CANTON, Ohio — The most successful season in Akron East history came to a cold end in front of a crowd of 2,992. The Dragons (23-2) pushed St. Vincent-St. Mary for three quarters but a dry shooting spell in the second half eventually took its toll in a 64-59 loss in a Division II regional semifinal in Canton.

East High's Mycle Shadie, center, fights for a loose ball with St. Vincent-St. Mary's Jarel Woolridge, right, during the Dragons' 64-59 loss Thursday in a Division II regional semifinal game in Canton. - (Ed Suba Jr., Akron Beacon Journal)

CANTON, Ohio — The most successful season in Akron East history came to a cold end in front of a crowd of 2,992.

The Dragons (23-2) pushed St. Vincent-St. Mary for three quarters but a dry shooting spell in the second half eventually took its toll in a 64-59 loss in a Division II regional semifinal in Canton.

The Dragons, in the regionals for the third time in the past four years, led, 36-33, at the half before the cold front moved in. They made just 6 of 34 field-goal attempts in the second half, including 2 of 18 in the fourth quarter. They kept themselves in the game by making 17 of 22 free throws and wouldn't let the Irish (16-9) relax until the final 20 seconds.

SVSM, in the regionals for the fourth consecutive season, got 18 points from seniors D.J. Blanks and Lorenzo Cugini.

"We knew they could get the ball to the hoop any time they wanted," said Cugini, who will play in his fourth regional final Saturday. "So, we made up our minds that we were going to contest every shot. If they were going to make shots they would have to make them through us or over us."

The Dragons were led by their dynamic twosome of Davonte Brunson and Mycle Shadie with strong help from Sir Charles Travis. Brunson scored a game-high 22 points and had eight rebounds and two steals. Shadie had 19 points, six rebounds, six steals and Travis had eight points, seven rebounds, four steals and four blocked shots. While the Irish won the backboards, 45-34, they turned the ball over 23 times and made just 14 of 24 free throws.

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

On Twitter:@TimRogersPD

While the trade with Los Angeles could benefit the Cavs in the long term, the team must settle on a backup point guard now that Ramon Sessions is gone.

View full sizeScott Shaw, The Plain DealerThe Cavs' Daniel Gibson could see some playing time at point guard because of Thursday's trade of Ramon Sessions.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Cavaliers have not been able to surround point guard Kyrie Irving with an abundance of talent in his rookie season.

He was, however, buttressed with one of the NBA's best backups in Ramon Sessions.

That changed Thursday at the trade deadline as the Cavaliers shipped Sessions and forward Christian Eyenga to the Los Angeles Lakers in a deal that returned a lottery-protected, first-round draft pick, the right to swap 2013 first-round selections, and forwards Jason Kapono and Luke Walton.

The Cavaliers believe the trade will benefit them long term. But for the next six weeks the Cavaliers must settle on a backup point guard to spell Irving, who's averaging 30.9 minutes per game. Among rookies only Detroit's Brandon Knight (32.1 minutes) is earning more playing time. (Minnesota's Ricky Rubio was drawing 34.2 minutes before suffering his season-ending knee injury.)

"Gonna miss my vet sessions . . . wish him all the best in LA," Irving wrote on his Twitter account Thursday.

Cavaliers coach Byron Scott will begin to address the issue today at practice. The Cavaliers don't play again until Sunday, when they host Atlanta. General Manager Chris Grant said shooting guards Daniel Gibson and Anthony Parker could play the point in a reserve role.

The club will explore other options as well with its open roster spots. They could dip into the NBA Development League or sign a free agent to a 10-day deal. Potential candidates are Donald Sloan, who's playing for Erie Bayhawks of the D-League, and Armon Johnson, waived by the Trail Blazers on Feb. 27.

On his radio show Thursday, Scott said the Cavs probably will bring back Manny Harris. The Cavaliers already have signed the shooting guard to a pair of 10-day contracts so he would have to be given a guaranteed deal for the remainder of the season.

Regardless of how the Cavaliers fill the void, they won't get the quality of minutes that Sessions provided. Not only did he quarterback the second unit, he sometimes paired with Irving in the backcourt. Scott recently has been using a smaller lineup late in games that included both Sessions and Irving.

Sessions was averaging 24.5 minutes per game with the Cavaliers chasing the final Eastern Conference playoff spot. It will be interesting to see if Scott increases Irving's minutes in the absence of Sessions. The coach has been trying to keep the 19-year-old in the 31-to-33 minute range after he began to increase his playing time in late January.

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

Oden was limited to just 82 games by injuries since the Blazers took him over Kevin Durant with the first selection in the 2007 draft. He recently underwent his third microfracture knee surgery.

John Kuntz, The Plain DealerGreg Oden playing three years ago in a Portland game at Cleveland. The former Cavaliers in the photo are Darnell Jackson (left) and Mo Williams (right).

PORTLAND, Ore. —The Trail Blazers have waived center Greg Oden, ending the former No. 1 overall pick’s disappointing career in Portland.

Oden, from Ohio State, was limited to just 82 games by injuries since the Blazers took him over Kevin Durant with the first selection in the 2007 draft.

Oden, 24, has not played in a game since Dec. 5, 2009. He recently underwent his third microfracture knee surgery, the second on his left to go with one on the right.

Deshaun Thomas has 31 points as the Buckeyes move on to face Gonzaga.

View full sizeJohn Kuntz, The Plain DealerOhio State's William Buford grabs a rebound from Loyola's Dylon Cormier in the first half Thursday at the CONSOL Energy Center in Pittsburgh.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. — The Buckeyes weren't at their best, not the crisp, cohesive, offensive team that flashed in a couple games at the Big Ten Tournament.

In its first game of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, No. 2 Ohio State still had far too much for No. 15 Loyola (Md.), with a career-high 31 points from Deshaun Thomas leading a 78-59 victory in the East Region on Thursday night.

Ohio State (28-7) moves on to face No. 7 Gonzaga at approximately 2:45 p.m. Saturday in the Consol Energy Center, the Buckeyes knowing they need that from Thomas (who also had 12 rebounds) and a little more from Jared Sullinger (12 points, 10 rebounds, 4-of-14 shooting) and William Buford (11 points, 3-of-9 shooting).

The Greyhounds (24-9) wanted to push the pace and attack Ohio State with pressure defense, and there were moments when the Buckeyes turned the ball over in the backcourt or rushed shots. But when Ohio State settled in, the Greyhounds were in trouble, though they did have a game plan for Sullinger, who was held scoreless in the second half and at times struggled inside.

There were several inherent disadvantages for the Greyhounds, who were making their first NCAA appearance since an 81-55 loss to Arizona in 1994. The tournament champs from the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference had trouble handling Ohio State's talent and power edge in the first half and were called for 14 fouls while the Buckeyes were whistled for just seven. Two Loyola players picked up four fouls in the first two minutes.

Yet the Greyhounds did what they had to, hanging around, 42-31, at the break.

That can-do attitude extended off the court. The Loyola pep band wore green T-shirts with "Loyola Superfans" on the front and "Dog Pound" on the back while sporting "Unleash the Hounds" buttons. But several members of the band said the entire 30-person crew actually was made up of nearby Duquesne University students who were rented for the game to add some life to the evening. Asked about the arrangement, the Loyola athletic director just laughed and walked away.

