Athletic Director Gene Smith comes to Urban Meyer's defense when it comes to recruiting.

APGene Smith, left, Ohio State's director of athletics and associate vice president escorts Urban Meyer.

The Cavaliers look to get back on the winning track tonight against the Orlando Magic. Get Twitter updates from Tom Reed and Mary Schmitt Boyer @PDCavsInsider. Tip-off is at 7:00 p.m.

The Cavaliers look to get back on the winning track tonight against the Orlando Magic. Get Twitter updates from Tom Reed and Mary Schmitt Boyer @PDCavsInsider in the box below. Check out the in-game box score here. Read on for a game preview. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.

View full sizeLonnie Timmons | The Plain DealerAnderson Varejao and Dwight Howard will battle tonight in Orlando as the Cavaliers will take on the Magic.

UPDATED: Orlando's Dwight Howard, a notoriously poor foul shooter, makes 5 of 6 free-throws down the stretch to sink the Cavs.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Trade rumors have been swirling about center Dwight Howard since the season started, but unfortunately for the Cavaliers, he's still with the Magic.

Howard had 19 points, 16 rebounds and eight blocked shots, and he made five of his last six free throws down the stretch as the here-to-fore struggling Magic held off the hard-charging Cavaliers, 102-94, on Friday night in Amway Center.

The Magic have had a difficult two weeks, but on Friday night they looked like the dominant team they've been since Howard arrived. This was their seventh straight victory over the Cavs, and they improved to 14-9.

"They're a great team," said Cavs guard Ramon Sessions, who combined with Alonzo Gee to rally the Cavs in the fourth quarter. "I don't think that stuff is really bothering them. When you've got Dwight Howard down there, no matter what four you put around him, you know it's going to be a tough night."

That "stuff" includes persistent trade rumors about six-time All-Star Howard, who will become a free agent next summer, the loss of starting point guard Jameer Nelson with concussionlike symptoms, four straight devastating losses and five in six games, and now the suspension of Glen "Big Baby" Davis for a verbal confrontation with coach Stan Van Gundy at Friday morning's shootaround.

But Friday night they put all that aside. They got 19 points from guard Jason Richardson, who took the previous two games off to rest, 18 points and seven rebounds from forward Hedo Turkoglu, and 17 points and eight rebounds from forward Ryan Anderson.

Gee led the Cavs with 20 points. Rookie guard Kyrie Irving had 18 points, forward Antawn Jamison had 16 points and 12 rebounds, while center Anderson Varejao added 12 points and 15 rebounds for the Cavs, who fell to 8-13. The Cavs actually outrebounded the Magic, 57-45, but they shot just 36.7 percent, so there were a lot of errant shots to corral.

As a result, Orlando pulled out to a 74-53 lead early in the final period. The Cavs were shooting just 29.4 percent heading into the fourth quarter.

Of course, that's when they come alive, and Friday night was no different. Gee had 13 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter and Sessions had 12 points and five assists as the Cavs climbed back within 95-90 on a 3-pointer by Gee with 2:15 left.

The Cavs resorted to fouling Howard, who came into the game making just 47 percent of his free throws. The strategy seemed to be working, as Howard missed six of his first 10 attempts. But he hit five of his last six to foil the strategy and help the Magic to their second straight victory and perhaps put them back on the right track.

"It was working a little bit," Gee said, "but Dwight stepped up and starting making free throws, which he's supposed to do.

"He's a big-time player, so he's going to do that."

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

On Twitter: @pdcavsinsider

BEDFORD, Ohio — Ask St. Peter Chanel guard Tommie Williams about playing defense and watch his eyes sparkle as if implanted with LEDs. "I look forward to checking one of the best ball handlers on the other team and get as many steals as possible to help my team," said Williams, a 5-6 senior. "I try to look where...

St. Peter Chanel's Tommie Williams. - (PD file)

BEDFORD, Ohio — Ask St. Peter Chanel guard Tommie Williams about playing defense and watch his eyes sparkle as if implanted with LEDs.

"I look forward to checking one of the best ball handlers on the other team and get as many steals as possible to help my team," said Williams, a 5-6 senior. "I try to look where he's looking. I'm fast and I can recover pretty quickly, too."

Williams spearheaded a defense that forced six turnovers in the opening minutes as the Firebirds raced to a double-digit lead and went on to beat visiting Cleveland Central Catholic, 64-56, on Friday.

Chanel (14-1, 7-1 North Coast League) entered the weekend leading the NCL White Division by two games ahead of Villa Angela-St. Joseph and Central Catholic, which fell to 6-8, 5-4.

Williams and senior post Kyree Brewer each scored 18 points and were a combined 15-of-20 at the line. Brewer made six free throws in the first three minutes as Chanel surged to a 14-6 lead, six of the points coming off turnovers.

Chanel tweaked its normal full-court press and fell back quickly to take away Central Catholic's dribble-drives. Brewer, 6-2 junior Dan Bailey and promising 6-3 sophomore Ishmael Hargrove frequently provided a steady last line of defense.

"They didn't take too many jump shots when we first played them, so we thought if we take away their drives, we'd be successful," Williams said.

Chanel's lead stayed at double figures much of the night until it began to sputter and lose its legs late in the game.

Central Catholic 6-6 senior Darrian Bruster contributed five points in an 11-6 run to start the fourth quarter, which sliced Chanel's lead to 56-49 with 3:24 to play.

Brewer scored on a put-back, as did Ironmen junior Greg Snyder moments later.

Central Catholic forced a turnover, but missed a 3-pointer that would have cut the lead to four with 2:25 left.

Chanel opened the door again by missing seven straight free throws in the final minute while clinging to a 62-56 lead.

The Ironmen missed two open 3-pointers, and with 18 seconds left, Chanel senior guard Damon Jones forced a decisive turnover, Central Catholic's 20th of the game.

Jones also played a pivotal role on offense, scoring 13 points.

Central Catholic coach Johnathan Harris said it came down to his sophomore guards against Chanel's veteran backcourt.

"Their senior guards, their leadership on the floor, you can't duplicate," Harris said. "That's why they're winning the games they are. Those guys have been through some battles and hopefully, at some point, our guys will be like that."

Sophomore guard Chelvonte Montgomery led CCC with 13 points and Bruster scored 12.

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

On Twitter:@TimsTakePD

GARFIELD HEIGHTS, Ohio — For Solon's Anthony Collica, the Northeast Ohio Conference Tournament isn't the finish line for the regular season -- it's the starting blocks for what he hopes is another state title. "This is the part of the season that counts," Collica said. "I try to do my best to get these matches because this is where...

GARFIELD HEIGHTS, Ohio — For Solon's Anthony Collica, the Northeast Ohio Conference Tournament isn't the finish line for the regular season -- it's the starting blocks for what he hopes is another state title.

"This is the part of the season that counts," Collica said. "I try to do my best to get these matches because this is where you need to be."

On Friday, the 145-pound junior started his trek toward a second conference title with pins over North Royalton's Dylan League and Medina's JustinHamer.

Where Collica wants to be, however, is under the lights in Columbus, fighting for the title again.

But the returning state champ believes his road to the title starts here -- just as it did a year ago.

A loser early last season to Mayfield's Mike Carlone, Collica met Carlone again in the 2011 finals of the NOCT.

Trailing by three, Collica scored the final five points in what was arguably the best bout of the evening.

Collica and Carlone met yet again in the state finals and Collica prevailed, 7-6.

"My win here bumped me up a lot," Collica said.

"It definitely showed who I was and that I wasn't just a contender. I was the one to beat."

Winning can do different things to different people in many different ways.

Stow's Connor McMahon labeled himself the just-missed kid during the first two years of his varsity career.

That all changed in 2011, when he knocked off projected state runner-up Devon Range of Brush in a thrilling 3-1 NOC Tournament final.

It was a win that propelled him to the podium in Columbus and one the 160-pound senior still thinks about.

"That definitely gave me the confidence," McMahon said. "He was a top-tier kid in the state, so beating him motivated me.

