had back-to-back power play opportunities. Both were stymied by the US defense. They also suffered a tough break when they had a goal waved off because of a penalty late in the period.

"Special teams were a key," said Shaker Heights coach Mike Bartley, whose club stands 12-3, 4-2. "A lot of credit has to go to their penalty killers. We had our fair share of shots, but not many second opportunities. We've got to do a better job of getting more people to the net."

Shaker Heights junior goaltender Eric Sterin kept his club in it with 32 saves, 20 coming in the first period.

However, junior Tyler Dalton cemented the win for the visitors with a third-period goal off a nice assist from Musser.

"Yeah, you feel good when you shut out a team like that," said US coach Bill Beard. "Sammy [Althans] had a good game and the defense limited their opportunities. It was a special night in a great environment."

The Preppers will need more of the same today when they travel to the Coyne Recreation Center in Brooklyn to take on undefeated St. Ignatius (22-0, 6-0) at 4:45 p.m.

"We're going to enjoy this on the bus ride and put it to bed," said Beard. "The bus ride lasts about 10 minutes."

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

On Twitter: @JoeMaxse

The loss is the second in a row for the Monsters.

View full sizeLake Erie Monsters

The Monsters (16-17-1-1) have lost two in a row.

The Admirals (20-10-0-1) led, 3-0, in the second period before Patrick Rissmiller got the Monsters on the board at 9:11. Rissmiller's second goal of the season came on the power play. Milwaukee would score twice more in the period before the Monsters' Evan Brophey made it 5-2 with a power-play goal at 19:23.

'Tyson Barrie got the Monsters to within 5-3 three minutes into the third period, but Lake Erie would get no closer. The Admirals scored at 10:09 of the period to provide the final margin.

Monsters goalie Trevor Cann allowed four goals on 16 shots before James Reid replaced him midway through the second period. Reid finished, the game, stopping 10 of 12 shots.

Lake Erie was 2-for-5 on the man-advantage while Milwaukee was 2-for-6.

The Monsters will play the second of five-straight road games tonight in Chicago. First puck drops at 8.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Attack of the Firebirds sounds like a really bad horror movie, but the only people who have been horrified thus far are the opponents of Chanel's boy's basketball team. Unranked at the beginning of the season, Chanel shocked the area by winning at top-ranked Garfield Heights. Friday, the Firebirds did it again, blitzing their way to...

St. Peter Chanel guard Damon Jones.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Attack of the Firebirds sounds like a really bad horror movie, but the only people who have been horrified thus far are the opponents of Chanel's boy's basketball team.

Unranked at the beginning of the season, Chanel shocked the area by winning at top-ranked Garfield Heights. Friday, the Firebirds did it again, blitzing their way to 27 fourth-quarter points to come from behind and win at Villa Angela-St. Joseph, 61-51. Chanel, ranked 12th by the Plain Dealer, is 8-0 overall and 3-0 in the North Coast League, while VASJ falls to 5-2, 3-1.

The mantra for the Firebirds was simple: attack, attack, attack. Leading the way was senior guard Damon Jones, who used a tremendous first step and crossover dribble to consistently penetrate the many defenses the Vikings used. Jones scored 12 of his game-high 25 points in the final period and made 13 of 15 free throws.

"Last year I was more of a jump-shooter and it seems that teams are expecting that out of me this year," Jones said. "But I have a quick first step and I like to get the ball and penetrate. Coach [Hugh McMahon] kept telling me to attack, attack, attack."

It appeared VASJ was in control in the final period after Karlton Garner hit a 3-pointer from the top of the key to give his team a 44-34 lead with 7:43 to play. But the Vikings were outscored, 27-7, for the remainder of the game.

"We put our guys in an offensive set that forces them to attack the basket," McMahon said. "We were a little tentative early on, but Damon really gave us a spark going to the basket."

Chanel's defense actually played a big role in the victory. The Vikings were held well-below their season average on scoring despite holding a size advantage at every position.

The key matchup was Chanel 6-4 forward Kyree Brewer covering VASJ's 6-7 Demonte Flannigan. Brewer is quick enough and athletic enough to bother Flannigan, who ended with 13 points but failed to score in the game's final 9:51.

"[Covering him] was a very hard task," Brewer said. "He's a great player. But I didn't do it by myself. We played great team defense on him."

Chanel's guards, especially Brionne Duke and Tommie Williams, also did a great job of hounding the VASJ guards as the Vikings committed 25 turnovers.

"If you don't dribble it well and don't pass it well, you're not going to beat too many people," said VASJ coach Babe Kwasniak. "They shot 34 free throws and we shot 13 --and I'm not blaming the officials. We sent them to the line 34 times."

Only one player other than Jones reached double figures for the Firebirds, junior Montell Goodwin, who hit two key 3-pointers and ended up with 12 points. VASJ was led by freshman Brian Parker with 14 points and Duane Gibson had 11.

Joe Magill is a freelance writer in Cleveland.

LORAIN, Ohio — Lorain boys basketball coach Andy Bastock said his team's focus Friday night was to keep Bedford's Antonio Rucker under control. It worked for a while. "Rucker is a heck of a player," Bastock said. "He's done damage to us in previous years. I thought we did a really good job on him for a long time."

LORAIN, Ohio — Lorain boys basketball coach Andy Bastock said his team's focus Friday night was to keep Bedford's Antonio Rucker under control. It worked for a while.

"Rucker is a heck of a player," Bastock said. "He's done damage to us in previous years. I thought we did a really good job on him for a long time."

Rucker had five points through three quarters and the Titans appeared to be well on the way to a Lake Erie League victory. A layup by Louis Cheers gave Lorain a 16-point lead early in the fourth quarter.

That's when Rucker and his Bearcats teammates got hot. Bedford cut the deficit to a point before Brandon Davis hit 3 of 4 foul shots in the last eight seconds to secure Lorain's 74-70 victory.

Rucker scored 15 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter, including four 3-pointers. Bedford also forced seven Lorain turnovers during their frantic comeback.

"I knew at some point he was going to get loose and start doing stuff," Bastock said. "When [he starts hitting shots] you just don't know how far that's going to go."

It got all the way down to a 71-70 Lorain lead after Aaron Beidleman (13 points) hit a 3-pointer for the Bearcats with 10 seconds left.

Davis was immediately fouled and he made both foul shots with eight seconds left for a 73-70 lead. Bedford had a chance to tie, but threw the ball away hurrying up court. Davis made one of two foul shots with two seconds left for the final margin.

A.J. Craighead led Lorain's balanced attack with 14 points. Seven players scored at least eight points. Davis had 13.

"We just had to regain focus," Craighead said. "When we were getting the lead we were in focus and in rhythm and doing the things we were supposed to be doing."

For the first quarter-and-a-half about the only difference between the two teams was the color of their uniforms. There were five ties in a first quarter that ended 15-15.

Thomas Winbush scored on a driving layup, then a 3-pointer, to give Lorain a 33-26 lead midway through the second quarter. A drive by Winbush, a foul shot by Cheers and a drive by Davis gave Lorain its first double-digit lead, 48-38, with 1:40 left in the third quarter.