That's life in the tourney.

The Loyola fans were into it, though. The upset vibe was still in the air hours after No. 16 North Carolina Asheville had pushed No. 1 seed Syracuse on the same court. Much of the crowd continued to boo the Syracuse score throughout the evening every time it was shown on the scoreboard, some questionable calls from the officials still rankling the Cinderella backers that pop up at every tournament site.

Ohio State could have fallen victim to some part of the theme, but the Buckeyes never really let it happen in an arena that was about 65 percent empty by the middle of the second half. A lot of disappointed West Virginia fans, after the Mountaineers lost to Gonzaga, headed home as the clock ticked toward midnight.

The Buckeyes came in 10-4 as a No. 1 or No. 2 seed under coach Thad Matta, but are only three years removed from a first-game loss, as a No. 8 seed, to Siena in 2009.

They were never in real trouble, never losing their double-digit lead in the second half. But they also didn't look like a team ready, right now, to step into the Final Four for the first time since 2007.

That's life in the tourney, too.

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

No. 16 seed UNC-Asheville sees its upset bid get derailed by some questionable officiating.

View full sizeJaime Green, Wichita EagleThe UNC-Asheville bench reacts with disbelief after a questionable out-of-bounds call late in the game Thursday against Syracuse at Pittsburgh.

'The world saw it': Coach Eddie Biedenbach told his UNC-Asheville players not to talk about the officials after questionable calls at the end of the No. 16 seed Asheville's 72-65 loss to No. 1 seed Syracuse, but there's no doubt the officials played a role. So were the Bulldogs unlucky?

"I don't even think unlucky is the word," Asheville senior Chris Stephenson said. "It's depressing, man. I just didn't expect it to go down like that, on national television and everything. The world saw it, what they needed to see.

"That's the most important comment I have about the whole thing. The world saw what we did and knows what we're capable of. I would like to be dancing, still."

By the end of the game, after questions over several late referee decisions, including a goaltending call, a lane violation on a free throw and an out-of- bounds call, the crowd was booing.

"It was David and Goliath the entire way," Stephenson said. "Correction -- it was an even game until the last five minutes, and then it was David and Goliath."

What went wrong? The NCAA head of officiating admitted a ball that went out of bounds and was given to Syracuse in the final minutes should have gone to Asheville.

There was some dispute over whether a lane violation called on Asheville was correct or not, but it must have been frustrating for the Bulldogs to see the same crew miss an obvious goaltend when the Orange blocked a shot after it had hit the backboard and then have eagle eyes on the lane call.

Official Ed Corbett, speaking to a pool reporter after the game, said the out-of-bounds call wasn't reviewable, but the lane violation was clear, saying, "We watched the replay 20 times and it was the right call."

"I want to thank the ref, I don't know which one called it, but I appreciate that call," said Syracuse's Scoop Jardine, a 49 percent foul shooter who missed the first free throw on a one-and-one but then, after the lane violation gave him a second chance, made two. The Bulldogs were trying to put him on the line, knowing how much he has struggled this season.

Breaks: Asked about the boos from the crowd for the calls, Jardine said, "That's the tournament. Our fans feel the same way. We don't get too many calls, either. I'm happy we got a couple calls to go our way this time. This is the tournament and everyone plays hard and the refs do the best job they can. Last year we got a tough draw [in the tournament bracket] and we didn't cry about it."

That tough draw was into the East Region that also included Ohio State, North Carolina and Kentucky. So did the Orange get a few late breaks then?

"No. No, I don't believe we did," Jardine said. "I believe the game was called a fair game."

Tough ROSN: Asheville hung tight without shooting the lights out. In fact, leading scorer Matt Dickey, the Southern Conference Player of the Year after averaging 16.5 points per game, had a miserable game, shooting 1-of-13, including 1-of-9 on 3-pointers. That's a ROSN under the Plain Dealer created stat for Really Off Shooting Night, which is any game shooting 25 percent or less while taking 10 shots or more.

Lots of underdogs stick around with hot shooting. Asheville did it despite shooting 43 percent to 45 percent for Syracuse.

"I wish I could have gotten hot," Dickey said. "It would have been nice."

Still no 16: So 16 seeds are now 0-110 all-time, after two losses Thursday.

"I hope the other 16 seeds in the tournament can take this game and build upon it and make every one seed earn the right to move on," Asheville's Quinard Jackson said. "After all, this is the NCAA Tournament."

Today it's up to No. 16 LIU Brooklyn against Michigan State and No. 16 Vermont against North Carolina.

-- Doug Lesmerises

Plain Dealer reporter Doug Lesmerises offers some thoughts on the Buckeyes' next opponent in the NCAA Tournament.

View full sizeJulie Jacobson, Associated PressGonzaga's Robert Sacre, above, might present a defensive challenge to Ohio State's Jared Sullinger.

1. Gonzaga center Robert Sacre, a 7-foot, 260-pounder, is built like a lifeguard and pretty fluid for a big guy, something like Meyers Leonard of Illinois with a little more heft and toughness. He's not as much of an NBA prospect as Leonard, but he certainly looked Thursday night -- after putting up 14 points and six rebounds in the win over West Virginia -- like a guy who could body Ohio State's Jared Sullinger. Sacre, in the West Coast Conference, isn't used to the physical style of play Sullinger deals with all season. But Sullinger will have to rely on his tricks of the trade inside more than just his physical ability.

2. Gonzaga shot as well as it did all season against West Virginia, shooting 56 percent from the field and 53 percent on 3-pointers. But Mountaineers' coach Bob Huggins was sick over his team's defense, saying it was the worst defensive team he's had in 30 years. The Buckeyes aren't nearly that bad, but they still will need to get out on shooters. Gonzaga has more than one.

3. Gonzaga can shoot. Gonzaga has multiple big guys to run into the game. Kevin Pangos will have an interesting battle with Aaron Craft in the backcourt. Gonzaga may not have defenders to match up with Deshaun Thomas and William Buford. So those two will have to be threats outside but then make their defenders pay off the dribble and in the paint.

4. There was a lot of Mountaineer yellow in the stands Thursday night with West Virginia just 75 miles down the road. Maybe those West Virginia fans will want to come back Saturday to root against Big East foe Syracuse and for former Bob Huggins assistant Frank Martin, who will be leading Kansas State against the Orange. But there should also be some reasonable prices on the resale market now that more West Virginia fans don't have a reason to come back Saturday.

-- Doug Lesmerises

Chris Allen led four Cyclones in double figures with 20 points to top UConn, the first time since UCLA in 1996 that the defending champion has lost in the opening game.

Associated PressIowa State's Scott Christopherson goes to the basket during the Cyclones' 77-64 NCAA Tournament win over Connecticut.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) Jim Calhoun and Connecticut didn't expect their season to end this way.

Their future is equally unpredictable.

"We're talking about tonight's game. We're not talking about me," Calhoun said after Iowa State stunned the defending national champions 77-64 in the NCAA tournament Thursday night. "I'm going to get on the plane tomorrow, go home and do what I usually do and meet up with the team on Monday. My own personal thing, I don't think it has any relevance, to be honest with you."