"It showed I could beat anybody. Whenever I didn't feel sure later on, I looked across at my opponent and thought, 'He didn't have to beat a Devon Range to get here.' "

On Friday, McMahon pinned Brunswick's Chris Ashley and Elyria's Taylor Workman en route to the semifinals.

"That win last year was the biggest one of the season for him," said Stow coach Randy Jenkins.

"He worked so hard to get to his goal.

"The victory showed where he was in the pecking order. That gave him the confidence moving forward and gave him something to build off of."

The team race couldn't be much closer after the first day, as Twinsburg holds a three-point advantage on Solon and a 6 1/2-point edge on defendingchampion Elyria.

The Tigers sent Mike Labry (138), Tyrone McGuinea (145), Alex Keller (160), Michael Baker (182), Myles Campbell (195) and Willie Williams (285) to the semifinals.

Solon has five in the round of four, while Elyria has six.

"It's the first day," Tigers coach Dave Mariola said. "I expected Solon and Elyria to be right there. I'm just happy with the way some of our kids wrestled in the second round. They did well.

"The semis are always tough. We have to be ready to fight."

Action begins today at 11 a.m., with the semifinals scheduled to start 90 minutes later.

Brad Bournival is a freelance writer in North Royalton.

Condit and Diaz will fight to determine which fighter is "the interim champion" while Georges St.-Pierre rehabs from anterior cruciate ligament surgery on his right knee.

View full sizeAP fileGeorges St-Pierre

Georges St-Pierre, who has battled knee injuries, said it himself, and then he admitted it to the media:

"I'm no longer the champion."

A year out of the octagon will do that to a guy, even a welterweight who is ranked as the No. 2 pound-for-pound fighter in mixed martial arts by sherdog.com, and has been called the same thing from time to time by UFC President Dana White.

Nick Diaz (27-7-0, with one no-contest) and Carlos Condit (27-5-0) both had scheduled fights with GSP postponed because of separate injuries suffered by the French-Canadian St-Pierre. Tonight's UFC 143 was supposed to be headlined, in fact, by a GSP title defense against Diaz.

Instead, Condit and Diaz will fight to determine which fighter is the man White & Co. are calling "the interim champion" while GSP rehabs from anterior cruciate ligament surgery on his right knee.

St-Pierre wants to fight Diaz, who likes to play up his street-fighter persona, but GSP told reporters it's anything but a given he will end up facing the self-designated tough.

"I am very nervous that Carlos Condit will win [tonight], and that I won't be able to fight Nick Diaz this summer," St-Pierre said. "He is a true mixed martial artist. I feel bad. It is weird that I want him to lose, but I have never wanted to fight anyone as much as I want to fight Diaz."

White has said St-Pierre actually "hates" Diaz, but the veteran champion -- who is second in all-time title defenses with six, behind Anderson Silva's nine -- denies that. It's more what he termed Diaz's "disrespect" toward MMA and his "unprofessional" attitude.

Despite St-Pierre's concerns, a Condit win would be an upset.

Look for a welterweight title fight between GSP and Diaz later this year. The only real questions are when and where. And given that the largest gate in UFC history -- 55,000 fans -- was in front of GSP's Canadian fans in Toronto, that would seem to make the most sense.

Watch this: Time Warner, DirecTV and several other providers are airing UFC 143 in 3D. But it's not free-D. The pay-per-view prices are $45 for standard definition, $55 for HD and $65, give or take a nickel, for 3D.

Only customers with 3D-ready televisions can get 3D, and you still need those special glasses. Most 3D TVs come with those glasses, but specialty stores such as Best Buy often carry them, as well.

Contact your provider to see if 3D is available in your area, and for other details.

Who's on first? Can't tell the players without a scorecard? Not a problem. UFC is now offering an online version of its fight-day program. It's the same thing those in the Mandalay Bay crowd in Las Vegas will see tonight, only it's free. Go to ufc.com/program to check it

out.

Freebies: Frugal MMA fans can watch six UFC 143 fights for free. Two fights will be streamed live on UFC's Facebook page, starting at 7 p.m. Four will be aired on FX, starting at 8 p.m.

The five pay-per-view events, capped off by Condit vs. Diaz, begin at 10 p.m.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: cyarborough@plaind.com, 216-999-4534

Plain Dealer Browns beat writer Mary Kay Cabot recalls her time covering the Patriots coach during his time in Cleveland from 1991 to '95 ... a period of learning for both of them.

View full sizeNFL photos via Associated PressBill Belichick was never embraced by Browns fans during his five seasons in Cleveland, and he was fired with a 36-44 record after the team moved to Baltimore. In New England, Belichick has a 139-53 record and has the team in its fifth Super Bowl since he took over in 2000.

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- Covering Bill Belichick in the Super Bowl here this week transports me back to the five years I covered him in Cleveland (1991-95).

They were some of the most difficult years of my life -- and some of the most rewarding.

Belichick was a first-time head coach, and I was a first-time Browns beat writer. We both made plenty of mistakes, but we both learned a lot during those years.

If you can survive covering Belichick your first time up, you can handle almost anything on a beat. In fact, the writers during those years bonded through our adversity and still laugh about it.

There was the time Ed Meyer from the Akron Beacon Journal tried to get to the bottom of why Belichick replaced the outdoor fields in Berea at a cost of about $500,000.

Supposedly, the fields had been flooding and couldn't be used for days.

Meyer asked Belichick, "What happens to the fields when it rains?"

Belichick paused for a moment and replied, "They get wet."

Dead silence.

None of us could look up from our notebooks or we would've burst out laughing. Happened all the time. Ask a stupid question (we immediately discovered there is such a thing) and you'd get nailed.

When Belichick first arrived in Cleveland, he cared about his relationship with the media and his image. But he quickly realized the honeymoon was over, and the five-year battle was on.

Still, Belichick tried hard to get along with me, and vice versa.

He often invited me into his office on Mondays after games to watch film with him and late Browns play-by-play man Casey Coleman. Under siege by most of the media, Belichick found a friend in Coleman, who made him laugh at himself and lighten up.

View full sizeMark Humphrey, Associated PressBill Belichick, right, has had far more success in New England than he did in Cleveland. But then, he didn't have a quarterback like Tom Brady when he was with the Browns.

I admit, it was intimidating watching films with Belichick. I wanted to ask questions and make observations, but I kept my mouth shut for fear of getting shot down. So I mostly watched while he pointed out errant plays, missed blocks and botched routes.

Little did I know at the time that I was learning from a coach who would go on to become one of the greatest of all time, just one Super Bowl victory shy of tying former Steelers coach Chuck Noll for the most in NFL history -- four.

Once, Belichick invited me on a draft visit for a private workout with a prospect. We flew on a small private jet, just me, Belichick, General Manager Mike Lombardi and Coleman. Belichick gave me first dibs on the lunch entrees -- there was one of everything -- and he dropped an F-bomb when I picked the salmon. Guess that's the one he wanted.

On the trip, I saw a different Belichick than the stone-face that greeted us at news conferences. He blared some headbanging rock in the car and stopped at his favorite barber for a haircut. He seemed just like a normal guy.

Another time, Belichick highlighted every negative line I wrote about him and read me every one. It showed me that he really cared about his image and was hoping for a break.

Back in those days, the writers often stayed in the team hotel, and every time I'd go to ride the exercise bike, it had been ripped out of the fitness room, a gaping hole in its place. Where was it? In Belichick's room, where he could watch game film while riding it. Ever the multitasker, he often ate, rode the bike and watched film at the same time.

I talked to him on the phone more than any coach I've ever covered (including Chris Palmer, Butch Davis, Terry Robiskie, Romeo Crennel, Eric Mangini and Pat Shurmur) because we often argued about things. One Saturday morning, he called me at home at 7 a.m. to yell at me for writing that receiver Michael Jackson wasn't going to play against the Jets because of an injury. He didn't have much of a case when I told him it was then-Browns owner Art Modell who had told me at practice Friday that Jackson was out.

Once, when he was chewing me out, I shot back, "If you don't have the [guts] to yell at the guys like this, then don't do it to me!"