"That was definitely the worst shooting night we've had," Bedford coach Matt Miller said. "Up until that fourth quarter we got looks we wanted. We had guys shooting the ball taking shots that normally fall. But that's going to happen. We have to find ways to play through that."

Lorain improved to 4-3 overall and 2-2 in the LEL. Bedford fell to 3-2 and 2-1.

Bob Migra is a freelance writer in Westlake.

Coaches know that landing a spot in the top four is vital.

View full sizeRon Rittenhouse, Dominion-Post via APKent State's Justin Greene is hounded by West Virginia's Kevin Jones on Nov. 15 in Morgantown, W.Va. Kent State won, 70-60.

What has historically been a tense two months of Mid-American Conference men's basketball will now become downright cutthroat.

That will be particularly true in the MAC's East Division, where most of the contenders reside. The reason is the new format for the MAC Tournament, which will be held at The Q March 7-10. The traditional bracketed format has been replaced by one designed to favor the top four teams during the regular season: The top two seeds receive a bye into the semifinals; seeds three and four get byes into the quarterfinals.

All other teams will have to play six games in eight days -- counting the final game of the regular season -- to win the MAC Tournament and the automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. The move is intended to reward teams for their regular-season performance.

Coaches know that landing a spot in the top four is vital.

"I think it could be an improvement in getting our best teams in the [NCAA] tournament," said Miami coach Charlie Coles of the new format. "But I still think, in our league, a seven or eight seed can get hot and win that thing."

That's because, as MAC play begins, the competitive balance in the conference is once again widespread.

Favorites

• Akron (8-6, RPI 114) has two of the better nonconference wins in the league (Mississippi State and Marshall) and starts conference play on the road against Miami and Bowling Green before testing any MAC East contenders. The Zips have to shed their hot-and-cold ways but have the best roster depth, with 7-0 Zeke Marshall (11.2 ppg) now a consistent offensive threat.

• Buffalo (7-4, RPI 116) has the most productive baseline players in the league in senior Mitchell Watt (15.2 ppg, 7.7 rpg) and sophomore Javon McCrea (17.8 ppg, 8.0 rpg). Rebounding and defense set the Bulls apart. Depth at point guard is a concern but 3-point shooting isn't, as Zach Filzen (14.6 ppg), with McCrea and Watt, gives UB three of the MAC's top seven scorers.

• Kent State (10-3, RPI 91) -- other than a season-opening win at West Virginia -- has yet to show the offensive diversity many expected from a team that returned four of five starters from one that won the regular-season title. With returning MAC MVP Justin Greene (11.3 ppg, 6.7 rpg), KSU should be as prepared as any team for the mental and physical stress to come out on top in a 16-game grind.

• Ohio (12-2, RPI 61) has been the most consistent MAC team in nonconference play, has some quality road wins (Marshall, Northern Iowa) and arguably the best collection of guards in the league led by junior D.J. Cooper (14.0 ppg). Lack of interior muscle hasn't been a concern yet, but could be in conference play.

• Western Michigan (6-8, RPI 103) saw injuries, defections and a monster schedule lead to an 0-6 start, but it has won six of its past eight games. Center Matt Stainbrook, (13.4 ppg, 6.8 rpg) from St. Edward High, has been a stalwart. As the injured slowly return to form, WMU should contend in the West Division.

Contenders

• Ball State (8-4, RPI 174) and Central Michigan (5-8, RPI 196) have a pair of prime individual talents in BSU's Jarrod Jones (18.1 ppg) and CMU's Trey Zeigler (16.5 ppg). Jones is surrounded by 3-point shooters. Zeigler's supporting cast relies on defensive athleticism. Jones and Zeigler are good enough to carry a team down the stretch of any game.

Dark horses • Bowling Green (RPI 212) is always tough in conference play, and if Torian Oglesby continues his NCAA record-setting pace (26 straight shots without a miss in seven games), the Falcons' bench rises to the level of some contenders in the MAC.

Miami (RPI 228) has struggled against its typically tough schedule, but Julian Mavunga (19.4 ppg, 10.4 rpg) may be the best player in the league.

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

Two former area standouts make their presence felt during Michigan's overtime win over Virginia Tech during Tuesday's Sugar Bowl.

View full sizeJulian H. Gonzalez, Detroit Free Press via MCTMichigan's Jake Ryan nails Virginia Tech running back David Wilson for a 22-yard loss during the first quarter of Tuesday's Sugar Bowl. Ryan played high school football at St. Ignatius.

Their T-shirts read "Pour Some Sugar On Me," but more appropriately, it was "How Sweet It Is" for a pair of area Michigan football players.

St. Ignatius product Jake Ryan and former Glenville standout Frank Clark Jr. played integral roles during the Wolverines' 23-20 overtime victory over Virginia Tech in Tuesday's Sugar Bowl.

Ryan, a 6-3, 230-pound redshirt freshman linebacker, had seven tackles and a sack during the Wolverines' first BCS Bowl win since 2000. Clark, a 6-2, 228-pound true freshman defensive end, chipped in with an interception and a tackle.

"It's a lot different playing than being on the sidelines," said Ryan, a Westlake resident who dressed for last season's Gator Bowl but didn't play. "[The Sugar Bowl] was pretty awesome."

Ryan, who turns 20 next month, was part of a defensive unit that allowed 214 passing yards and 163 rushing yards. Michigan's offense finished with 56 yards rushing and 163 yards through the air as both teams threw an interception, with Tech fumbling the ball away once.

"We got off to a slow start," said Ryan, who totaled 37 tackles, three sacks and two fumble recoveries this season after starting 11 games. "Once we made some adjustments at halftime, we played much better."

Clark's interception, the first of his collegiate career, came in the second half.

"I saw the play developing, and a lot had to do with instinct and preparation," said Clark, who had six tackles on the season in limited action. "We spent three weeks on our game plan and our coaches did a good job getting us ready."

The win gave Michigan an 11-2 season under rookie coach Brady Hoke.

"Coach is big on defense and we made improvement because of him," said Clark, who explained his position is more like a roving linebacker. "The [Sugar] bowl experience was good, but playing in front of all those people wasn't a big deal because we have over 100,000 at our home games."

Clark isn't surprised by his immediate impact despite the fact he won't turn 19 until June.

"The biggest adjustment is the speed of the college game," he said. "It forces you to work harder and step up your game. The coaches have given me a responsibility and I'm just trying to do my job."

Clark wasn't offered a scholarship by Ohio State, which has become a pipeline for Glenville players.

The slight doesn't bother him.

"I'm loving it here, the community and fans are great," said Clark, who is majoring in sports management. "I'm here to prove a point to a lot of people, not just OSU. We're all here to prove a point. We got 11 wins this time but we want 12, possibly 13 wins next year."

Ryan also wasn't offered a scholarship by the Buckeyes.

"It doesn't bother me," said Ryan, a sports management major. "I'm just happy to be at Michigan."

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: bfortuna@plaind.com, 216-999-4665

On Twitter: @BobFortuna

A quick preview of today's games, including Ohio State at Iowa, Cleveland State vs. Loyola, and Kent State's women vs. Ohio.