Chris Allen led four Cyclones in double figures with 20 points, and Iowa State scored its last 14 at the free-throw line to beat UConn, the first time since UCLA in 1996 that the defending champs have lost in the opening game. Calhoun didn't even wait for the final buzzer, heading for halfcourt with about four seconds left to congratulate Iowa State coach Fred Hoiberg.

It is only the second loss in the opening game of the NCAA tournament for UConn.

"I'm surprised as anybody, clearly," Calhoun said. "I imagine our players are, too."

For the eighth-seeded Cyclones, meanwhile, it's their biggest victory in a season of them, having knocked off Kansas and Baylor during Big 12 play.

Royce White had a double-double with 15 points and 13 rebounds, and Scott Christopherson also had 15 for the Cyclones. Iowa State shot 48 percent from the floor and had a whopping 41-24 edge in rebounds.

"I feel like just we wanted it more," Allen said. "I felt like we was doing everything we needed to and played hard."

Next up for Iowa State: Overall No. 1 seed Kentucky in the third round of the South Regional on Saturday. The Wildcats routed Western Kentucky earlier Thursday.

For the Huskies, the future is far less certain. This could be Connecticut's last tournament until at least 2014, with the Huskies facing a ban on tournament play next year because of past academic problems. Although Calhoun insists he hasn't made any retirement plans, he's had a history of health problems - he's a three-time cancer survivor and missed a month this season with back pain - and he turns 70 in May.

"This game was a disappointment; this season was not a disappointment to me," Calhoun said. "I knew this team could be really good, but we just didn't reach that level."

Shabazz Napier led the Huskies with 22, and Jeremy Lamb had 19. But Connecticut could never get into a rhythm and had no answer for the quicker, more aggressive Cyclones.

"It's very disappointing to have to end the season this way," Napier said.

The Cyclones arrived in Louisville with no shortage of swagger, smirking when asked if they were intimidated by the defending national champions.

And they wasted no time backing up their big talk, jumping on the Huskies from the opening tip. It took Calhoun less than two minutes before he'd seen enough, jumping up to call a timeout.

"We wanted to attack the boards more and whatever 3s we got, we took," Allen said. "At the end of the day, we were trying to get it in, get rebounds and do all the little stuff."

After leading by as much as 22 in the first half, Iowa State (23-10) withstood a UConn rally in the second half. Ryan Boatright went on a one-man tear, making three straight baskets to pull Connecticut within 58-52 with 8:24 to play.

"Once we cut it to six, I felt like if we dug down a little deeper maybe it would crack," Boatright said.

But the Huskies (20-14) couldn't get any closer, missing their next four shots and going scoreless for more than five-and-a-half minutes.

Iowa State, meanwhile, got a big layup from Bubu Palo and an even bigger bucket from Allen.

Allen has played more NCAA tournament games than any player in the 68-team field after making back-to-back Final Fours with Michigan State in 2009 and 2010, and his experience showed. He chased down his miss on a 3 from the corner and went up and under the basket, scoring to put Iowa State back in front 63-52 with 4:15 to play.

"Scoring in clutch situations always boosts your team's momentum," Allen said. "That's what I felt like it did and helped us just get back on track."

UConn could never make another run, and all the Cyclones had to do was convert their free throws. As the game wound down, White pointed at Iowa State's radio crew and said, "I told you, didn't I?"

NCAA investigations and questions about Calhoun's future have clouded the glow from UConn's third national title all season.

Calhoun sat out the first three games of the Big East season for failure to maintain control of his program when it was charged with NCAA violations. Boatright missed nine games, including six at the beginning of the season, after an NCAA investigation found he and his family took more than $8,000 in impermissible benefits before he enrolled at Connecticut.

Despite the turmoil, the Huskies won 12 of their first 13 games.

Then things fell apart, in spectacular fashion.

UConn lost 11 of its next 16, including a 21-point blowout by Louisville followed by an 18-point rout at the hands of Syracuse. Back problems forced Calhoun to take a monthlong leave, and the Huskies went 3-5 in his absence. He returned for the regular-season finale against Pittsburgh after back surgery, and UConn responded with three straight wins before losing a close one to Syracuse in the Big East tournament.

Though Calhoun talked about having a second chance in the tournament, Iowa State put a quick end to that.

"You saw the game," Calhoun said, "we played very poorly. We deserved to lose the game."

The Big Ten is undefeated in postseason play, going 3-0 in Thursday NCAA games and 3-0 in opening NIT games.

John Kuntz/ The Plain DealerOhio State's Aaron Craft, driving to the basket here, battled foul trouble against Loyola on Thursday.

Brophey isn't sure what he would do for a living if he wasn't a hockey player ... poker player?

View full size

Shoots: Left. Ht/Wt: 6-2, 199. Born: Dec. 3, 1986, Kitchener, Ontario. Acquired: Signed by Colorado as free agent in July.

PD: Preferred off-ice activities?

EB: Playing PlayStation -- Call of Duty; taking naps; walking dogs; playing cards.

PD: Favorite hockey player to watch?

EB: Jarome Iginla.

PD: Best active player?

EB: Steven Stamkos.

PD: Do you think Sidney Crosby will continue to have a productive career?

EB: I think he'll be completely fine.

PD: Have you had any hockey-related concussions?

EB: None that I know of.

PD: If not a hockey player, what?

EB: Not exactly sure. What comes to mind is poker player.

PD: Do you watch TV poker?

EB: From time to time. I don't think it's as big on TV as it was a few years ago, though.

PD: What are your preferred card games?

EB: Poker, blackjack, the basic games.

PD: Who is the best card player on the Monsters?

EB: I am, definitely. And I'd say [Ryan] Stoa is probably the worst.

PD: Any teammate who would challenge your assertion that you are No. 1?

EB: [Luke] Walker. Or Stoa.

PD: Toughest part of being a pro hockey player?

EB: The mental and physical grind.

PD: What do you need to do to get back to NHL and stay there?

EB: Play all aspects of the game as hard as I can.

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

EB: Dedicated. Hard-working. Committed.

PD: If you could trade places with one athlete, whom?

EB: Adrian Peterson of the Vikings. He's one heckuva athlete.

PD: Favorite sport other than hockey?

EB: Soccer.

PD: Favorite soccer player?

EB: Right now, Messi.

PD: Wildest thing ever witnessed in rink as player or fan?

EB: Earlier this season, [David] van der Gulik mocked the goal judge. It was hilarious.

PD: Which team will win the Stanley Cup?

EB: St. Louis Blues. They're going to surprise a lot of people in the playoffs.

-- Dennis Manoloff

Since a 6-1 loss at Grand Rapids on Feb. 24, the Monsters have gone 5-0-0-2. They continue to make noise in the race for the Calder Cup playoffs.

View full sizeThe Plain DealerCoach David Quinn

Monsters coach David Quinn can be difficult to please. But even Quinn has been hard-pressed to find fault with his club's performance in the past seven games.

"I haven't had to say much, which is great," he said. "These guys understand what we're trying to accomplish, and they're going out and doing it. That's all you can ask as a coach."

Since a 6-1 loss at Grand Rapids on Feb. 24, the Monsters have gone 5-0-0-2. They continue to make noise in the race for the Calder Cup playoffs.