Then there was that fateful day in November 1993, when Belichick released quarterback Bernie Kosar with the team at 5-3. Belichick told me a few days later that he knew he was doomed when I slammed down my notebook as he announced the move. I swear I don't remember doing that, but he insists I did.

A few days later, he spent at least an hour screaming at me over the phone for putting a line in my story that police were stationed outside his house in Brecksville because of death threats he had received. When I informed him that an editor inserted that into my story, he spent an hour yelling at the sports editor.

Still, all this showed to me how passionate he was about his job and how every detail mattered to him. Belichick also allowed me to interview his now ex-wife, Debby, about their private life, their family, how they met, etc. I went to their house and spent hours with her. She felt Belichick was misunderstood and that fans should see his personal side.

While Belichick was busy clashing with the media, he was also assembling an amazing staff that would go on to become a who's who of pro and college sports. He hired young guys who shared his passion for football and let them do their jobs. They included guys such as Scott Pioli, who went from van driver in Cleveland to general manager of the Patriots and Chiefs. It included Phil Savage, Mike Tannenbaum and Ozzie Newsome, who all went on to become NFL general managers. It included Jim Schwartz, Nick Saban and Mangini, who would go on to become head coaches in the NFL, and Kirk Ferentz and Pat Hill, who would become college head coaches.

I ran into many of them here in Indy this week, and we reminisced about those old Cleveland days. Pioli reminded me how Belichick once stuffed a $100 bill into the ashtray of Pioli's car after he drove Belichick to the airport, and how Belichick gave most of his TV and radio appearance money to his assistant coaches.

All of them reminded me how Belichick had the Browns on track for greatness with his 11-5 season in 1994 -- which included a victory against the Patriots in the wild-card playoff game and a loss to the Steelers in the divisional round. Who knows what he could have achieved in Cleveland had Modell not uprooted the team in 1995 and moved it to Baltimore?

"All the signs were there in Cleveland that Bill was capable of what he's accomplishing now," said former Browns linebacker Carl Banks.

In 2005, Pulitzer Prize-winning author David Halberstam interviewed me for his book on Belichick, "The Education of a Coach." After the interview, he asked me off the record about my relationship with Belichick now. I told him, "Nonexistent. I see him at the NFL combine, and he acts like he's never met me. He's declined my interview requests."

Halberstam said: "You should really try to make that right with him. Life's too short." Less than two years later, Halberstam was killed in a car accident, and his words sprang to mind.

But here at the Super Bowl, I'm just another face among the thousands of reporters trying to ask Belichick a question. I can't get near him, and I haven't tried. But there's a part of me that knows I had at least a bit part in the career of one of the greatest coaches of all time.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: mcabot@plaind.com, 216-999-4670

On Twitter: @marykaycabot

Tom Summers scores a career-high 31 points in a 91-68 victory over Brandeis.

View full size

Summers was 13-for-16 from the field and 5-for-5 at the free-throw line for the Spartans (9-10, 1-7 University Athletic Association). He also had nine rebounds.

Women

CWRU 60, Brandeis 47 Erin Hollinger (Chardon) had 17 points and six rebounds as host Case Western Reserve University (11-8, 4-4 UAA) topped the Judges (8-11, 1-7). Rachel Beaty added 13 points and Erica Iafelice nine boards for the Spartans.

Oberlin 58, Wooster 40 Allison Gannon posted 16 points and 11 rebounds to lead the host Yeowomen (6-15, 3-9 North Coast Athletic Conference) over the Fighting Scots. Jessica Wingen had 16 points and nine rebounds for Wooster (3-16, 2-9).

Defenseman Danny Richmond scores his first goal for Lake Erie, one day after the parent club acquired him in a trade with the NHL's Washington Capitals.

View full sizeLake Erie Monsters

Richmond's goal came one day after the Colorado Avalanche -- Lake Erie's NHL affiliate -- acquired him in a trade with the NHL's Washington Capitals. Richmond had been playing with the Hershey (Pa.) Bears, the Capitals' AHL affiliate.

Playing the first of four straight road games, Lake Erie (21-22-2-1) took a 1-0 lead at 12:16 of the first period when Luke Walker potted his seventh goal of the season.

Greg Mauldin made it 2-0 in the second period and Richmond's goal sent the Monsters into the second intermission with a 3-0 lead.

San Antonio (24-20-2-0) ruined Coleman's shutout bid with three seconds left in the game.

The Monsters will be in Houston tonight to play the Aeros. First puck drops at 8:35.

Coach Gary Waters says the team's freshmen have to be ready to provide quality minutes when the starters rest.

View full sizePD fileFreshman forward Marlin Mason.

CHICAGO — Cleveland State's bench has often been a highlight reel, particularly with the three men's basketball freshmen -- 6-8 Anton Grady, 6-6 Marlin Mason and 5-10 Charlie Lee -- on the court. They have provided quality minutes for the starters much of the season. But down the stretch of the season, more is needed.

Foul trouble, injuries and fatigue hit about the same time as critical games on the schedule, so the freshmen have to be able to step up because they will be as responsible for winning as the starters.

"That is something we have talked about with them lately," head coach Gary Waters said earlier this week. "To their credit, they are starting to acknowledge it."

In Friday's game at Loyola, starters Trevon Harmon, Tim Kamczyc and D'Aundray Brown each had two fouls 10 minutes into the game, but the three freshmen came in and helped CSU maintain its lead until halftime.

No breaks: The Vikings did not catch a break this week as second-place Valparaiso came from behind to nip Detroit, 78-73, on Thursday. That kept the Crusaders (16-8, 9-3 Horizon League) within a half-game of Cleveland State going into Friday's game. The Crusaders will tonight host Wright State (11-13, 6-6), a team that defeated Valpo on the Raiders' home court, 73-55.

Valparaiso will play at CSU on Thursday at the Wolstein Center, which will actually be a much bigger game than next Saturday's televised (ESPN2) 11 a.m. home game against Butler.

Butler didn't do it: The Bulldogs (13-11, 7-5) have had their issues this season as they transition from a highly skilled team to a more athletic one. Their longest winning streak has been four games. Before defeating Wright State earlier this week, Butler had lost two straight.

After playing Youngstown State and CSU next weekend, the Bulldogs will play three straight at home to try to get a head of steam going into the league tournament.

Looking ahead: Waters said earlier this week that the Vikings' BracketBusters game against Drexel (18-5) will not be an easy one.

"They have got bodies," Waters said. "They have got personnel. They have got size. And they have more to gain than we have. They are one of the most complete offensive and defensive teams on the midmajor level."

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

The Vikings blew the Ramblers off their own court, 65-47, to come within a game of 20 wins for the season.

View full size

"I smell trouble at both," he said.

So he prepared his troops accordingly, and at least the first of two games was no contest. The Vikings blew the Ramblers off their own court, 65-47, to come within a game of 20 wins for the season. Standing 19-4, 9-2, CSU can hit that coveted mark Sunday by dispatching the Flames.

Even though Loyola (5-17, 0-12) sat at the back of the Horizon League pack, and played the Vikings without leading scorer Ben Averkamp (concussion), the chance to knock off the No. 1 team in the league and prep for the conference tournament, still makes all teams dangerous.

"These teams want to beat us," Waters said. "What we can't do is go in there and change. We can't counter-punch. We have to come out after it."

The Vikings did exactly that, and looked on the verge of blowing the game open early. But all of a sudden both the foul bug and the turnover bug hit CSU, and along with it a long scoring drought. First Trevon Harmon, then Tim Kamczyk, then D'Aundray Bray went to the bench with two fouls as the Vikings were pushing their lead up to 20-12 with 11:25 to play.

But a scoring drought of 7:13 followed. Thankfully, the bench held up its end defensively as the Ramblers also went cold for 6:16 in one stretch. Then just before the end of the half Anton Grady trailed on a fast break for a dunk and Jeremy Montgomery hit a 3-pointer to give the Vikings a 26-18 lead at the break.

Even with the long dry spell the Vikings shot 58.8 percent in the opening half, and it did not stop when the second half began.