View full sizeThomas Ondrey, The Plain DealerCleveland State's men's basketball team faces Loyola today at the Wolstein Center in downtown Cleveland.

Men

No. 6 OSU at Iowa

Tipoff: 3 p.m. at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.

TV/radio: Big Ten Network; WKNR AM/850.

Notable: The Buckeyes (14-2, 2-1 Big Ten), coming off a 31-point win over Nebraska, know they have to cut down the turnovers against the Hawkeyes (10-6, 2-1), who have won two straight after starting Big Ten play with a loss at Purdue. Iowa is led by 6-5 Matt Gatens, averaging 13.6 points per game, but the Hawkeyes managed an upset win at Wisconsin a week ago when Gatens scored just six points. Guard Bryce Cartwright had 17 off the bench in that one. Iowa coach Fran McCaffery, obviously, is concerned with OSU big man Jared Sullinger. "He's arguably the best passing big man in the game," McCaffery said. "He's fabulous. He's seen [double-teams] a lot, so he's gotten really good at it. He's worked on it. They spread you. But they got shooters. You can double-team anybody and get the ball out of his hands, but the question then becomes: What do you do from there?"

Next for OSU: Tuesday, at Illinois, 9 p.m.

Prediction: Ohio State 68, Iowa 61.

-- Doug Lesmerises

Cleveland State vs. Loyola

Tipoff: 2 p.m. at the Wolstein Center.

Radio: WHK AM/1220.

Notable: For CSU (13-3, 3-1 Horizon League), an infusion of youth into the lineup has offset the temporary loss of guard Trevon Harmon (concussion) and the season-long loss of guard Sebastian Douglas (knee). Freshman point guard Charlie Lee played well in his first start, and freshman swingman Marlin Mason was solid in his first action of the season. Now it must continue. Loyola (5-10, 0-5) is the only team winless in HL play. The Vikings end this three-game homestand with surging league power Butler and Valparaiso next up, both on the road.

Next for CSU: Friday, at Butler, 7 p.m.

Akron at Miami of Ohio

Tipoff: 7 p.m. at Millett Hall, Oxford, Ohio.

TV/radio: ONN; WARF AM/1350.

Notable: Of all the Mid-American Conference contenders, Akron (8-6) gets the easiest road to open league play, first at Miami (4-8) then at Bowling Green (6-7), the only two teams with losing records in the division. Zips must take instant advantage. Akron has won five of its past six, including an upset at Marshall. The Zips are a veteran team with Nik Cvetinovic, Brett McClanahan, Zeke Marshall, Alex Abreu and Quincy Diggs all key to last season's NCAA Tournament appearance. That experience should not be wasted. Akron's mission will be to slow Miami's Julian Mavunga (10.4 ppg, 10.4 rpg).

Next for Akron: Wednesday, at Bowling Green, 7 p.m.

Kent State at Buffalo

Tipoff: 7 p.m. at Alumni Hall, Buffalo, N.Y.

Radio: WNIR FM/100.1.

Notable: KSU (10-3) gets a very tough road test to open MAC play at Buffalo (7-4), a team that features three of the league's top seven scorers: Javon McCrea, 16.8 ppg; Mitchell Watt, 15.8; and Zach Filzen, 14.7. They will test a KSU defense that has held teams to 60.9 ppg. Offensively, reigning MAC Player of the Year Justin Greene (11.3 ppg) has not been as dominant as in the past, forcing Kent to rely on the hot-and-cold shooting from its perimeter players. Point guard Mike Porrini is expected to play after missing the most recent game with a toe injury.

Next for KSU: Wednesday, vs. Miami of Ohio, 7 p.m.

-- Elton Alexander

Case Western Reserve vs. Carnegie Mellon

Tipoff: 5 p.m. at Horsburgh Gymnasium, Cleveland.

Notable: CWRU (8-3) opens its University Athletic Association season after having a seven-game win streak snapped against John Carroll last week. Junior forward Austin Fowler is Case's top scorer at 15.3 ppg, while sophomore C David Thompson checks in at 13.5 ppg and 8.3 rpg, with three double doubles in the past five games. Senior forward Tom Summers also has produced double doubles in three of the past four contests and averages 9.6 points and 8.5 rebounds. Forward Dane McLoughlin leads four freshmen in the main rotation at 12.5 ppg with a team-high 22 3-pointers.

Next for CWRU: Jan. 13, at Washington University in St. Louis, 8 p.m.

-- Compiled using info provided by schools

Women

Cleveland State at Butler

Tipoff: 2 p.m. at Hinkle Field House, Indianapolis.

Notable: CSU (6-7, 1-1 HL) plays its third straight on the road, taking on the Bulldogs (5-9, 1-2).

Next for CSU: Thursday, vs. Illinois-Chicago, 7 p.m.

Akron at Bowling Green

Tipoff: Noon, Stroh Center.

TV: SportsTime Ohio.

Notable: Akron (6-9, 0-1 MAC) has lost five of its past six. BG (11-3, 1-0) has won 11 of its past 12 games.

Next for Akron: Wednesday, at Buffalo, 7 p.m.

Kent State vs. Ohio

Tipoff: 2 p.m. at M.A.C. Center.

Notable: Kent (1-10, 0-1 MAC) has lost eight straight. The Bobcats (8-7, 1-0) are looking for a third straight win for coach Semeka Randall.

Next for KSU: Wednesday, at Miami of Ohio, 7 p.m.

-- Elton Alexander

Baldwin-Wallace vs. Capital

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

Radio: WBWC FM/88.3.

Notable: B-W is 8-5, 3-3 in the Ohio Athletic Conference. Capital is 8-4, 3-2. This is one of the best women's basketball rivalries in Division III. In the past two decades, B-W and Capital have combined to win 19 OAC regular-season titles and 14 OAC Tournament titles. B-W coach Cheri Harrer (441 wins) and Capital's Sixie Jeffers (596) have combined for 1,037 victories. B-W is led by sophomore guard Jessica Lairson at 12.1 ppg and a team-leading 20 steals. B-W has won 21 of the past 32 meetings, including a 64-61 triumph in the most recent contest.

Next for B-W: Wednesday, at Mount Union, 7:30 p.m.

Case Western Reserve vs. Carnegie Mellon

Tipoff: 3 p.m. at Horsburgh Gymnasium, Cleveland.

Notable: The Spartans (7-4) have won five of their past six, including a 75-74 victory over 24th-ranked Otterbein on Dec. 29. CWRU is limiting opponents to 55.6 ppg and .357 shooting from the field. With her 20 points at Otterbein, senior forward Erin Hollinger (Chardon) has scored 1,228 points in her career, moving into second place in CWRU history. Hollinger now trails only CWRU Spartan Club Hall of Famer and 2001 graduate Erin Rogalski's record of 1,659 career points.

Next for CWRU: Jan. 13, at Washington University in St. Louis, 6 p.m.

John Carroll vs. Wilmington

Tipoff: 3 p.m. at the DeCarlo Varsity Center, University Heights.