With 13 games remaining in their regular season, the Monsters are 32-25-2-4. They entered Thursday ranked tied for sixth (with three other teams) in the Western Conference with 70 points. They were three points from third-place Peoria, but also two points from being alone in 10th. The top eight teams in each of two conferences qualify for the postseason.

The Monsters play host to Milwaukee tonight and Chicago on Saturday night.

"We're scoreboard-watching -- you can't help it at this time of year -- but at the same time, we've done a good job of focusing on our job on a given night," Quinn said. "We can't control what other teams do unless we play them."

The Monsters' hot streak started with a 15-round shootout loss at Rochester, 4-3. Even though they did not win, they earned a point on the road and erased the sting of the Grand Rapids loss.

The subsequent two weekends, the Monsters played three games in three days. In the first set, they won at Hamilton in a shootout (2-1), home against Charlotte in a shootout (3-2) and home against Charlotte in overtime (2-1). In the second set, which ended last Sunday, the Monsters lost in a shootout at Oklahoma City (2-1), won in a shootout at Oklahoma City (3-2) and won in regulation at San Antonio (3-2). The Oklahoma City Barons entered Thursday ranked first in the Western Conference with 82 points. The San Antonio Rampage was one of the clubs with 70.

"What was so impressive about the most recent trip was, after the Saturday game, we got on a bus and arrived in San Antonio at 8 a.m. Sunday," Quinn said. "We got a few hours' sleep at the hotel and played the Rampage at 4. The guys simply found a way to win at the end of a long three days."

Perhaps the best part of the seven-game run for Quinn is that a roster full of players, not one or two, has been responsible.

"Everybody's pulling their weight," Quinn said. "When one guy makes a mistake, another guy picks him up. The goaltending's good, the 'D' is playing well, the forwards are possessing the puck and making good decisions. I like our resilience, our approach, our physicality. We're playing the way you need to play in order to have success in the playoffs."

Quinn said he never has been part of a team that played in six consecutive extra-time games.

"Nobody really talked about it -- and that's what I liked," he said. "We just kept going. We played until the game was over."

Monsters center Evan Brophey said: "You could definitely feel it in the legs, especially because we played three-in-three both weekends. But nobody complained. It's part of the job."

Injury news: Quinn said wingers Luke Walker and David van der Gulik are day to day because of upper-body injuries, and that their status for the weekend's games is uncertain.

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

On Twitter: @dmansworldpd

Jose Lopez is making a strong push to make the Indians as a utility infielder.

View full sizeMark Duncan, Associated PressThe Indians' Shelley Duncan watches his two-run home run in the sixth inning Thursday during a spring training game against the Chicago White Sox in Goodyear, Ariz.

GOODYEAR, Ariz. — The race for left field is still wide open. The same can be said for the sixth and seventh spots in the bullpen.

Regarding the Indians' utility infielder position, it's still not clear how many players manager Manny Acta will keep. At least one, maybe two.

Whatever the number, Jose Lopez is making a strong push for employment. He replaced first baseman Shelley Duncan during Thursday's 12-3 victory over the White Sox and hit a three-run homer and a double in two at-bats. He's currently hitting .529 (9-for-17) with two homers.

"Not too long ago, he was an All-Star in this league," Acta said. "He went to winter ball and worked very hard to get back to where he was. He's in a lot better shape than when I saw him in Seattle.

"He gives us that right-handed bat that can play first, second and third. There is still two weeks to go, but he's looking very good right now."

The Indians brought in a cast of thousands to audition in the outfield, but no one has impressed. Acta said he's going to start playing Russ Canzler and Matt LaPorta in left field over the last 18 games of spring training to see what they can do.

Canzler started in left Thursday and had three of the Indians' 17 hits. Ryan Spilborghs, another candidate, started in right field and went 2-for-2 with two RBI. The Indians may view Spilborghs as more of a fourth outfielder.

Duncan hit his third homer of the spring Thursday. Acta is all but certain he has a spot on the club, but it's still not clear if the Indians feel he can be the everyday left fielder. He started at first against Chicago.

The competition for the last two spots in the pen among Frank Herrmann and veterans Chris Ray, Dan Wheeler, Jeremy Accardo and Robinson Tejeda has not gone well.

"Let's face it, none of those guys have pitched very well," said Acta. "But they have track records and you're willing to wait on them."

Roster cuts: Left-hander Scott Barnes, right-hander Danny Salazar and outfielders Nick Weglarz and Thomas Neal were optioned to the minors Thursday. There are 55 players in camp.

Barnes threw seven scoreless innings this spring. He was optioned to Class AAA Columbus where he'll join the starting rotation. Acta said there's a chance the Indians could look at him as a reliever in the big leagues sometime this year.

He's back: On Feb. 21, the Indians traded lefty Kelvin De La Cruz to Texas for cash after designating him for assignment. On Thursday, they reacquired De La Cruz from Texas, reportedly, for the same amount of cash.

To create space on the 40-man roster for De La Cruz, the Indians put Carlos Carrasco (right elbow) on the 60-day disabled list.

Sellout crowd: The Indians have sold out their home opener April 5 against Toronto at Progressive Field. It's the 20th straight home opener sellout for the Indians, the past 19 at Progressive Field.

Gates will open at 1 p.m. for the 3:05 p.m. start. All fans will receive an Indians magnet schedule.

Injuries: Relievers Rafael Perez (left shoulder) and Tejada (right calf) threw simulated games Thursday and should be back in Cactus League action this weekend or next week . . . Casey Kotchman (back) swung the bat in soft toss Thursday. Acta says he's getting closer to game action. Baseball breakfast: The Plain Dealer is holding its annual Opening Day breakfast to talk Indians baseball. It's $25 per person from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at The Plain Dealer.

There will be a breakfast buffet with door prizes.

For questions call 216-999-4028 or go to plaindealer.com/homeopener

Next: Kevin Slowey will face Garret Richards of the Angels today in Tempe, Ariz. The game will be on an indians.com webcast.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: phoynes@plaind.com, 216-9990-5158

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

Associated PressGuard D.J. Cooper and the Ohio Bobcats will play Michigan in an NCAA Tournament game that will be televised tonight at 7:20 on TNT.

CLEVELAND, Ohio

Today's sports TV and radio listings

(Click onto links for more team or event information)

AUTO RACING

10:30 a.m. Ford EcoBoost 300 practice, Speed

Noon Food City 500 practice, Speed

2 p.m. Ford EcoBoost 300 practice, Speed

3:30 p.m. Food City 500 qualifying, Speed

2 a.m. (Saturday) Australian Grand Prix qualifying, Speed

BOXING

9 p.m. Kendall Holt vs. Tim Coleman, ESPN2

11 p.m. Omar Figueroa vs. Ramon Ayala;

Randy Caballero vs. Jose Luis Araiza, Showtime

EXTREME SPORTS

Noon X Games, slopestyle women's, men's final (tape), ESPN2

GOLF

10:30 a.m. Open de Andalucia, Golf Channel

3 p.m. Transitions Championship, Golf Channel

6:30 p.m. Founders Cup, Golf Channel

8:30 p.m. Toshiba Classic (tape), Golf Channel

HOCKEY

5 p.m. NCAA, Hockey East semifinal, NBCSN

7:30 p.m. AHL, Milwaukee at MONSTERS, Fox Sports Ohio; WHKW/1220-AM

(Plain Dealer and cleveland.com Monsters coverage) 