Five straight points from Harmon led the Ramblers to take a timeout. But it did little to slow CSU, which then turned its offensive attention to massive center Aaron Pogue.

Playing without injury for the fourth straight game, Pogue was free to flex his muscles at will. Pounding the ball inside to the big senior, the Vikings built their lead to 43-23 and pretty much coasted from there.

"They wore us down," Loyola coach Porter Moser said.

Waters agreed.

"The start of the second half was the key," Waters said. "Turn the defense into productive offense and that's what we did."

Pogue finished with 10 points to go with the eight he scored against Green Bay, 11 against Milwaukee and eight against Youngstown State.

It has arguably been Pogue's best stretch of games since he scored a combined 54 points his first six games of the season, then suffered a deep thigh bruise.

"Just getting into better health," Pogue said. "And it's always great to stay out of foul trouble [1]. That's a relief, it allows you to go and dominate the game."

With 7:01 to go CSU still could barely miss, hitting 9 of 11 shots in the second half and smoking along at a 67.9 percent clip for the game.

The only downside to the contest was the Vikings' turnovers. They were already at 16 miscues with more than five minutes to play, more than they had forced the Ramblers into. And even with Pogue having a solid game, the Ramblers had eight second-chance points to none for CSU.

But when any team hits the first ones at the rate Cleveland State did against Loyola, there is little need for second chances.

Montgomery led all scorers with 16 points.

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

Akron and Kent State's men's basketball teams both have MAC contests, while Cleveland State's women host Valparaiso.

Men

No. 3 Ohio State at No. 19 Wisconsin

Tipoff: 2 p.m., Kohl Center, Madison, Wis.

TV/radio: ESPN; WKNR AM/850.

Notable: The Buckeyes (19-3, 7-2) enter today atop the Big Ten standings, a half-game ahead of the Badgers (18-5, 7-3) and Michigan. Ohio State has won four games in a row by an average margin of 22.5 points. Wisconsin has won six in a row by an average margin of 7.8 points. The Buckeyes and Badgers split two games last season, with each team winning at home. Jared Sullinger averaged a double double (20.5 points, 10 rebounds) last season against Wisconsin. The Badgers are holding opponents to 36 percent shooting from the field, including 27 percent from 3-point range. Ohio State is shooting 49 percent from the field, 33 percent from 3-point range.

Doug Lesmerises' prediction: Ohio State 73, Wisconsin 65.

Next for OSU: Tuesday, vs. Purdue, 9 p.m.

-- Staff reports

Akron vs. Eastern Michigan

Tipoff: 7:30 p.m., Rhodes Arena.

Radio: WARF AM/1350.

Notable: Akron (15-7, 7-1 Mid-American Conference) gets a different challenge than normal. EMU (10-12, 5-3) not only plays at a slow pace -- which can help negate Akron's depth advantage -- but also uses a 2-3 zone almost exclusively with 7-0 Syracuse transfer Da'Shonte Riley in the middle and 6-9 Euclid High product Jamel Harris on one wing. The formula has been effective: The Eagles lead the MAC West and have held five of eight MAC teams to 59 points or less.

Next for Akron: Wednesday, at Western Michigan, 7 p.m.

Kent State vs. Western Michigan

Tipoff: 7 p.m., M.A.C. Center.

Radio: WNIR FM/100.1.

Notable: KSU (15-6, 5-3 MAC) looks to extend a three-game winning streak against WMU (10-12, 4-4), which has been a tough matchup in recent seasons. The past two games with the Broncos have come down to the last play of the game for KSU to pull out a victory. WMU has struggled with injuries but still ranks No. 33 in the nation in rebounding (38.5 rpg), led by St. Edward High product Matt Stainbrook (12.3 ppg, 6.7 rpg).

Next for KSU: Wednesday, at Eastern Michigan, 7 p.m.

-- Elton Alexander

Lake Erie vs. Ohio Dominican

Tipoff: 3 p.m., Jerome T. Osborne Family Athletic and Wellness Center, Painesville.

Notable: Lake Erie is 7-12, 2-10 Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. ODU is 3-17, 0-14. LEC has dropped seven straight; ODU has lost nine straight. In the first matchup this season, the Storm never trailed en route to a 71-57 win. LEC sophomore G Riley Thomas had 16 points. Morgan Jones had a game-high 20 points for the Panthers.

Next for LEC: Thursday, at Ferris State, 8 p.m.

Notre Dame vs. Cedarville

Tipoff: 4 p.m., Murphy Gymnasium, South Euclid.

Notable: NDC has rebounded from some scoring woes to go 2-2 over its past four games. The Falcons (6-13) have averaged 78.3 ppg in that span. Cedarville (13-7) comes in on a three-game winning streak. NDC is 0-8 vs. Cedarville all-time, the most recent game an 84-69 Yellow Jackets victory in Cedarville on Jan. 14. Senior forward Phil Biggs has averaged 17.3 points and 10.8 rebounds over the Falcons' past four games.

Next for NDC: Monday, vs. Ohio State-Lima, 6 p.m.

Baldwin-Wallace vs. Muskingum

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

Radio: WBWC FM/88.3.

Notable: B-W (12-8, 7-6 Ohio Athletic Conference) is looking for its fifth win in its past seven games when it plays Muskingum (8-12, 5-8) on Men's Basketball Alumni Day. B-W beat Otterbein, 84-76, on Wednesday, as sophomore center Tyler Ferrell (Brunswick) had 15 points in a game that featured 52 fouls and 73 foul shots. Sophomore All-OAC forward Kyle Payne (Brunswick) leads B-W in scoring at 14.0 ppg. Sophomore guard Kevin Krakowiak (Holy Name) is second at 13.5 ppg.

Next for B-W: Wednesday, vs. John Carroll, 7:30 p.m.

-- Info provided by colleges

Women

Akron vs. Central Michigan

Tipoff: 5 p.m., Rhodes Arena.

Radio: WHLO AM/640.

Notable: Akron (9-14, 3-6 MAC) begins a four-game homestand looking to get on a roll against CMU (12-11, 4-5).

Next for Akron: Saturday, vs. Western Michigan, 5 p.m.

Cleveland State vs. Valparaiso

Tipoff: 2 p.m., Wolstein Center.

Notable: The Vikings (8-13, 3-7 Horizon League) have fallen flat at home, losing three straight at Wolstein Center and four straight overall. The four-game homestand ends with last-place Valparaiso (5-16, 1-9).

Next for CSU: Thursday, at Loyola, 8 p.m.

Kent State vs. Toledo

Tipoff: Noon, M.A.C. Center.

Notable: Kent State (5-14, 4-5) has lost two straight as it has failed to score more than 56 points in either game. Toledo (14-7, 7-2) will look to keep that streak going.

Next for KSU: Saturday, at Eastern Michigan, 3 p.m.

-- Elton Alexander

Lake Erie vs. Ohio Dominican

Tipoff: 1 p.m., Jerome T. Osborne Family Athletic and Wellness Center, Painesville.

Notable: LEC is 14-5, 8-4 GLIAC. ODU is 6-14, 2-12. The Storm has won three of its past four and has clinched its third winning season in the past five years. Stephanie Rogers (Mentor) has scored in double figures in 10 straight games and all but two this season (she has nine in the others).

Next for LEC: Thursday at Ferris State, 6 p.m.

Notre Dame vs. Cedarville

Tipoff: 2 p.m., Murphy Gymnasium, South Euclid.

Notable: Notre Dame kicks off a stretch that has the Falcons (10-10) at home for four of their next five games. NDC has won three contests in a row, and it squares off against a Cedarville (12-7) squad that has won four of its past five. The Falcons have picked up the pace offensively in recent games; they are averaging 81.0 points per game over their current win streak. CU shot 54.1 percent (33-of-61) in besting NDC, 83-70, on Jan. 14.

Next for NDC: Thursday, vs. Walsh, 7 p.m.

John Carroll vs. Otterbein

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

TV: SportsTime Ohio, delayed (Sunday at noon, Monday at 7 a.m.)