Notable: JCU (4-8, 1-5 OAC) has just one victory in the past five weeks. Wilmington is 9-4. JCU will continue to rely on two sophomores: Allison Lustig, who leads the OAC in assists per game (5.08), and Missy Spahar, who is fourth in the league in scoring with a 15.3 average, and leads the OAC in rebounding at a 9.8 clip.

Next for JCU: Wednesday, vs. Muskingum, 7:30 p.m.

-- Compiled using info provided by schools

The Buckeyes remain the favorite to win the Big Ten, but the loss to Indiana shows nothing is certain, and Iowa certainly would like to be another roadblock.

Jim Slosiarek, The GazetteIowa coach Fran McCaffery's team is 2-1 in the conference, and can solidify itself as a viable Big Ten contender with an upset of Ohio State.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Four days after Iowa provided a first step, but far from a definite answer, toward determining a Republican presidential nominee, the Big Ten basketball race will hold its version of a caucus when Ohio State visits Iowa City today.

The Buckeyes are still the frontrunner, picked unanimously to win the Big Ten by a poll of 24 conference writers surveyed by the Columbus Dispatch in October, and continuing to hold that designation despite the loss at Indiana last Saturday. But as that loss to the Hoosiers showed, there may be more contenders in the Big Ten this season that could run a negative ad (pull an upset) that could at least slightly alter the view of Ohio State.

Indiana was one, and Iowa may be another.

In the previous three seasons, the Hoosiers (8-46) and Hawkeyes (13-41) owned the Big Ten basement, losing by far the most conference games in the Big Ten, with Northwestern and Penn State next with 22 wins. But both appear to have turned the corner, as No. 6 Ohio State (14-2) already found out with a 74-71 loss in Bloomington. Now Iowa, after winning just four Big Ten games in each of the last two years, is off to a 2-1 conference start with road wins at Wisconsin and Minnesota.

"Where do you go from here?" Iowa coach Fran McCaffery said at his news conference in Iowa on Friday. "We lose the next six in a row, it's like, OK, they won a couple of games a while ago. The reason we won those two games is we're playing better. It's pretty simple. Now we have to continue to play even better."

The Buckeyes had won six in a row against both the Hoosiers and Hawkeyes coming into this season. Ohio State is at something of a "where do you go from here?" moment as well, at 1-2 on the road so far this season, though rarely at full strength in those games. As OSU coach Thad Matta pointed out, star Jared Sullinger missed the Kansas road loss with back problems, sat out all but six minutes of a close road win at South Carolina with foot problems, and missed 10 minutes of the first half at Indiana with foul trouble.

"With where we've played this year and with some of the hands we've been dealt in those games . . . those are things I talked about this week, that we've got to learn to play with adversity," Matta said. "Crowd, foul trouble, whatever it is, we've got to be better than that."

In games like this, the Buckeyes almost always have been in recent years, fighting past troubles to find a way to win, like at Iowa last year, when Ohio State trailed by six at the half before pulling out a 73-68 win.

"We got off to a horrific 20-minute start, but we played through it," Matta said.

That's what was expected. The frontrunner took a few hits but came out on top.

"You remember last year's game where everybody talks about how we played well against Ohio State losing by five," McCaffery said. "They went on a 16-0 run, we turned it over seven times in that stretch. It's hard to win. It's hard to win. Now, we fought back. Got it to a one or two possession game, and that's great, but we lost the game nine minutes before that."

That's what was expected. The underdog grabbed some attention, but in the end, didn't have enough.

Could any of that change today? Indiana was picked to finish eighth in the preseason, but is polling much higher now at 14-1 and No. 12 in the nation. Iowa was picked ninth in the preseason poll, and is only 10-6 overall, but clearly is more competitive.

"Now we've got more weapons. But more importantly, we've got a better understanding of what we want to do," McCaffery said. "I think this team is better prepared to handle that certainly than last year's team was."

They've been helped, though. As Matta noted, the Badgers were 3-for-28 on 3-pointers in their loss to Iowa, the Golden Gophers 4-for-23 in theirs. But Ohio State didn't shoot well last time out, going just 2-of-17 from 3-point range in Tuesday's win over Nebraska.

Still, if the Buckeyes play as expected, not much should change today. Ohio State will march toward the expected nomination, and the Hawkeyes will reconsider their campaign. But if Iowa can do what Indiana did, then everyone will know this race has changed.

The Ohio State Buckeyes need to cut down on turnovers as they visit Iowa on Saturday. CineSport's Brian Clark and The Plain Dealer's Doug Lesmerises discuss.

For more Cinesport video, go here.

See a photo gallery from the game here. ELYRIA, Ohio — Coaches preach that playing hard for a full four quarters is a prerequisite to winning.

Elyria's Dustin Solarski, in white, and Mentor's Justin Fritts dive for a ball during Friday's game at Elyria. - (Thomas Ondrey, PD)

See a photo gallery from the game here.

ELYRIA, Ohio — Coaches preach that playing hard for a full four quarters is a prerequisite to winning.

They exhort their players that they must play a full 32 minutes, leaving nothing on the floor, if they intend to be on the positive side of the scoreboard at the end.

Elyria played hard Friday and left nothing behind.

Except for a measly four minutes. You can't do that against Mentor.

The top-ranked Cardinals used that four-minute lapse in the third quarter as the starting point in an eventual 85-67 victory in an intense Northeast Ohio Conference Valley Division game at Elyria's sparkling new gymnasium.

The Cardinals shook off an erratic first half and raised their record to 8-1 overall and 3-0 in the league. The uncharacteristic opening 16 minutes gave coach Bob Krizancic ammo in his insistence that his team has a lot of room to improve.

The loss dropped the Pioneers to 5-2 overall and 1-2 in the 'conference, with the other loss being in overtime to Brunswick. But they also left having validated their first appearance in The Plain Dealer Top 25 at the 19th spot, with the feeling that they are better than many people think.

"That was not a 20-point loss, it got inflated there at the end," said head coach Brett Larrick, whose team gave the Cardinals everything they could handle -- and more -- in building a pair of eight-point leads in the first half. "We told the kids they did great except for that four-minute stretch in the third. They played hard. They did everything we asked."

Led by junior Kody Bender and some solid bench play by senior Rodney Beckett and sophomore Isaiah Walton, the Pioneers led, 39-36, at the half and extended it to 42-36 on a Bender 3-pointer to open the third quarter.

The Cardinals showed why they are the top-ranked team in The Plain Dealer Top 25 a few minutes later. With the core of their lineup contributing, the Cardinals went on a 14-3 splurge, taking the lead for good at 50-47 with 3:04 left in the quarter.

While Bender supplied the bulk of Elyria's offense, the Cardinals spread it around during the decisive stretch. Going to the basket more than it had in the first 16 minutes, senior Justin Fritts, who scored 19 of his team-high 26 points in the second half, scored five points to key the run. His younger brother, sophomore Brandon, had four points, senior Danny Wallack had two and junior Mitch Trubisky gave the Cardinals the lead for good with a 3-pointer. They missed just 3 of 11 shots in the quarter.

"We just took it upon ourselves to play better in the second half," said Justin Fritts. "We knew what we had to do. Teams know that we like the 3-pointer, but you have to have an inside game, too."