8 p.m. NCAA, Hockey East semifinal, NBCSN

MEN'S COLLEGE BASKETBALL

Tournament games

12:15 p.m. NCAA, Cincinnati vs. Texas, WOIO (preview)

12:40 p.m. NCAA, San Diego State vs. North Carolina State, TRUTV

1:40 p.m. NCAA, Creighton vs. Alabama, TBS

2:10 p.m. NCAA, Florida vs. Virginia, TNT

2:30 p.m. NCAA, Florida State vs. St. Bonaventure, WOIO

2:55 p.m. NCAA, Georgetown vs. Belmont, TRUTV

3:55 p.m. NCAA, North Carolina vs. Vermont, TBS

4:25 p.m. NCAA, Missouri vs. Norfolk State, TNT

6:50 p.m. NCAA, Memphis vs. Saint Louis, TBS

7:15 p.m. NCAA, Duke vs. Lehigh, WOIO

7:20 p.m. NCAA, Michigan vs. OHIO BOBCATS, TNT (preview)

(Plain Dealer and cleveland.com MAC coverage) 

7:27 p.m. NCAA, St. Mary's (Calif.) vs. Purdue, TRUTV (preview)

9:05 p.m. NCAA, Michigan State vs. LIU-Brooklyn, TBS (preview)

9:30 p.m. NCAA, Notre Dame vs. Xavier, WOIO (preview)

9:35 p.m. NCAA, Temple vs. South Florida, TNT

9:42 p.m. NCAA, Kansas vs. Detroit, TRUTV (preview)

10 p.m. NIT, Northwestern at Washington, ESPNU

MEN'S COLLEGE WRESTLING

11 a.m. NCAA Division I Championships, ESPNU

7 p.m. NCAA Division I Championships, ESPNU

NBA

7 p.m. Miami at Philadelphia, ESPN (preview) 

9:30 p.m. San Antonio at Oklahoma City, ESPN

TENNIS

4 p.m. BNP Paribas Open, men's quarterfinal, ESPN2

11 p.m. BNP Paribas Open, women's semifinal, ESPN2

How does your bracket look now after the first big day of the NCAA Tournament? Get March Madness scores and recaps here.

Syracuse's James Southerland (43) looks to pass around UNC-Asheville's Matt Dickey during the second half of an East Regional NCAA tournament second-round college basketball game in Pittsburgh, Thursday, March 15, 2012. Syracuse won 72-65. ( AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Reserve forward James Southerland had 15 points and a season-high eight rebounds, and Syracuse avoided becoming the first No. 1 seed to lose to a 16 when it rallied for a 72-65 victory over North Carolina-Asheville on Thursday in the East Regional.

The Orange entered the tournament without starting center Fab Melo, who was declared ineligible for academic reasons, and they almost left early with a piece of history no team wants. Instead, Syracuse (32-2) will play eighth-seeded Kansas State in the third round Saturday.

The Orange overcame a terrible game from 3-point range (5 of 23) to beat the much-smaller Bulldogs (24-10), who had talked Wednesday of becoming the first No. 16 seed to beat a No. 1.

J.P. Primm had 18 points for UNC-Asheville.

The Bulldogs were up 34-30 at halftime — the third 16 seed to lead at the break — but the Orange took the lead for good with 6:17 left on a turnaround jumper by Southerland. The Bulldogs were within three points three times in the final 1:04 but got no closer.

No. 2 OHIO STATE 78, No. 15 LOYOLA, MD. 59

Deshaun Thomas scored a career-high 31 points and grabbed 12 rebounds to lead Ohio State.

Jared Sullinger added 12 points and 11 rebounds for the Buckeyes (28-7), who dominated the smaller Greyhounds inside, finishing with a 49-24 rebound advantage.

Ohio State will play seventh-seeded Gonzaga in the third round on Saturday at the Consol Energy Center.

The Buckeyes, playing on the same court top-seeded Syracuse struggled to beat North Carolina-Asheville hours earlier, twice took a 15-point lead in the first half. The Greyhounds got within 42-31 at halftime but the Buckeyes went on to lead by as many as 20 in the second half.

Erik Etherly had 19 points for the Greyhounds (24-9), the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference champions, who were in the tournament for the second time and first since 1994.

For more Cinesport video, go here.

No. 4 WISCONSIN 73, No. 13 MONTANA 49

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Ryan Evans scored 18 points and Jordan Taylor added 17 points and six assists for Wisconsin, which ended Montana's school-record 14-game winning streak.

The Badgers (25-9) improved to 10-1 in NCAA tournament openers under Bo Ryan, the winningest coach in the program's history.

Wisconsin will face fifth-seeded Vanderbilt in the third round Saturday at the Pit.

Art Steward's 18 points led the Grizzles (25-7), who were familiar with the Badgers' style because one of their assistants, Freddie Owens, played at Wisconsin from 2001-04. Still, his inside information couldn't help the Grizzlies pull off the upset.

No. 5 VANDERBILT 79, No. 12 HARVARD 70

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — John Jenkins made all six of his free throws down the stretch and finished with 27 points to help Vanderbilt hold off Harvard in a game billed as "The Brain Bowl."

Brad Tinsley scored 16 for the Commodores (25-10), who followed last weekend's stunner over top-ranked Kentucky with a win over a school many consider to be a No. 1 — in the classroom, that is.

The Crimson (26-5) won the Ivy League and made the tournament for the first time since 1946. Laurent Rivard led Harvard with 20 points, but the Southeastern Conference tournament champions built an 18-point lead on the Ivy Leaguers, then held them off despite not making a field goal for the last 5:22.

No. 7 GONZAGA 77, No. 10 WEST VIRGINIA 54

Robert Sacre and Gary Bell Jr. scored 14 points apiece as Gonzaga routed West Virginia.

Kevin Pangos added 13 points and five assists for the seventh-seeded Bulldogs (26-6), who will play Ohio State in the third round on Saturday.

Gary Browne led the Mountaineers (19-14) with 15 points off the bench and Kevin Jones scored 13 in his final game for West Virginia, handed its worst postseason defeat in 28 years despite a decided home-court advantage.

Gonzaga never let the crowd get into it. The Bulldogs took control during a 13-0 run midway through the first half and cruised, shooting 56 percent from the floor while harassing the Mountaineers into tough shots all night.

No. 8 KANSAS ST. 70, No. 9 SOUTHERN MISS 64

Rodney McGruder scored 30 points and Jordan Henriquez added 15 points, nine rebounds and six blocks to lead Kansas State over Southern Mississippi.

The Wildcats (22-10) advanced past their opening tournament game for the third straight year.

Neil Watson led Southern Miss (25-9) with 16 points, LaShay Page had 15 and Kentucky transfer Darnell Dodson scored all 14 of his points in the second half. But the Golden Eagles let a chance to win their first-ever tournament game slip away in the final minutes.

___

WEST REGIONAL

No. 3 MARQUETTE 88, No. 14 BYU 68

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Jae Crowder had 25 points and 16 rebounds, Darius Johnson-Odom scored 12 of his 20 points in the second half and Marquette withstood another furious rally by BYU.