Notable: John Carroll (7-12, 4-9 OAC) snapped a four-game skid with a 69-64 win over Heidelberg, and looks to move over .500 at home this season when it takes on Otterbein (14-6, 8-5 OAC). JCU has a pair of players who have been turning in double doubles with regularity in recent weeks. Sophomore Melissa Spahar (15.4 ppg, 8.9 rpg), a Lake Catholic grad, is among the top five scorers and rebounders in the OAC. Freshman Beth Switzler (Lake Catholic) is coming off her second double double in the past six games with a 12-point 10-rebound effort in the win over the 'Berg Wednesday. Otterbein comes in having lost three of its past four games -- all on the road. Kristi Kotterman is the Cardinals' leading scorer, averaging 14.9 points per contest. The Cardinals lead the all-time series, 31-21, but the Blue Streaks have a 6-4 edge over the past 10 games.

Next for JCU: Wednesday, vs. Baldwin-Wallace, 7:30 p.m.

-- Info provided by colleges

Carmona and fellow pitcher Leo Nunez of the Miami Marlins are cooperating with the U.S government, but it's still unknown if and when they'll be able to get a visa to enter the U.S.

View full sizePDFausto Carmona

CLEVELAND, Ohio — On Tuesday, it appeared the Indians pitcher formerly known as Fausto Carmona was a step closer to joining his team in the United States. The movement may have been premature.

William Weissman, consul general for the U.S. Embassy in the Dominican Republic, was quoted by Dominican Today as saying that the U.S. could pardon Dominican baseball players caught using a false identity.

"I cannot speak of a particular case because each case is different, but in the case of the ballplayers, they could be pardoned," Weissman was quoted as saying at a gathering of the Dominican Development Alliance.

In a series of Tweets after the story appeared, the U.S. Consulate said that wasn't the case. It said the main point Weissman was trying to make was that all cases are dealt with individually and that the consequences of fraud include ineligibility to enter the United States for life.

They said no specifics of individual cases were discussed because all visa records are confidential.

Carmona and fellow pitcher Leo Nunez of the Miami Marlins are cooperating with the U.S government, but it's still unknown if and when they'll be able to get a visa to enter the U.S. after being apprehended for using false identifications in the Dominican Republic. They are on the restricted list and won't be paid until they enter the U.S.

On Jan. 19, Carmona was arrested in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, for trying to acquire a visa from the U.S. Consulate while using a false name. Dominican authorities say Carmona is really Roberto Hernandez Heredia and that he's 31 instead of 28. He had to surrender his passport and was ordered not to leave the country.

Nunez, the Marlins' closer last season, was charged with a similar offense in September. Authorities say his real name is Juan Carlos Oviedo and that he's 29 instead of 28.

If and when the pitchers acquire a visa, MLB could suspend them.

Felipe Payano, sports minister for the Dominican Republic, asked the U.S. to pardon the players involved in identity fraud at Tuesday's event for the sake of the country and the players' families.

Indians pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report to spring training Feb. 20. Marlins pitchers and catchers work out for the first time Feb. 22.

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

On Twitter: @hoynsie

No. 3 Ohio State and No. 19 Wisconsin play a major basketball game today with first place in the conference on the line, and there was a major verbal dustup in football that seemed to be momentarily settled Friday.

View full sizeMorry Gash, Associated PressWisconsin's Jordan Taylor celebrates with fans after the Badgers beat undefeated Ohio State, 71-67, last February in Madison, Wis. Ohio State has struggle in Wisconsin, having lost nine straight in Madison.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Deal with it -- some more.

The phrase that launched a thousand hand towels last season applies as much as ever to the multisport Ohio State-Wisconsin rivalry, which once again this week revolved around words as much as results on the field or the court.

No. 3 Ohio State (19-3, 7-2 Big Ten) and No. 19 Wisconsin (18-5, 7-3) play a major basketball game today with first place in the conference on the line, and there was a major verbal dustup in football that seemed to be momentarily settled Friday.

That included OSU football coach Urban Meyer and Athletic Director Gene Smith, in an unusual step that showed how much they wanted to make their point, issuing statements after Wisconsin coach Bret Bielema and Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio both questioned Meyer's recruiting practices. In a little more than two months on the job, Meyer landed a 25-recruit class Wednesday that was ranked among the top five in the country.

"I am disappointed that negative references have been made about our football coaches, and particularly head coach Urban Meyer, regarding recruiting," Smith said, his statement also mentioning that the proper process for coaches to complain is through their athletic directors and that Meyer and his staff have been conscious of complying with NCAA rules.

After a scheduled meeting of Big Ten football coaches in Chicago, Meyer's statement indicated that he wasn't going to change his ways. Some coaches had been perturbed by any coach recruiting players who had given oral agreements to other schools. On Wednesday, Bielema had made a reference to "illegal" recruiting tactics.

"We had an opportunity to discuss a number of issues with each other and conference staff, including those that have arisen this week," Meyer said. "It should be noted that my coaching staff is in full compliance with our recruiting efforts, and no one on this staff did anything illegal or unethical. We will continue to comply with NCAA rules and recruit with relentless effort, especially the great state of Ohio."

All that was missing was "deal with it" as a sign-off.

Last season, "deal with it," was part of Wisconsin basketball coach Bo Ryan's response about the Buckeyes handling defeat. It came after Ohio State's Jared Sullinger said he was spit on by a fan after the Buckeyes' loss at Wisconsin, a claim which Wisconsin looked into but found no proof.

Now the Buckeyes are back in Madison for the first time since that 71-67 loss on Feb. 12, 2011, ended Ohio State's 24-0 start to the season. Ohio State has lost nine straight at Wisconsin, including an 0-6 run during the Thad Matta era. The Buckeyes did get some revenge last year, blowing the Badgers out with a 28-point home win in the last game of the regular season, as delirious OSU students waved "deal with it" rags.

It all continues to add to the OSU rivalry, which most seamlessly crosses the schools' two major sports. Indiana basketball gets Ohio State's blood boiling, but the Hoosiers are a non-issue in football. And Michigan basketball coach John Beilein's somewhat forced attempts after Sunday's game to refer to the Buckeyes as "Ohio," following the lead of Michigan football coach Brady Hoke, only served to illustrate that, even when the Wolverines are good on the court, it's never like football.

But with Ohio State and Wisconsin, both schools seem to have no problem getting under each other's skin, whether they're scoring touchdowns or shooting 3-pointers.

That means today will be interesting, as Sullinger returns to the scene of his first college loss, almost certainly looking to make a point, even if teammate Deshaun Thomas said what happened last year hasn't been mentioned. Asked if games can get personal for coaches or players, Matta said: "If it is, I don't see it in our guys. Maybe they've got something personal, but I really haven't seen it."

We saw it in football this week. Maybe that has been patched up. But there's a great matchup today to get the Buckeyes and Badgers back at each other.

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

Goodell says there hasn't been any discussion about adding to the league's 32 teams and indicated he's not too keen about the idea of shifting a franchise, either.

View full sizeDavid J. Phillip, Associated PressNFL Commissioner Roger Goodell says the league is not considering expansion or moving a team to Los Angeles.

During his annual Super Bowl news conference, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said Friday there hasn't been any discussion about adding to the league's 32 teams and indicated he's not too keen about the idea of shifting a franchise, either.

"We have not talked about expansion in the league at all. It has not been on our agenda. It is not something we've focused on with our membership. And I don't see that in the foreseeable future," Goodell said. "We want to keep our teams where they are. We believe that's healthier for the league in the long term. We're working to get stadiums built and make sure we do whatever we can to make sure those teams are successful in those communities."

Los Angeles, the second-largest market in the United States, has been without an NFL team since the Rams and Raiders left after the 1994 season.

"We would like to be back in Los Angeles if we can do it correctly," Goodell said. "There are a lot of issues that have to be balanced there."

He announced that every club will appear on prime-time TV in 2012, thanks, in part, to a new slate of Thursday games that now will be scheduled from Week 2 through Week 15. NBC will air a game Thanksgiving night; the other 12 Thursday games will be on the NFL Network, which aired eight games in 2011.