The Cardinals extended their lead to eight points by the end of the quarter and never let the Pioneers get any closer.

"We talked about what we were made of at halftime," Krizancic said. "And we talked about contesting every possession."

Bender, a stylish guard, led Elyria with 26 points, and Demetrius Walton, Khire Lateef and Isaiah Walton had nine each. Senior Rodney Beckett scored six points and had six rebounds.

Wallack finished with 22 points, and Brandon Fritts had 14. The Cardinals missed junior Jeff Foreman, who banged his head on the floor in the first quarter when he got tangled up going for a rebound.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter:trogers@plaind.com; 216-999-5169

On Twitter:TimRogersPD

Cavaliers forward Samardo Samuels is happy to be back with the team after missing Wednesday's game in Toronto with passport and visa issues.

View full sizeSamardo Samuels

"I'm glad that day passed now and I can join the team and move forward," he said.

Samuels said he lost his passport in the fall and that the Cavs were aware of the situation when he got to training camp. They've been helping him apply for a new passport, which should be waiting for him after this trip. He will have to make a trip to Ottawa, Ontario, in order to get a visa that will allow him to play in the Cavs' next game in Toronto on April 6. But it has been quite an odyssey to this point.

"Being in the lockout and not being [in Cleveland], I had to move [around] so much just to go places to work out," Samuels said. "I probably lost it in that transition. Every time I moved I tried to lessen my luggage. I was giving away stuff. I probably stuck it in one of my shoes that I gave away."

Cavs coach Byron Scott actually benched Samuels against Charlotte on Tuesday night for a lack of focus, but Samuels said the passport issue had nothing to do with his mind-set.

"I've been benched before," said Samuels, who worked out twice Wednesday and then watched the game on television before taking a commercial flight here Thursday. "The main thing is just getting back on track. My thing is coming into the season to do better than I did last year as an individual and team, just give it my best to give the team the best opportunity to win as much as possible. Whatever that takes to win, I'm down."

He also said he was not worried that center Semih Erden's imminent return might take away some of his minutes.

"If Semih's return helps us win a lot more games, I'll be a proud man," Samuels said. "He's my teammate, and I'm happy. He's a big guy. I'm interested to see what Semih can do, a guy of his stature. I want to see what he can do. When my number is called, I'm ready. The guys know what I can do and I'll be ready whenever my number is called."

Scott said there would be no fallout from the visa issue, but he hesitated when asked if Samuels could come in handy against the Timberwolves' big front line.

"He could," said the coach, who also has been unhappy with Samuels' conditioning and effort. "We'll see."

Right spot: Minnesota rookie Derrick Williams, the Timberwolves' No. 1 draft choice who was taken No. 2 overall behind Cleveland's Kyrie Irving, said he wasn't sure if the Cavs would take him with the No. 1 pick. Asked if he ever thought he'd end up in Cleveland, Williams said: "I didn't know either way. I think most of the years with the lottery the No. 1 pick was guaranteed. You already knew who it was -- John Wall, Blake Griffin, all these guys that are great players. I just felt this year was adding to your team. . . . I think we both went to the right spot."

Scott said the Cavs just weren't sure whether Williams was a power forward or a small forward.

"His workouts for us were both OK," Scott said. "I still think he's one of those guys who's going to be in the league for a long time and average 15-17 points a game. But at that particular time, at that No. 1 pick, what we really, truly needed was a point guard."

Cavs nominated: The Cavs' game against the Golden State Warriors at The Q on Jan. 17 is one of five nominees for NBA TV's Fan Night. Between next Tuesday and Thursday, fans can vote to have that game televised on NBA TV by visiting nba.com/nbatv/fannight, the NBA Facebook page and Yahoo.com.

The last word: From Scott, reacting to Irving's inclusion on the All-Star ballot: "It's a little premature. I see why. He's probably going to be on that ballot for a long time. After four games? It's a little premature. I'm happy for the young man."

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

On Twitter: @pdcavsinsider

Cincinnati travels to Houston to take on the Texans, while the Detroit Lions will face the Saints in New Orleans.

View full sizeAl Behrman, Associated PressBengals rookie quarterback Andy Dalton makes his first playoff start today against the Texans.

Cincinnati (9-7) at Houston (10-6)

Kickoff: 4:30 p.m.

TV: WKYC Channel 3.

Early line: Texans by 3.

The skinny: Texans clinched first AFC South title and playoff spot in franchise history by beating Bengals, 20-19, at Paul Brown Stadium on Dec. 11. . . . Bengals haven't won playoff game since 1990 season. . . . It's first playoff game since AFL-NFL merger in 1970 featuring two rookie quarterbacks. Bengals took Andy Dalton in second round. Texans got T.J. Yates in fifth round. . . . Dalton grew up in Houston suburb of Katy, Texas, and is 3-0 at Reliant Stadium after winning two high school playoff games there and getting a win in Texas Bowl while at TCU. . . . During loss to Houston last month, Bengals managed 81 yards in second half, including only 9 yards on 14 rushes. . . . Yates had biggest game of season at Cincinnati, completing 26 of 44 passes for 300 yards with two touchdowns and one interception.

Tony Grossi's take: Rare playoff battle of rookie QBs. Texans, 24-16.

Detroit (10-6) at New Orleans (13-3)

Kickoff: 8 p.m.

TV: WKYC Channel 3.

Early line: Saints by 10.

The skinny: Detroit making first playoff appearance since 1999. . . . Lions scored club-record 474 points in 2011; also set club record with 6,337 offensive yards. . . . Lions QB Matthew Stafford set team passing records with 5,038 yards and 41 TDs. . . . Lions WR Calvin Johnson led NFL with 1,681 yards receiving and led NFC with 16 TDs receiving. . . . New Orleans has won eight. . . . New Orleans had 8-0 home record for first time in club's 45-year history. . . . New Orleans set NFL record with 7,474 offensive yards and 5,347 yards passing. . . . Drew Brees completed 26 of 36 passes (72.2 percent) for 342 yards, three TDs in most recent meeting. . . . Saints' Jimmy Graham led NFL TEs with 99 receptions and was second with 1,310 yards receiving.

Tony's take: Drew Brees may set a playoff passing record. Saints, 49-31.

Fans may wish that Jamison be turned into young prospects for the team's future, but he's pretty important to their present, says the Cavaliers beat writer.

View full sizeJim Mone, Associated PressAntawn Jamison's offense is a much-needed aspect of the Cavaliers' first-string lineup.

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Antawn Jamison was brought to Cleveland in 2009 as the hoped-for final piece to an NBA championship team. Then, Game 5 against Boston happened and LeBron James decided to chase rings elsewhere.

A dream deferred, the Cavs disassembled the flawed supporting cast, allowing some to leave and shipping other parts with designs on rebuilding. Fans had to excuse the dust of a 19-win season a year ago. As for Jamison, he went nowhere except the injured reserve list with a broken pinkie finger.

The 35-year-old power forward is back and, for now anyway, leading the team in scoring, field-goal attempts and shots without conscience.