Brandon Davies had 19 points and 12 rebounds for the Cougars (26-9), who looked for a brief while as if they might have a chance to top their historic comeback in the First Four on Tuesday night. After trailing by as many as 19 in the first half, BYU got within 52-46 with 15:28 left. But the Golden Eagles (28-5) were simply too big and too strong.

Marquette (26-7) will play sixth-seeded Murray State in the third round Saturday.

No. 6 MURRAY STATE 58, No. 11 COLORADO STATE 41

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Isaiah Canaan scored 15 points in Murray State's return to the NCAA tournament after a two-year wait, and Donte Poole added 13 to lead the Racers past Colorado State.

Canaan mishandled the ball in the closing seconds of a two-point loss to Butler in 2010 as a freshman. He's the leader of this group now, and Murray State (31-1) expects a long run in this tournament as the mid-major darlings.

Poole scored Murray State's first eight points early, and the Racers shook off an 11-day wait with an 18-2 rally to start the second half.

Pierce Hornung led Colorado State (20-12) with 12 points and matched a career high with 17 rebounds for the Rams, who were making their first tournament appearance since 2003.

No. 4 LOUISVILLE 69, No. 13 DAVIDSON 62

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Peyton Siva scored 17 points and Louisville finally moved on in the NCAA tournament by beating Davidson.

After getting ousted in their first tournament game the past two seasons, coach Rick Pitino and the Cardinals (27-9) advanced to play fifth-seeded New Mexico in the third round.

Siva, who had plenty of local support at the Rose Garden from his hometown of Seattle, added six assists to lead the Big East tournament champions, who are making their sixth straight appearance in the NCAAs. Chane Behanan had 14 points and 11 rebounds for the Cardinals, who led by as many as 14.

Jake Cohen had 24 points and 10 rebounds for Davidson (25-8), which was making its 11th tournament appearance and first since 2008, when Stephen Curry led the underdog Wildcats to the round of eight.

No. 5 NEW MEXICO 75, No. 12 LONG BEACH STATE 68

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Kendall Williams scored 14 of his 16 points in the second half and bottled up Long Beach State star Casper Ware defensively to help New Mexico hold off the 49ers.

Drew Gordon added 18 points and 13 rebounds for the Lobos.

With most of the 49ers' defensive efforts focused on slowing down Gordon, New Mexico's punishing forward, Williams came up with key shots when the opportunities were there. The Lobos (28-6) then hit their free throws in the final minute to close it out.

Williams' length and quickness bothered Ware. The Big West player of the year went nearly 25 minutes without a field goal and finished with 17 points on 5-of-19 shooting.

T.J. Robinson added 12 points and 14 rebounds for Long Beach State (25-9).

___

SOUTH REGIONAL

No. 1 KENTUCKY 81, No. 16 WESTERN KENTUCKY 66

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Terrence Jones had 22 points and 10 rebounds, Doron Lamb scored 16 and Kentucky began its quest for an eighth national title with a staggering display of athleticism in a victory over Western Kentucky.

On a day when Syracuse nearly became the first No. 1 seed ever to lose to a 16, the Wildcats (33-2) clearly relished their growing role as favorites. Freshman and player of the year candidate Anthony Davis added 16 points, nine rebounds and seven blocks for Kentucky, which was never seriously threatened.

Western Kentucky (16-19) saw its improbable seven-game winning streak end. Freshman T.J. Price scored 16 of his career-high 21 points in the first half before fouling out late.

No. 3 BAYLOR 68, No. 14 SOUTH DAKOTA STATE 60

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Pierre Jackson scored 18 points and Baylor held off South Dakota State to advance to the third round.

The Bears (28-7) fell behind by 12 in the first half before taking a 36-28 halftime lead that they never relinquished. But it was a nail-biter.

Making their first trip to the NCAA tournament, the Jackrabbits (27-8) misfired on a 3-pointer with 25 seconds left that would have made it one-point game. Then, the Bears iced it at the line.

Brady Heslip added 17 points for the Bears, who will face Colorado next.

No. 4 INDIANA 79, No. 13 NEW MEXICO STATE 66.

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Jordan Hulls went on a second-half shooting spree and finished with 22 points, and Indiana rolled past New Mexico State.

Making its return after a four-year tournament absence, the Hoosiers (26-8) picked up their first tournament win since beating Gonzaga in 2007 on a night their main stars — Cody Zeller and Christian Watford — did the heavy lifting in the opening minutes then watched Hulls and others carry the load.

Hulls shot 8 of 12, including 7 of 8 in the second half. Zeller, Watford and Will Sheehey all finished with 14 points. The Hoosiers will face upstart No. 12 seed VCU in Saturday's third round.

Wendell McKines led New Mexico State (26-10) with 15 points.

No. 8 IOWA STATE 77, No. 9 CONNECTICUT 64

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Chris Allen scored 20 points to lead four Iowa State players in double figures, and the Cyclones scored their last 14 at the free-throw line.

Connecticut's loss marked the first time since UCLA in 1996 that the defending champs were beaten in their opening game. Huskies coach Jim Calhoun didn't even wait for the final buzzer, heading for halfcourt with about 4 seconds left to congratulate Iowa State coach Fred Hoiberg.

After leading by 22 in the first half, Iowa State (23-10) withstood a UConn rally in the second half. Ryan Boatright went on a one-man tear, making three straight baskets to pull Connecticut within 58-52 with 8:24 to play. But the Huskies (20-14) couldn't get any closer, going scoreless for more than 5 1/2 minutes.

Iowa State will face No. 1 seed Kentucky in the third round Saturday.

No. 11 COLORADO 68, No. 6 UNLV 64

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Freshman reserve Askia Booker scored 16 points Thursday night and Colorado held off a furious UNLV rally.

The Buffaloes (24-11) led 49-29 with just under 15 minutes remaining, then the Rebels (26-9) went on a 26-8 run to cut the margin to two at the 4:20 mark.

But UNLV missed its next seven shots and Carlon Brown took a full-court pass for a windmill dunk to help the Buffs gather themselves and win in their first NCAA appearance since 2003.

Austin Dufault finished with 14 points and Andre Roberson had 12 points and 16 rebounds for Colorado, which plays Baylor on Saturday.

Anthony Marshall had 15 for UNLV, which went 9 for 36 from 3-point range.

Wichita State's Garrett Stutz (41) reacts as Virginia Commenwealth's Bradford Burgess (20) and Darius Theus (10) celebrate at the end of an NCAA tournament second-round college basketball game in Portland, Ore., Thursday, March 15, 2012. VCU defeated Wichita State 62-59. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

No. 12 VCU 62, No. 5 WICHITA STATE 59

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Bradford Burgess hit a key 3-pointer with 1:33 left and Shaka Smart coached VCU to another tournament surprise, holding off Wichita State.

The Rams (29-6) led by as many as 13 in the second half, but the Shockers closed to 54-53 on Garrett Stutz's layup with 5:39 left. Troy Daniels hit a 3-pointer for the Rams, and Joe Ragland answered with his own for Wichita State.

Toure Murry made a 3 that gave Wichita State the lead, but Burgess came back with his big shot to give the Rams a 60-59 edge. Darius Theus' runner from about 6 feet provided the final margin.

Stutz's long jumper just before the buzzer was off for Wichita State (26-6).

VCU made a stunning run all the way from the First Four to the Final Four last season.