"We think it's great for the fans, for the teams -- and great for the network," Goodell said.

He discussed a wide variety of issues during his 45-minute session with reporters, touching on topics such as concussions, testing players for human growth hormone, and games in England, Mexico and elsewhere.

No gold watch: Bill Belichick says he's focusing on Sunday's Super Bowl and not thinking about retiring after 37 years as a coach in the NFL.

In his final news conference before the Patriots face the Giants, he was asked if winning his sixth NFL championship as an assistant or head coach might influence him to retire.

He didn't answer directly but said he still enjoys coaching young players and veterans and enjoys preparing them for games and the games themselves.

"It beats working," said Belichick, who turns 60 on April 16.

Coughlin stoked: Giants coach Tom Coughlin is relishing the chance to coach in the Super Bowl again, four years after the Giants beat the Patriots in 2008.

The 65-year-old also has enjoyed this ride. His team has won five games in a row to get to the championship game after falling to 7-7.

Indy shining: There could have been a culture clash when Northeast fans converged on the Midwest for Super Bowl weekend.

But something surprising is happening: Fans are being wowed by Indianapolis' charm.

Indianapolis took a lot of steps to showcase its homespun heritage before the big game. Trainers told taxi drivers, hospitality workers and volunteers to make eye contact and smile with visitors. They also encouraged them to tell people to "have a super day."

Schoolchildren also made homemade cards to put in hotel rooms that showcased what they like about the city.

Fans from New England and New York so far are lauding everything from Indy's friendliness to walkability. And some New Yorkers say they've even found a deli that tastes just like home.

Gronkowski progresses: Patriots All-Pro tight end Rob Gronkowski hasn't had any setbacks after his first practice on his injured left ankle. Belichick said Friday, "I think he was OK this morning" and "we're certainly moving in the right direction."

Bradshaw sits: Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw missed practice because of a sore right foot. Coughlin listed Bradshaw as probable but said Friday he expects him to play.

We offer 46 facts regarding the hoopla surrounding the Super Bowl XLVI. Crazy wagers, halftime entertainment, ad prices, geographic trivia, alternative programming and a lot more are included.

Chris Morris, The Plain Dealer

You've probably heard there is a big game Sunday.

You know the AFC's New England Patriots (15-3) play the NFC's New York Giants (12-7) at 6:30 p.m. in Indianapolis' Lucas Oil Stadium in Super Bowl XLVI. Translation: Really Big Game 46. So here are 46 trivial tidbits, culled from a variety of sources. We provide this as a service: something to read during the ridiculously long pregame coverage:

Tuning in: Last year's game averaged more than 111 million viewers -- the largest audience in TV history. With two major markets represented and marquee quarterbacks competing (the Patriots' Tom Brady and the Giants' Eli Manning), the game is expected to top that figure.

Hear the national anthem: Kelly Clarkson, the first champion of "American Idol," will sing the anthem. One of her songs is "My Life Would Suck Without You." What Patriots fans will sing if Brady is injured.

Bet the national anthem: One of the proposition bets is how long it will take Clarkson to sing the song, over or under 1 minute, 34 seconds.

"America the Beautiful": Country power couple Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton will sing "America the Beautiful" before the game.

And the band played on: The Indiana University Marching Band will play during pregame festivities. It will probably do better at its performance than the university's football team did this year. The Hoosiers finished 1-11.

Halftime "concert": Halftime features Madonna, who will be joined by Nicki Minaj and others. The Material Girl will croon-dance-gyrate her way in front of a sold-out crowd and millions watching on television. Good thing she's not shy. The show is the year's most-watched musical event. Last year, millions tuned in to catch the Black Eyed Peas, Slash, Usher and others jump around the stage in Texas. And, of course, brace yourself for the crush of the fabricated crowd.

What did they pay!? All of NBC's TV-commercial airtime for the game sold out way in advance. Average cost for a 30-second spot? $3.5 million. That's $116,667 per second.

Attention grabbers: Super Bowl ads are 58 percent more memorable than the average commercial, according to Nielsen Media Research.

Along for the ride: Acura and Lexus will advertise for the first time during a Super Bowl.

Ad time: An NFL game is 60 minutes. Last year's Super Bowl had 46 minutes, 10 seconds of ads.

Bueller. . . . Bueller: Expect Matthew Broderick to appear in an advertisement as the title character he played in 1986's "Ferris Bueller's Day Off."

Head north: The site of Sunday's game is north of every Super Bowl played, with only three exceptions -- Detroit, Minneapolis and Pontiac, Mich.

Puppy Bowl: Animal Planet knows a good thing, and Puppy Bowl VIII is it. Back are the water bowl cam, kiss cam and an aerial view provided by hamster pilots aboard a blimp. New this year: Meep the bird will Tweet all the action beginning at 3 p.m.

Lingerie Bowl: Lingerie Bowl IX pits the Los Angeles Temptation against the Philadelphia Passion in Las Vegas. The Cleveland Crush finished its debut season. The Crush -- like its NFL counterparts the Browns -- will not be competing in the league's title game. The Crush finished 0-4.

Big ticket: The average resale price for a Super Bowl ticket was reported to top $4,000 more than a week ago.

Parking bucks: An RV space at the game was listed as high as $900.

Whole new ballgame: The game is a rematch of the 2008 Super Bowl, a 17-14 Giants win. It was the only time two teams with "New" in their team's names faced each other in the game. (More trivia: The only time two teams with "San" in their names met was in 1995, when the San Francisco 49ers beat the San Diego Chargers, 49-26.

'Hi, I'd like to order . . .' The National Restaurant Association estimates 48 million Americans will order takeout or delivery while watching the game.

Super chicken: More than 1.25 billion portions of chicken wings will be consumed this weekend, according to the National Chicken Council's 2012 Wing Report. Yes, there is such a thing.

Evan Agostini, Associated PressBlake Shelton and Miranda Lambert.

Got the munchies? The No. 1 snack choice during the game for 32 percent of viewers will be dips and spreads, while chicken wings are second at 23 percent, according to the third annual Supervalu Snack Down Survey by Harris Interactive.

Speaking of snacks: A personality for brown M&Ms will be unveiled during the game.

Home sweet homes: Home stadiums for the teams are not where you think they might be. New England's is in Foxborough, Mass., while the Giants play in East Rutherford, N.J.

Close to home: According to Rand McNally, the distance from Foxborough to Indianapolis is 937 miles (15 hours, 2 minutes). From East Rutherford, it's 709 miles (11 hours, 27 minutes.) The game's official home team is New England.

His alma mater, baybee! Basketball coach-turned-commentator Dick Vitale graduated from and then coached at East Rutherford (N.J.) High School.

Who's on the sidelines? Forget the players, make sure you know your mascots. The Patriots have Pat Patriot, an American Revolutionary war figure. The Giants are among a handful of teams without a mascot.

EBay matchup: The Giants top the Patriots here with more listings, and the priciest, on the auction site eBay. The highest-priced item was an abstract, 16-by-20-inch oil painting on canvas from the artist Tommervik. It shows two players, one with an 'ny' on his helmet. An autographed 2000 Brady rookie card numbered 12 of 100 was listed at $79,999.99. More than a week before the big game, there were 70,543 items relating to the Giants; the Patriots had 58,696.

Big bonus: Play on the winning team and you get $88,000. Losers take home a mere $44,000.

Local flavor: Patriots punter Zoltan Mesko went to Twinsburg High School. He was born in Romania and was a homecoming king at the University of Michigan.

Wacky wagers I: Dozens of proposition bets exist -- who will score first, who will win the first coaches' challenge, and so on. One of the wackiest wagers might be on something that doesn't even take place on the field -- viewership. Do you think the total number of TV viewers will be over or under the projected 117 million? The favored bet, by the way, is over 117 million.

Wacky wagers II: Folks, if you're betting which color Gatorade will be dumped on the winning coach, you might have a problem. But in case you are interested, here is the line: yellow (+175), orange (+225), clear/water (+300), red (+550), green (+600) and blue (+1,000).