In a season of development there are some fans who believe the Cavaliers would be better served with Jamison on the bench or off the roster. They want to see his energetic and effective understudy, Tristan Thompson, promoted to the starting lineup. If Kyrie Irving can run the team at age 19, why can't Thompson be part of the first unit at 20?

That would be a mistake -- at least this early in the careers of both rookies. Jamison's presence is benefiting the club, and specifically the two first-rounders. Despite a few dubious shooting nights -- notably 6-of-20 in the opener against Toronto -- he is the only other starter besides Irving creating his own shot. That can't be overstated. Take away Jamison, and Irving loses one of his best options as well as a player who can stretch the defense and create lanes for the penetrating point guard.

Jamison, who's averaging 17.9 points, led the Cavaliers to another victory Friday night in Minnesota, hitting jumpers and tossing in a few of his signature slop shots.

Does he take a few too many jumpers? Probably, but when the shot clock ticks toward zero, he's one of the few who's shooting the ball -- not chucking it.

Jamison also has allowed his heir apparent to succeed in a reserve role and to gain confidence -- usually against the opponent's reserves. Thompson is an impressive weak-side defender and an explosive leaper. He also possesses good basketball acumen, rarely making poor decisions. But Thompson, another Cav who doesn't create his own shot, would be exposed as a starter. He and Irving will get to play together soon enough. Coach Byron Scott is making the smart play by sticking with Jamison.

The cynic might suggest the only reason to jettison Jamison right now is he's winning the Cavaliers too many games.

The iconic heavyweight boxing champion will bask in the limelight once again at a private birthday bash on the evening of Jan. 14 at the Muhammad Ali Center in downtown Louisville.

Ross D. Franklin, Associated PressMuhammad Ali, pictured here in December 2009, will be feted by his hometown of Louisville, Ky., for a 70th birthday party next Saturday.

LOUISVILLE, KY. - Muhammad Ali is coming home to Louisville to celebrate another milestone -- his 70th birthday.

The iconic heavyweight boxing champion will bask in the limelight once again at a private birthday bash on the evening of Jan. 14 at the Muhammad Ali Center in downtown Louisville. Ali turns 70 on Jan. 17. The party will double as a fundraiser for the center -- a cultural and education complex that also features a museum focusing on Ali's long career as a boxer, social activist and humanitarian.

"Louisville was the first to support Muhammad in his pursuit of gold," Lonnie Ali, the boxer's wife, said in a statement Saturday evening. "It is only fitting that Louisville and surrounding communities participate in this important celebration to mark his 70th birthday."

Ali Center spokeswoman Jeanie Kahnke said Saturday that Ali will be surrounded by old friends and people who made a difference in his life, including his longtime trainer Angelo Dundee. The party will feature a dinner, entertainment and speeches.

She described it as a "retrospective look and celebration" of Ali's life.

"It's significant for anyone to turn 70 years old," Kahnke said. "But for such a global icon, who has literally touched the lives of millions of people, it's a momentous event to celebrate."

A few tickets remained available for the $1,000-per-person event, she said.

Kahnke said that Muhammad and Lonnie Ali are looking forward to returning for the celebration. The Alis have a residence in Louisville but have recently been staying at their home in Arizona, she said. Ali is battling Parkinson's disease.

A series of community events -- titled "Seven Days for Seven Decades" -- will be offered from Jan. 15-21 at the center, touching on both the serious and fun sides of Ali.

"Community is an important part of Muhammad's life," Lonnie Ali said in her statement. "He was and is a master at building community around him."

She noted that Ali has engaged community support in the U.S. and around the world.

"In each community he visits, Muhammad involves people as stakeholders in his success," she said. "He makes people feel important, worthy and good about themselves and their actions. Muhammad continues to involve everyday people in his daily pursuit of life. He draws people in and makes them feel welcome. His support of community causes and individual efforts have been a way of life."

The week of events includes a "compassion fair" and workshops focusing on examples of compassion throughout the world. An exhibit will delve into the lives of people with dual African American and Native American ancestries. There will be screenings of films based on Ali's life.

Next Sunday, a magician will perform in the center's main lobby -- a recognition of Ali's love of magic tricks. Also, people visiting the center during that week will receive a discounted admission for bringing non-perishable food items for a food bank.

"We really want to thank the community that has supported and loved and embraced Muhammad," Kahnke said.

The center opened in 2005 and draws about 85,000 visitors a year.

Born Cassius Clay, Ali began his boxing career as an amateur in Louisville in the 1950s, won a gold medal in boxing in 1960 at the Olympics in Rome. He went on to become a three-time world heavyweight champion. He first won the title by defeating Sonny Liston in 1964. Ali was then stripped of his boxing title in 1967 for refusing to be drafted for military service during the Vietnam War.

He regained the title in 1974 when he defeated George Foreman in Zaire. Ali's last title came in 1978 when he defeated Leon Spinks. Ali had three epic fights against his chief rival, Joe Frazier.

Ali has received dozens of international awards for his humanitarian efforts.

The front office will be squarely in the spotlight as fans look for reasons to believe in 2012, says Tony Grossi.

View full sizeScott Shaw, The Plain DealerWhile GM Tom Heckert and team president Mike Holmgren clearly believe in their plan for the Browns, they haven't been able to mollify a fan base's disappointment with the 2011 season.

1. How about some urgency, some excitement?

I thought the Browns conveyed the wrong message at the Mike Holmgren-Tom Heckert season-ending press conference. They were defensive, albeit less so than previously, about their long-range plan. They exuded no excitement about the opportunities that lie ahead with multiple first-round picks. They failed to generate any excitement about the prospect of immediately bolstering the offense through the draft and free agency. It was almost as if they were perplexed, if not overwhelmed, by the task at hand.

2. The Seneca Wallace factor.

Why does Holmgren always point out how much he likes -- he said love -- Seneca Wallace when discussing his quarterback situation? My theory is that he sees Wallace as his insurance opening-day starter if the team is unable to land a true franchise quarterback. The Browns seem gun-shy about pursuing, and investing in, one. If they draft a QB after the first round, I can envision the rookie being eased in at a later date. The winner of the Wallace-Colt McCoy competition would then open the season as the starter. My hunch is that Wallace would emerge victorious if they made it a true competition.

3. The Matt Flynn factor

Pursuing and signing Flynn as a free agent is a costly proposition. If the Packers franchise Flynn with the intent of trading him, the price tag could be a No. 2 pick, or higher, plus the $50 million or so it would take to tie up Flynn to a long-term contract. That's a huge investment, so the Browns have to be convinced beyond any shadow of doubt that Flynn will be the quarterback to eventually take them to the Super Bowl.

If I'm the Browns, I don't even look at his six-TD performance against Detroit. They shouldn't let Green Bay's sterling supporting cast and coaching influence their evaluation of Flynn. Heckert has to have a "book" on Flynn based on his evaluation coming out of LSU in 2008. It so happens that the Philadelphia Eagles had a largely unproductive draft in 2008 with Heckert supervising it. They had taken Kevin Kolb in the second round the year before, so they weren't exactly scouting quarterbacks. But the only quality player they drafted in 10 picks was DeSean Jackson in the second round.