Although the Bills’ signing of defensive end Mario Williams—the best defensive player on the market—was the biggest move, the Dallas Cowboys stayed busy addressing the back seven of their defense.

Buffalo Bills' Mario Williams, center, poses for a photo with Bills coach Chan Gailey, right, and Bills general manager Buddy Nix, left, after an NFL football news conference in Orchard Park, N.Y., Thursday, March 15, 2012. Williams signed a contract touted as the richest ever given to an NFL defensive player _ a deal worth up to $100 million with $50 million guaranteed, according to his agent, Ben Dogra. (AP Photo/David Duprey)

Thursday marked the third day of 2012 NFL free agency, and the Buffalo Bills finally landed their primary target. Although the Bills’ signing of defensive end Mario Williams—the best defensive player on the market—was the biggest move, the Dallas Cowboys stayed busy addressing the back seven of their defense.

Here’s a roundup of those moves and the rest of the day’s market activity to catch you up with the latest wave of player movement:

Buffalo Bills

Who they added: DE Mario Williams

What it means: New defensive coordinator Dave Wannstedt should be thrilled working with a defensive line that now includes Mario Williams, second-year stud Marcell Dareus and Kyle Williams. Mario Williams not only is a huge boost to the Bills’ 4-3 pass rush, but he strengthens their edge run defense as well. Buffalo spent a lot to get him, and its coach will expect him to improve their front seven dramatically.

Brown: Williams just one part of the Bills' solution

Dallas Cowboys

Who they added: ILB Dan Connor, S Brodney Pool

What it means: The franchise-tagging of Anthony Spencer maintained their 3-4 prowess at outside linebacker. Defensive coordinator Rob Ryan should be happy the rest of his back seven has been upgraded with Connor, Pool and cornerback Brandon Carr (signed on Wednesday). Ryan’s group will now be more physical and be in position to make more plays on the ball.

Day 2: Cowboys bring in playmaker Carr

Seattle Seahawks

Who they’d like to add: QB Matt Flynn

What it means: They’re not getting Peyton Manning or Chad Henne, who signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Based on a Cleveland Plain Dealer report, the Browns are no longer in the competition for Flynn. Now Seattle needs to follow through with a lucrative, starter-worthy offer before Flynn decides to reunite with Miami Dolphins coach Joe Philbin, who was Flynn’s offensive coordinator in Green Bay.

New Orleans Saints

Who they added: G Ben Grubbs

What it means: The Saints couldn’t keep Carl Nicks, who signed with Tampa Bay, but should be very happy with Grubbs as his replacement at left guard. Adding Grubbs means there won’t be much of a drop-off in run blocking. With wide receiver Marques Colston also re-signed, there’s one more offensive priority left: a long-term deal with quarterback Drew Brees.

Free agents: SN's Top 50 list, with updates

Tennessee Titans

Who they added: G Steve Hutchinson

What it means: Hutchinson’s days as an elite blocker are behind him, as injuries and age (34) have contributed to slowing down the athletic eight-time Pro Bowler. At worst, his presence could help the Titans convince his friend Peyton Manning to sign. At best, Hutchinson will remain a solid starter in a stout line next to ace left tackle Michael Roos.

Report: Titans offer P. Manning lifetime contract

Miami Dolphins

Who they added: CB Richard Marshall

What it means: With one Marshall (Brandon) departing from their passing game, the Dolphins add another, underrated one to bring more playmaking pop to their pass defense. Marshall made an impact flying all over the field for Arizona, and his free-lancing style will provide the ideal complement to strong cover man Vontae Davis.

Report: Dolphins add Marshall to secondary

Denver Broncos

Who they added: S Mike Adams

What it means: Adams, who fills the team’s free safety need, excels at covering the middle of the field—the primary responsibility of that position. The 5-11, 200-pound Adams, who turns 31 next Saturday, also provides experience.

Kansas City Chiefs

Who they added: TE Kevin Boss

What it means: Spurned by former Seahawk John Carlson (signed with Minnesota), Kansas City picked up Boss, who had been cut by archrival Oakland and will pair with Tony Moeaki. Boss is a much stronger blocker than Carlson and has good enough hands for the Chiefs to tinker with Patriots-like two-tight end sets.

News: Three years, $9 million for Boss

Cleveland Browns

Who they added: DE Juqua Parker

What it means: The Browns have been successful at adding experienced reinforcements for their defensive line to support second-year players Phil Taylor and Jabaal Sheard. It’s no surprise given what coordinator Dick Jauron has done with his 4-3 in previous stops.

FROM SI: How Mario Williams can help the Bills | Can Williams deliver?

New England Patriots

Who they added: S Steve Gregory

Who they kept: C Dan Connolly

What it means: With Eric Weddle starring in San Diego, Gregory couldn’t play the position for which he’s best suited—free safety. He’ll get a chance to prove he can be a more effective starter in that role for Bill Belichick. Bringing back Connolly makes it official—the Patriots are sticking with him as their center over long-time starter Dan Koppen. Koppen will need to move on after missing all of 2011 with a broken left ankle.

It was an NBA trading deadline notable for the players who did not get traded (with the Magic’s Dwight Howard headlining that list) as those who did (Lakers stalwart Derek Fisher, for example). It was, as many front-office executives foresaw, scant on blockbusters, with players like Nene, Andrew Bogut, Monta Ellis and Gerald Wallace the big names being moved.

It was an NBA trading deadline notable for the players who did not get traded (with the Magic’s Dwight Howard headlining that list) as those who did (Lakers stalwart Derek Fisher, for example). It was, as many front-office executives foresaw, scant on blockbusters, with players like Nene, Andrew Bogut, Monta Ellis and Gerald Wallace the big names being moved.

But still, this year’s deadline did produce some maneuvers of note. And with maneuvers come winners and losers:

WINNERS

Orlando Magic CEO Alex Martins, left, listens as Dwight Howard answers questions during a news conference,Thursday, March 15, 2012, in Orlando, Fla. Howard signed papers Thursday agreeing to waive the early termination option in his contract, guaranteeing he will be with the Magic at the beginning of the 2012-13 season. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Alex Martins. Give Martins, the Magic CEO, a ton of credit—when most of us had written off Dwight Howard as a guy who has had one foot out of Orlando since December, Martins never gave up on the idea that Howard did not really want to leave and that he could be convinced to stay, even as Howard was being tugged by more lucrative business interests in bigger markets.

Of course, the Magic only bought themselves one more year with their big man, and who knows what Howard will do if the Magic suffer another playoff flop? But Martins staked a lot of credibility on keeping Howard, and for now, he got it done.

Pacers. Indiana has sought a scoring guard off the bench, twice coming close to trading for Memphis’ O.J. Mayo and kicking the tires on players like D.J. Augustin and Jamal Crawford. Ultimately, they get Leandro Barbosa, a slashing scorer who is averaging 12.2 points per game this season. They gave up only a second-round pick in return, and Barbosa is in the final year of his contract.

Pacers team president Larry Bird has spoken repeatedly about the value of having cap space when it comes to being able to take on salaries in something-for-nothing trades, and the Barbosa deal is a perfect example.