Gubernatorial bet: Should the Patriots win, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is offering 46 cases of New York-made Greek yogurt, 46 dozen bagels from Ess-a-Bagel in Manhattan and 46 cheesecakes from Junior's in Brooklyn. If the Giants win, Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick will send 46 Centerville Pies from the Pie Ladies, Legal Sea Foods chowder and six cases of Food Should Taste Good chips. Winnings will be donated to food banks.

Mayoral bet: The traditional bet between mayors is a bit different this year: A family from the winning city will be treated to a trip to the losing city. Boston's Thomas M. Menino and New York's Michael Bloomberg said the tour will include two nights in a hotel, dinners, performances and tours of breweries. Winners will be chosen from an online drawing.

Vantage point: Oregonlive.com says according to techbargains.com, an online shopping site, 59 percent of people would rather watch the game from home than from the stands.

Other side of the coin: How important is the coin toss? The team that wins it has won the game 22 times and lost 23. Wow factor: The NFC team has won the coin toss the past 14 years.

Get the trophy case ready: The Tiffany-made Lombardi Trophy, awarded to the game's winner, traveled from New Jersey via Brinks to Indianapolis. It is 7 pounds, 22 inches high, valued at $25,000 and takes about four months to craft. Next year marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of the legendary coach whose name is associated with the trophy: Vince Lombardi.

All an act: Rooney Mara, who starred as Lisbeth Salander in the 2011 movie "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo," is the granddaughter of the late Giants owner Wellington Mara. Patriots receiver Chad Ochocinco, no stranger to cameras on and off the field, had a stint on "Dancing With the Stars" in 2010.

Never say never: There has never been overtime or a shutout in a Super Bowl. There has never been fewer than 21 points scored in the game.

On the air, Ohio style: Play-by-play man is Al Michaels, who many remember from his dramatic call ("Do you believe in miracles?!") of the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team's victory over the Soviet Union. One of his early jobs was calling games on radio for the Cincinnati Reds. Analyst Cris Collinsworth was born in Dayton and played for the Cincinnati Bengals.

How do you say "sack" in Spanish? Sirius XM Radio will broadcast the game in nine foreign languages: Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, German, Hungarian, Portuguese, Russian, Dutch and French.

Secure site? The game is always a high-security affair. In addition to worrying about everything from terrorism to pickpockets, there is a special concern: exploding manhole covers. The Associated Press reports that there have been explosions in Indianapolis Power & Light's network of utility cables. "A dozen underground explosions have occurred since 2005, sending manhole covers flying. Eight explosions have occurred since 2010. The latest, on Nov. 19, turned a manhole cover into a projectile that heavily damaged a parked car and raised concerns about the safety of Super Bowl visitors." Solution? It cost about $180,000 to buy 150 locking manhole covers.

It's official: Comedian-actor and Indianapolis native Mike Epps is the official Super Bowl ambassador. Papa John's is the official pizza sponsor.

Media/fans day: Tuesday's media day was open to fans for the first time. That is, fans who ponied up $25 each to hear players pontificate on a variety of subjects.

Streaming live: For the first time, the NFL will stream the game live -- for all those who don't have a big-screen television or a nearby watering hole.

Local fans: Cleveland-area Patriots fans will gather at the Boneyard, 5900 Mayfield Road, Mayfield Heights. Sorry, we think local Giants fans are staying in for this one.

Post-game show: The ratings-coveted post-game slot goes to "The Voice." The singing-competition show will air immediately after the game on NBC. Last year, it was "Glee" on Fox.

Countdown to 2013: Next year's game is Feb. 3 in New Orleans.

Sources: Washington Post, Associated Press, stocklemonblog.com, fox59.com, iuhoosiers.com, Plain Dealer wire services and archives, The Detroit News, USA Today, thebiglead.com, NFL.com, assorted press releases, Bloomberg, Time, sbnation.com, Fox News, Grantland, Boston Globe, nj.com, vincelombardi.com.

Here's today's sports listings for TV and radio for the Cleveland area.

Joshua Gunter, The Plain DealerGuard William Buford and the Ohio State Buckeyes play a key Big Ten game at Wisconsin today at 2 p.m. The game will be televised by ESPN and broadcast by WKNR/850-AM.

CLEVELAND, Ohio

Today on the air

(Click on to links for more team or event information)

BOXING

10 p.m. Nonito Donaire vs. Wilfredo Vazquez Jr.

and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. vs. Marco Antonio Rubio, HBO

GOLF

8:30 a.m. Qatar Masters (tape), Golf Channel

1 p.m. Phoenix Open, Golf Channel

3 p.m. Phoenix Open, WOIO

HOCKEY

1 p.m. NHL, Pittsburgh at Boston, NHL Network

7 p.m. NHL, Los Angeles at Carolina, NHL Network

7:30 p.m. NCAA, Miami (Ohio) at Michigan, CBS Sports Network

8 p.m. High school, Amherst at Elyria Catholic, WOBL/1320-AM

8:35 p.m. AHL, MONSTERS at Houston, WHKW/1220-AM

(Plain Dealer and cleveland.com Monsters coverage)

MENS COLLEGE BASKETBALL

11 a.m. South Florida at Georgetown, ESPNU

Noon Syracuse at St. John's, ESPN

Noon Detroit at Butler, ESPN2

1 p.m. Boston College at Georgia Tech, ESPNU

1 p.m. Marquette at Notre Dame, WOIO

1 p.m. Xavier at Memphis, Fox Sports Ohio

2 p.m. Milwaukee at Green Bay, SportsTime Ohio

2 p.m. OHIO STATE at Wisconsin, ESPN; WKNR/850-AM

(Plain Dealer and cleveland.com Ohio State coverage)

2 p.m. Temple at Rhode Island, ESPN2

3 p.m. Arizona at Stanford, Fox Sports Ohio

3 p.m. Penn State at Iowa, ESPNU

4 p.m. North Carolina at Maryland, ESPN

4 p.m. Middle Tennessee at Denver, ESPN2

4 p.m. New Mexico at Boise State, NBC Sports Network

5 p.m. Air Force at Colorado State, CBS Sports Network

5 p.m. Dayton at Saint Louis, Fox Sports Ohio

5 p.m. Old Dominion at George Mason, ESPNU

6 p.m. Kentucky at South Carolina, ESPN

6 p.m. Iowa State at Oklahoma, ESPN2

6 p.m. Northern Illinois at Bowling Green, SportsTime Ohio

7 p.m. Indiana at Purdue, Big Ten Network

7 p.m. Richmond at Duquesne, ESPNU

8 p.m. Mississippi at Alabama, ESPN2

9 p.m. Kansas at Missouri, ESPN

9 p.m. UC Santa Barbara at Cal State Fullerton, ESPNU

10 p.m. Indiana State at Wichita State, ESPN2

11 p.m. Southern Cal at Washington, Fox Sports Ohio

NBA

7 p.m. Orlando at Indiana, NBATV

7:30 p.m. Dallas at CAVALIERS, Fox Sports Ohio; WTAM/1100-AM

(Plain Dealer and cleveland.com Cavaliers coverage)

8:30 p.m. Chicago at Milwaukee, WGN

10 p.m. Denver at Portland, NBATV

NFL

9 p.m. Awards Show, WKYC

RODEO

10 p.m. Pro Bull Riding (tape), CBS Sports Network

SOCCER

7:55 a.m. Arsenal vs. Blackburn, ESPN2

WOMENS COLLEGE BASKETBALL

Noon Toledo at KENT STATE, SportsTime Ohio

(Plain Dealer and cleveland.com Kent State, Akron and MAC coverage)

1 p.m. St. Josephs at Richmond, CBS Sports Network

3 p.m. San Diego State at TCU, CBS Sports Network

WOMENS COLLEGE GYMNASTICS

4 p.m. OHIO STATE at Illinois, Big Ten Network

Mavericks are 6-2 on second nights of back-to-backs, while the Cavs are 1-4

John Raoux, Associated PressKyrie Irving is coming off a 40-minute game on Friday in Orlando.