4. Free agency

Nobody needs to see the Browns sign 10 players in free agency to believe they're trying to make the team better. But it is imperative they come out of the free agent-signing season with a few -- read: more than one -- blue-chip, Pro Bowl-potential players. One has to be a receiver, if available. No more bottom feeding. This franchise has to think of touchdown-makers, not role players.

The defense is far from perfect, but there's young talent that promises good things for the next few years.

View full sizeJohn Kuntz, The Plain DealerThe strong play of defensive end Jabaal Sheard (right) and second-year cornerback Joe Haden (combining to force a fumble by the Steelers' Heath Miller) is part of the positives that can be found from the 2011 Browns, says Tony Grossi.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Sure, there are some areas that offer hope for the 2012 season.

1. The defense: GM Tom Heckert has used his top two picks in the past two drafts on defense. Those players -- Joe Haden, T.J. Ward, Phil Taylor and Jabaal Sheard -- form the young core. Also included should be D'Qwell Jackson and Chris Gocong. Having an experienced, sage defensive coordinator in Dick Jauron assures the group will continue to develop. Now, it has to be rounded off with another defensive end, another young linebacker and a cornerback, but the foundation has been laid.

2. Playing experience: Force-feeding young players into the lineup can be painful. But the suffering can lead to better things. The experience gained by offensive linemen Jason Pinkston and Shawn Lauvao, receiver Greg Little, and the defensive linemen mentioned above should accelerate their growth. All those players improved as the season wore on.

3. Getting better: True, the Browns lost each of their six division games for only the second time since their rebirth in expansion. But if you examine those games, you notice two things. First, they closed the margin in their second meeting against each opponent. Lost to Cincinnati by 10 points, then by 3. Lost to Baltimore by 14 points, then by 6. Lost to Pittsburgh by 11 points, then by 4. They also limited their rivals to 121 points in six games. Those were the fewest amount of points scored on them in a season since 2002, when the Browns made the playoffs. And this was a year in which all three of their rivals reached the postseason, so there were no off years.

4. The off-season: Never has a true NFL off-season been so sorely needed. There's no question the Browns were hurt more than most teams by the lockout last year and the resultant absence of workouts and minicamps. Pat Shurmur had never been a head coach at any level. He was robbed of the ability to get to know his team and introduce new offensive and defensive systems. Now he'll have an off-season to fine-tune his methods and plans. Further, with extra picks in the draft and plenty of room under the salary cap, the Browns have the ammunition to upgrade their roster. Last year's free agency season was disrupted by the lockout, also. This year, Heckert can concentrate on filling needs in free agency before the draft.

5. The 2012 schedule: I'm not one to base a season's hopes on its schedule of games. But it's unavoidable to look at the 2012 slate and not consider it a positive. The six division games are a gantlet, of course. But of the remaining 10, only two are against playoff teams this season -- Denver (8-8) and the Giants (9-7). The remaining games are Kansas City (7-9), San Diego (8-8), Buffalo (6-10), Philadelphia (8-8), Washington (5-11), Oakland (8-8), Indianapolis (2-14) and Dallas (8-8). Yes, the makeups of each team will change. But that's a fairly weak schedule heading into the off-season.

The Browns will certainly be considering their 2012 quarterback options, says Mary Kay Cabot.

View full sizeJohn Kuntz, The Plain DealerIs the Colt McCoy Era definitely over for the Browns? Mary Kay Cabot isn't as sure as some observers about the second-year QB's future.

1. Griffin and Tannehill

I think the Browns will take a long, hard look at two top QB prospects with their fourth overall pick: Baylor's Robert Griffin III and Texas A&M's Ryan Tannehill. Most folks know about Griffin because he won the Heisman and is a human highlight film with speed and athletic ability. But Tannehill is an intriguing prospect, one who would fit the Browns' West Coast system perfectly. He's 6-4, 222 pounds with a big arm -- good zip and accuracy. He played for former Packers head coach Mike Sherman, who was an assistant under Browns President Mike Holmgren in Green Bay and Seattle. He played in a pro-style offense very similar to what the Browns run. I wouldn't be surprised if this is their man.

2. Colt can still be the guy

I really do believe Colt McCoy can take this team to the next level. Here's why: 1. He had no off-season with his new coaching staff. 2. It was his first year in a system that Holmgren has said takes three years to play fast in. 3. His receivers dropped a league-high 43 passes. 4. His No. 1 receiver was a rusty rookie in Greg Little. His other top receiver, Mo Massaquoi, was a non-factor because of foot injuries and a concussion. 5. His offense was learning on the fly. 6. Seneca Wallace, well-versed in the WCO, refused to mentor him because he wanted the starting job himself. 6. He played most games without Peyton Hillis or Montario Hardesty.

3. Hillis is most likely gone

Unless the Browns drastically changed their mind over the final three games, they'll let Hillis walk in free agency. The Browns don't feel he is worth all the drama. Yes, he looked great against Arizona (99 yards) and Baltimore (112 yards) at the end, but the Browns have no intention of paying him the $5 million to $6 million a year he's believed to be seeking. With their offensive line, they feel they can plug in another back who'll be as successful -- at a much lower cost.

4. Not hung up on offense at No. 4

It's obvious the Browns need to add playmakers to their points-challenged offense -- ranked 30th with 13.6 points per game -- but I'm a firm believer in "the best available player" strategy. If your highest-rated guy is a defensive player, take him. I doubt that'll be the case this year, but the idea is to stay true to your board. The Browns still have Atlanta's pick in the 20s and the No. 37 overall (in the second round) to add premier offensive talent. Case in point: In 2005, then Browns GM Phil Savage, who helped draft great defensive players in Baltimore, picked receiver Braylon Edwards at No. 3 instead of pass-rush linebacker DeMarcus Ware, who went to the Cowboys at No. 11. Edwards is out of work right now and Ware is headed to his sixth Pro Bowl. If the Browns have USC pass-rusher Nick Perry rated higher at No. 4 than Oklahoma State receiver Justin Blackmon, they shouldn't hesitate.

In a year of unusual occurrences, one nightmarish loss defined Pat Shurmur's first season and altered the Browns' future -- and it wasn't in Pittsburgh.

View full sizeJohn Kuntz, The Plain DealerThe debacle of Phil Dawson's missed/blocked field goal in the final seconds against the Rams on Nov. 13 was the symbolic nadir of the Browns' 2011 season.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Browns have only themselves to blame for the quandary at quarterback they face this off-season.

They didn't need to tank their season and lose more games to get a legitimate shot at Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck, the consensus prize of the 2012 draft. They simply needed to take care of business on Nov. 13. On that day, the Browns lost to the St. Louis Rams, 13-12, on a series of late-game sideline and special-team blunders.

The game defined their season and muddled their immediate future.

Had the Browns not given away the game, St. Louis would have finished with a 1-15 record. They would have moved in front of the Indianapolis Colts (2-14) and "earned" the No. 1 pick.

Instead, the Colts held on to the No. 1 pick on a tiebreaker.

Colts owner Jim Irsay has made it clear that he intends to use the pick on Luck to provide a seamless transition from Peyton Manning, the face of the team since 1998 and whose career is in doubt as a result of uncertain recovery from a third neck surgery.