John Wall. He won’t say it, but the truth is, Wall has not been particularly happy about the quality of players around him in Washington—too much immaturity and unprofessionalism. Wizards general manager Ernie Grunfeld took a step toward turning that around, though, when he shipped out two players the team was not planning on keeping long-term anyway, JaVale McGee and Nick Young, in exchange for Nene.

There’s a bit of a risk for the Wizards, because Nene has struggled to stay healthy this year and is in the first of a five-year, $65 million contract. But Nene is exactly the kind of interior force the Wizards need to pair with Wall.

MORE TRADE DEADLINE COVERAGE

— Cavaliers send Ramon Sessions to Los Angeles Lakers as part of a deal that nets a first-round pick, Luke Walton and Jason Kapono

— Terry Pluto: Cavs are building a brighter future through the draft

— Cleveland must find a backup for guard Kyrie Irving: Cavaliers Insider

— NBA trade deadline roundup and links: Nene, Gerald Wallace, Nick Young, Marcus Camby, Derek Fisher, Richard Jefferson, Stephen Jackson dealt

— Deveney: Now, it's championship or bust for Magic

LOSERS

Blazers. The seven-game road trip on which Portland embarked eight days ago has brought to light serious fissures within the locker room, and any hope of resurrecting the season seemed to be lost in Wednesday’s 42-point blowout loss to the Knicks.

So Portland started the day by putting its trade engine into overdrive, shipping out small forward Gerald Wallace to the Nets and center Marcus Camby to the Rockets. The Blazers were able to grab a draft pick from New Jersey (protected if it is in the top three), but they were not able to get much else—Jonny Flynn and Hasheem Thabeet from Houston, and Shawne Williams and Mehmet Okur from the Nets.

Moreover, the Blazers were unable to deal the two players the team set out to trade to begin with, Raymond Felton and Jamal Crawford. And Portland capped the day by shocking many within the organization with the abrupt firing of coach Nate McMillan. It will be a long 23 games in Portland.

Chris Kaman. The Hornets didn’t want Kaman, to the point that they asked him to stay home as they sought out a trade for him last month.

But New Orleans was unable to get the kinds of assets—draft picks, young players and no long-term contracts—in return for Kaman it was seeking.

Now Kaman has two choices: He can give up some money and agree to a buyout in time for him to join a playoff team (Boston, San Antonio, Miami), or he can collect the rest of his paycheck and languish in New Orleans for the rest of the year. Don’t expect the Hornets to go easy on Kaman when it comes time to let him go, either—remember, David Stern is still calling the shots in New Orleans.

Richard Jefferson. Give credit to the Spurs—not only did they remove themselves from Jefferson’s albatross contract, but they upgraded on the wing by adding Stephen Jackson. That leaves Jefferson, though, to go from the No. 2 team in the West to No. 13. With Andrew Bogut out and possibly not returning this year, the Warriors are looking to the future, and Jefferson probably won’t be seeing the playoffs this spring.

Get your questions ready and join Cavaliers beat writer Tom Reed today at noon as he talks Cavs basketball.

AP Photo/Amy SancettaTom Reed will talk about the Cavs' trade that sent Ramon Sessions to the Lakers.

He will talk about the wheeling and dealing the Cavs made yesterday, dealing Ramon Sessions to the Los Angeles Lakers. He will also talk about how this will effect the upcoming draft.

You can jump in the chat room and ask your questions as well as interact with other users and respond to Tom's remarks, or you can just listen. The chat will also be made available shortly after its completion in mp3 format.

PD Browns reporter says team has lived up to promise to have limited role in free agency; will throw its energy into draft. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Welcome to today's edition of Starting Blocks TV, hosted by Chuck Yarborough.

Today's guest on SBTV is Plain Dealer Browns reporter Mary Kay Cabot. She talks with Chuck about yesterday's Browns conference call with season ticket holders, in which team president Mike Holmgren said the team made a legitimate effort to trade up in the draft to take QB Robert Griffin III with the No. 2 overall pick.

Mary Kay also talks about what might be ahead for the Browns in free agency; and what the future might hold for Browns QB Colt McCoy.

SBTV will return Monday. Have a great St. Patrick's Day weekend..

Lighty defends predicting No. 2 Ohio State to win title in Plain Dealer's Celebrity Bracketology Challenge and discusses life as a pro player in Italy. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Welcome to a special NCAA Tournament edition of Starting Blocks TV, cleveland.com's video show.

We're talking NCAA brackets and Ohio State postseason basketball with former Buckeyes standout David Lighty on the show, hosted by Kristen Davis and Chuck Yarborough. Lighty is one of five contestants in The Plain Dealer's sixth annual Celebrity Bracketology Challenge.

On the show, Lighty defends predicting second-seeded Ohio State to win it all in his bracket for the contest. Lighty also breaks down this year's Buckeyes team and predicts the score of Saturday's second round game against No. 7 Gonzaga.

Lighty, a Plain Dealer player of the year his senior season at Villa Angela-St. Joseph, also discusses life and food in Italy and playing professionally for Vanoli-Braga Cremona.

Lighty says he's confident he will pick up a lot more points in the bracket contest Friday.

After the first day of NCAA tournament action, Lighty stands fourth in the Celebrity Bracketology Challenge standings with 55 points. Defending champion J.J. Hickson, Browns receiver Greg Little and "Average Joe" Jeff Verdone, a Euclid resident selected in a contest to represent Cleveland sports fans, are tied for the lead with 65 points. Indians pitcher Justin Masterson is fifth with 50 points.

Have a question for Indians closer Chris Perez? Now's your chance to ask him. Join Glenn Moore today at 3:30 P.M. for the seventh edition of "30 Minutes of Pure Rage". Their guest will be Tribe starter Justin Masterson.

View full sizeChuck Crow | The Plain DealerChris Perez answers your questions live today at 3:30 p.m.

Join Glenn Moore today at 3:30 P.M. for the seventh edition of "30 Minutes of Pure Rage". Today's guest with be Tribe starter Justin Masterson.

We will get the latest update on his injury and road to recovery. We will get his insight on how the Tribe is doing so far in spring training. And we will talk some NCAA basketball as well.

You can jump in the chat room and ask your questions as well as interact with other users and respond to Chris' remarks, or you can just listen. The chat will also be made available shortly after its completion in mp3 format.

You will be able to call in to ask Chris your question as well. The number to call is 440-678-7599.

Note: To turn off audio alerts in the chatroom, click on the round button on bottom left of the chat room, then preferences. Uncheck all audio options and save.

Was the Ramon Sessions trade a surprise? Where do the Cavaliers go from here? Plain Dealer Cleveland Cavaliers beat writer Tom Reed answered those questions and more in his weekly podcast.

Tom Reed takes your questions live every Thursday at 10:30 A.M.

Was the Ramon Sessions trade a surprise? Where do the Cavaliers go from here?

Plain Dealer Cleveland Cavaliers beat writer Tom Reed answered those questions and more in his weekly podcast.

Among other topics discussed:

• The roles of Luke Walton and Jason Kapono.

• Who will back-up Kyrie Irving?

• Will the Cavaliers have a busy off-season?

• Could the Cavaliers bundle draft picks and trade to move up in draft?

You can download the mp3 or listen with the player to the right.

The live chat with Tom is live every Thursday at 10:30 AM.

Be sure to also follow Tom Reed on Twitter.