The Buckeyes held onto their lead in the conference standings in claiming their first win at Madison in 12 years.

View full sizeAndy Manis, Associated PressOhio State's William Buford shoots against Wisconsin's Ryan Evans during the first half of Saturday's game in Madison. Buford had 11 points in the Buckeyes' first road victory over the Badgers since 2000.

MADISON, Wis. -- As the clock ticked down at the Kohl Center last February, the Ohio State players were looking for cover in a sea of red, defeat forcing the Buckeyes to maneuver through the Wisconsin fans as they stormed the court, with Ohio State's Jared Sullinger saying he was spit on during the Badgers celebration.

Saturday, Sullinger strode across a nearly empty court shortly after the final horn.

Following a 58-52 victory, the Buckeyes' first win in Madison since Jan. 13, 2000, when Sullinger was in second grade, the OSU sophomore was headed for a postgame television interview. He had scored 24 points and grabbed 10 rebounds while playing a full 40 minutes, then smiled his way through the postgame handshake line.

Now there was someone else storming the court. It was OSU senior William Buford, who doubled back to chest bump his teammate one last time and say something in his ear.

"'Single coverage, single coverage,' that's all he said," Sullinger said with a laugh.

"Way to play," is how Buford remembered the message, "and if they're going to keep putting one person on you and not doubling, keep doing what you're doing."

Wisconsin's apparent decision to play Sullinger straight up in the first half, without double teams, was something Sullinger said he hadn't experienced since the first game of his freshman season. But when he saw it, "I kind of got excited and I decided to go to work," Sullinger said.

But it may not have been all by design. OSU coach Thad Matta said the spacing by Sullinger's teammates helped give him extra room to work, as Sullinger scored 16 first-half points on 6-of-8 shooting. And Wisconsin coach Bo Ryan said, "If anybody thinks that's what we said we were going to do coming into the game, then you weren't at practice watching what's going on."

So Wisconsin wasn't exactly trying to leave Sullinger alone, but it sure looked that way. In the second half, Wisconsin switched forward Ryan Evans onto Sullinger and got more active defensively.

"I just wanted people who wanted to move their feet," Ryan said.

By then, the No. 3 Buckeyes (20-3, 8-2 Big Ten) already had an edge, the No. 19 Badgers (18-6, 7-4) were already well into a cold-shooting day from 3-point range (5 for 27) and when it got tight, Buford hit the one shot the Buckeyes needed.

His 3-pointer with 2:27 to play extended a one-point OSU lead to four after Matta designed the play out of a break, even though Buford was 3 for 14 at that point. Matta figured Wisconsin would help on Sullinger and give Buford an opening, and the senior drained the shot -- the only 3-pointer the Buckeyes made in seven tries.

"If Will is having a bad shooting game according to some people, he's going to keep shooting the ball," Sullinger said. "And when we need him, he shows up. That's one thing about Will. Down at crunch time, you always want to leave Will out on the floor, because he has the [guts] to take a shot like that."

As much as Matta felt like the win came from three days of solid practice, a lot of emotion factored as well. After one basket and foul with just over six minutes to play, Sullinger took a few steps toward the baseline and cast a long look into the Wisconsin student section. He briefly admitted the loss and fallout from last year carried into Saturday.

"Yeah, for sure," Sullinger said. "What happened last year is last year, but we won. And that was the main goal. We came out here to get the victory, and we're sitting on top of the Big Ten."

The Buckeyes currently hold a one-game lead on Michigan and one-and-a-half game lead on Michigan State and Wisconsin. The Wolverines and Spartans play each other Sunday. Saturday's win wasn't just for positioning this season, but for all the OSU teams that left Madison as losers.

"It's a big deal," said forward Deshaun Thomas, who claimed he saw Matta jumping around to such a degree, he worried about the coach's balky back. "Nobody ever won here. I've never seen coach this happy."

Bulls hold top spot again, but the Pacers, 76ers and Clippers keep moving up.

View full sizeKathy Willens, Associated PressDerrick Rose was in fine passing form against the Knicks, but no one could pass the Bulls in this week's power rankings.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Our weekly assessment of who's rising and falling in the league, through Friday's games.

1. Chicago Bulls

Last week: 1

Maintain top spot despite injuries and being in middle of season-long, nine-game road trip.

2. Oklahoma City Thunder

Last week: 2

Luckily we don't sell papers in Oklahoma City, because a strong argument could be made for them at No. 1.

3. Denver Nuggets

Last week: 3

Danilo Gallinari looks like Jimmy from Seinfeld. Jimmy likes to shoot 3-pointers and, whatever you do, don't touch Jimmy.

4. Miami Heat

Last week: 4

A big road win in Philadelphia after a team meeting takes some of the sting from collapse in Milwaukee.

5. Indiana Pacers

Last week: 7

Pacers have played the league's fewest games at home, where they are 6-1.

6. Atlanta Hawks

Last week: 5

A fun team with the misfortune of playing in the worst pro sports city in America, a city that is 23rd in NBA attendance.

7. Philadelphia 76ers

Last week: 6

In a three-day span Wells Fargo Center hosts three titans: Bulls, Heat and Kobayashi, who inhaled 337 wings in 30 minutes before 20,000 fans in Wing Bowl XX.

8. Los Angeles Clippers

Last week: 9

Blake Griffin's dunk on Kendrick Perkins already has been replayed more than Neil Armstrong's first step on the moon.

9. San Antonio Spurs

Last week: 11

They had won three straight heading into Saturday's match-up with the new Spurs -- the Thunder.

10. Orlando Magic

Last week: 8

Dwight Howard looked like he was taking batting practice against Cavaliers' shots.

11. Los Angeles Lakers

Last week: 14

Quality road win in Denver. There haven't many of those this season.

12. Dallas Mavericks

Last week: 10

Hope no Cavs fans were harmed by kicked balls from Mavs' coach Rick Carlisle on Saturday night.

13. Houston Rockets

Last week: 13

Rockets, who are 3-7 away from Toyota Center, began a six-game road trip on Saturday.

14. Utah Jazz

Last week: 15

Paul Millsap quietly having a nice season for Jazz.

15. Portland Trail Blazers

Last week: 12

We can't take these guys seriously until they improve on 3-9 road mark.

16. Boston Celtics

Last week: 16

Getting Rajon Rondo back helps, but they are a playoff team and little more.

17. Memphis Grizzlies

Last week: 17

Rudy Gay leading the way, averaging 18.3 points.

18. Minnesota Timberwolves

Last week: 18

Wolves are 6-4 on the road, a telling stat when examining team's improvement.

19. New Jersey Nets

Last week: 19

The Nets need to tread water for a few more weeks while Brook Lopez's foot mends.

20. Milwaukee Bucks

Last week: 20

If LeBron James had Brandon Jennings' killer instincts, fourth quarters would never be an issue.

21. Golden State Warriors

Last week: 23

Mark Jackson's commitment to defense being severely tested as Warriors slide to 28th.

22. Cleveland Cavaliers

Last week: 21

They are an exciting fourth-quarter team. But what about the first 36 minutes?

22. New York Knicks

Last week: 23

Hey Knick fans, is Amar'e Stoudermire working out for you?

24. Phoenix Suns

Last week: 22

Steve Nash, 37, had a 30-point, 10-assist game against New Orleans. The league should force the Suns to trade this treasure to a contender.

25. Toronto Raptors

Last week: 26

Kyrie Irving scores more fourth-quarter points than the Raptors do in all four quarters.

26. Sacramento Kings

Last week: 25

Kings are 3-7 in their last 10 and threatening New Orleans with eviction from the Western Conference basement.

27. New Orleans Hornets

Last week: 27

Suddenly the franchise wants to keep Chris Kaman -- because he's such a difference maker?

28. Detroit Pistons

Last week: 28

Playground fights drawing bigger crowds than Pistons' games these days.

29. Washington Wizards

Last week: 29

Wizards are 1-10 on the road.

30. Charlotte Bobcats

Last week: 30

Paul Silas deserves better than a club that's lost 10 straight.