The Rams, however, have a different situation. They've invested millions of dollars and two seasons in developing quarterback Sam Bradford, who is only 24 and a surer thing, they believe, than Luck. Their intention was to trade the No. 1 pick and use the bounty from such a mega-trade to surround Bradford with offensive weapons.

"Ownership and management seem pretty clear on that," said Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

View full sizeJoshua Gunter, The Plain Dealer"I think his perseverance and his ability to handle adversity was tested," Browns President Mike Holmgren said of rookie head coach Pat Shurmur in 2011. "I thought he kind of emerged ... [with] a few scars, but for a first-year head coach he went through some stuff that I know I didn't have to go through my first year."

Thus, the 13-12 collapse served two purposes. It surely underscored the travails of first-year head coach Pat Shurmur, while blocking a path to the franchise quarterback the Browns so sorely need.

The Rams arrived at a critical juncture in Shurmur's first season. Back-to-back losses in San Francisco and Houston had dropped the Browns to 3-5 and left them physically banged up. With upcoming home games against the Rams and Jaguars, the hope of evening their record at 5-5 was realistic.

The Rams were reeling in their own right. They were 1-7 with Bradford trying to play through a high ankle sprain. Moreover, they were the team with which Shurmur was most familiar. He was their offensive coordinator the previous two seasons.

At the time, injuries to running backs Peyton Hillis and Montario Hardesty left Shurmur with Chris Ogbonnaya, signed two weeks earlier from the Houston practice squad, as his only running threat. The occasion called for offensive creativity -- anything to produce a win against St. Louis. It was evident throughout the game that Shurmur was selling out to win this game. He dusted off the Wildcat formation for Josh Cribbs and also dialed up a razzle-dazzle play that resulted in a Colt McCoy pass to Seneca Wallace for 21 yards.

Against his nature, Shurmur also incorporated more shotgun plays to accommodate McCoy. The quarterback responded with his best game in over a month. He completed 20 of 27 passes for 218 yards and a passer rating of 97.5.

McCoy's numbers were better than Bradford's except for one thing. Bradford produced the game's only touchdown in the second quarter on a pass to Brandon Lloyd -- the quality receiver the Browns had refused to pursue when the Denver Broncos made him available for trade a month earlier.

It looked as if the Rams would score another touchdown in the fourth quarter when they reached the Browns' 9. But a Phil Taylor sack of Bradford forced a field goal and a 13-12 St. Louis lead.

The Browns had one more possession. They moved to the Rams' 19. Shurmur called for four straight safe handoffs to eat the clock and set up a field goal. On the third one, fullback Owen Marecic was nicked up and he left the field. Two plays later, the call was for another quick handoff to the lead fullback. But Shurmur was unaware Marecic had not returned.

Unbeknownst to Shurmur, tight end Alex Smith took Marecic's place. Instead of calling a timeout, the Browns tried to execute the called play. McCoy's handoff to Smith was fumbled. Smith had never taken a handoff in his NFL career. Cribbs fell on the ball at the 7.

Ogbonnaya carried to the Rams' 4 on the next play. With 2:13 left, Shurmur used a timeout to settle the team for what surely would be the go-ahead field goal.

The unthinkable then happened. Reliable long snapper Ryan Pontbriand, who had been uncharacteristically off target for weeks, double-clutched prior to his snap to holder Brad Maynard. The twitch caused movement on the Browns' frazzled offensive line. Pontbriand's snap deflected off the foot of Alex Mack, lined up at left guard.

Maynard retrieved the errant ball and spotted it, but Phil Dawson's timing was shot. He tried to adjust his steps but couldn't. He pulled the ball to the left and it was partially deflected off target by a Rams' lineman. The Rams safely burned the final two minutes to secure their unlikely win. It was the low point of Shurmur's first season.

Somehow, the Browns shook off the horrific loss and beat Jacksonville the following week. But Shurmur never recovered. He became a lightning rod of criticism the rest of the year. The Browns didn't win another game after beating the Jaguars and wound up with one more loss than fired coach Eric Mangini had the previous year.

In his review of Shurmur's first season, President Mike Holmgren said, "I think his perseverance and his ability to handle adversity was tested. I thought he kind of emerged ... [with] a few scars, but for a first-year head coach he went through some stuff that I know I didn't have to go through my first year.

"There was some stuff that went on that was a little unusual."

There was the owners lockout, which canceled Shurmur's off-season camps and opportunity to meet his new team. There was the continual soap opera involving Hillis. There was the McCoy concussion in the Pittsburgh game, which threw his future in doubt.

Ultimately, it was the management of the final minutes of the St. Louis game that perhaps cost the Browns the most -- a real chance to get the quarterback of their dreams.

On Twitter: @TonyGrossi

Lake Erie, which has lost three in a row, carried a 1-0 lead into the second period.

CHICAGO -- The Chicago Wolves scored three second-period goals Saturday and beat the visiting Lake Erie Monsters, 3-1.

The Monsters' Evan Brophey opened the scoring in the first period with his second goal in as many nights, and Lake Erie, which has lost three in a row, carried a 1-0 lead into the second period.

The Wolves tied the game at 6:42 of the second and took the lead with a power-play goal three minutes later.

Buffalo held Kent State scoreless during the final four minutes until Michael Porrini made a 3-pointer with five seconds left.

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Javon McCrea scored 25 points to help Buffalo rally, then hold off, visiting Kent State, 66-65, on Saturday night.

McCrea, who leads the Mid-American Conference in shooting percentage at 63 percent, shot 9-of-16 from the field and 7-of-9 from the free-throw line.

Buffalo (8-4, 1-0 MAC) trailed by six, 58-52, after Randal Holt hit a 3-pointer with 8:22 left in the game, but the Bulls used a 7-0 run to take a one-point lead, 59-58, with 5:37 left to play.

Holt hit another jumper at the four-minute mark to put the Golden Flashes (10-4, 0-1) ahead by two, 62-60. But Buffalo closed the game on a 6-0 run and took a 66-62 lead with 10 seconds left.

Buffalo held Kent State scoreless during the final four minutes until Michael Porrini made a 3-pointer with five seconds left.

There were seven lead changes and neither team led by more than seven points.

OXFORD, Ohio -- Quincy Diggs scored 14 points and Akron made a late run to defeat Miami of Ohio, 65-60, Saturday. It was the Mid-American Conference opener for both teams.

There were seven lead changes and neither team led by more than seven points. With the score tied, 58-58, with 1:40 remaining, Akron scored five straight points to take command. The Zips made five of six free-throw attempts in the run, the last by Nikola Cvetinovic with 12 seconds to play for a 63-58 lead.

Brian Walsh added 13 points and Nick Harney had 11 for Akron (9-6), which has won three straight in the series and seven of the past nine against Miami (4-9).

The Zips shot 44 percent (22-of-50) from the field, including 7-of-12 from 3-point range, and scored 25 points on 14 Miami turnovers. Akron only turned the ball over seven times, and just once in the second half.

The RedHawks' Julian Mavunga posted his ninth double double of the season with 23 points and 14 rebounds.

The Zips improve to 13-7 in MAC openers, including 4-6 on the road.