What do the Browns need the most with the No. 4 pick in the draft?

Dave Martin, Associated PressTrent Richardson

The Cleveland Browns with the No. 4 overall pick in the draft select?

The Browns have several candidates to select from with the fourth pick in the draft, including LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne, who will undergo surgery to repair a torn ligament in his left wrist.

The Browns also will consider Alabama running back Trent Richardson and Oklahoma State wide receiver Justin Blackmon, two positions the Browns desperately need to fill.

Or should the Browns pursue another position/player, like Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill?

Ryan Hollins has joined the Boston Celtics.

PD FileFormer Cleveland Cavaliers center Ryan Hollins has joined the Celtics.

Former Cleveland Cavaliers center Ryan Hollins will now take his talents to the Boston Harbor Celtics.

Boston Herald reporter Steve Bulpett writes how Hollins is coming to the Celtics on Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett's recommendation.

Hollins comes to the Celtics after getting waived by the Cavaliers.

The question is, why has Hollins played for five teams in six seasons?

“We’ve got to wait and see,” said Pierce, who played in pickup games with Hollins and Garnett during the lockout. “I guess you kind of wonder why he didn’t play a lot in Cleveland.

“I saw a lot of potential. He works hard, and he’s got a lot of lift. You just wonder why he didn’t get an opportunity out there — especially on a team that’s struggling.”

Hollins is scheduled to join the Celtics in Philadelphia tonight after agreeing to terms on a free agent deal yesterday.

The Browns should draft wide receiver Justin Blackmon to give Colt McCoy some help. Watch video

Cleveland, Ohio -- Welcome to today's edition of Starting Blocks TV, hosted by Chuck Yarborough and Branson Wright.

The NFL Draft is next month and questions continue on which player the Cleveland Browns will select with the No. 4 pick.

In today's edition of Hey, Mary Kay! Mary Kay Cabot says the Browns should select wide receiver Justin Blackmon, so quarterback Colt McCoy with have another weapon to throw to.

Mary Kay also talks about players the Browns may consider in later rounds, like University of Cincinnati running back Isaiah Pead.

SBTV returns on Monday.

Get your questions ready and join Cavaliers beat writer Tom Reed today at 2 p.m. as he talks Cavs basketball.

Tom Reed takes your questions today at 2 P.M.

Why did the Cavs waive Ryan Hollins when he was gone at the end of the year anyway? Has Tristan Thompson's game improved throughout the year?

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

COLUMBUS - Lake Catholic's first trip to the state semifinals was a quick trek. The Cougars were defeated by unbeaten Dayton Dunbar, 75-60, on Friday afternoon before 10,333 fans at Value City Arena in Columbus. They were outscored, 47-36, in the second half.

Lake Catholic boys basketball player Joey Vuyancih scored 13 points Friday in the Division III state semifinal loss to Dayton Dunbar. - (Special to The Plain Dealer)

COLUMBUS - Lake Catholic's first trip to the state semifinals was a quick trek.

The Cougars were defeated by unbeaten Dayton Dunbar, 75-60, on Friday afternoon before 10,333 fans at Value City Arena in Columbus. They were outscored, 47-36, in the second half.

Andre Yates scored 26 for Dunbar (27-0). Deontae Hawkins added 19, along with 12 rebounds. Dunbar will play the winner of the semifinal between St. Clairsville (23-2) and Elida (23-3) on Saturday for the state title.

Lake Catholic was led by Mike Whalen (14 points) and Joey Vuyancih added 13. The Cougars end the season at (23-3).

Northeast Ohio is down to one team after St. Peter Chanel also lost in the semifinal round on Thursday. The lone team left is St. Edward, which plays Toledo Whitmer in a Division I semifinal tonight at 5:15.

Ohio University will look up to North Carolina tonight.

APSay hello to Ohio coach John Groce.

Tim May of The Columbus Dispatch has this story on Ohio University's task against North Carolina tonight.

Forget about point guard Kendall Marshall's availability to play tonight (he probably won't). The Bobcats have to deal with the bigger Tar Heels. OU has no one who measures up to the bigger Tar Heels.

May writes:

“Obviously with their size, you’ve got to be able to make shots at a certain level to give yourself the best chance,” Ohio coach John Groce said. “We’ve emphasized that ‘high level’ means being ready to shoot the ball. … We’ve got to be ready from jump street.”

The Bobcats (29-7), at No.13 the lowest-remaining seed in the tournament and in their first Sweet 16 since 1964, will play the top-seeded Tar Heels (31-5) in a Midwest Regional semifinal.

“Nobody in our locker room feels like we’re a Cinderella team,” point guard D.J. Cooper said. “We feel like we can compete with anybody on the national stage.”

The uncertainty has affected Ohio’s preparation, writes May, “because it’s definitely different not knowing what point guard is going to be there,” Cooper said.

More NCAA news

Doug Lesmerises has these thoughts about the Ohio State Buckeyes' victory over UC on Thursday night (Cleveland.com).

Rivalry between Ohio State and UC? What rivalry? (The Columbus Dispatch).

Ohio Bobcats' guard Walter Offutt has traveled the long road to Athens (St. Louis Dispatch).

UC Bearcats try to recover from loss to Buckeyes (Cincinnati.com).

UPDATED: Anderson Varejao will remain sidelined for at least another week or two

View full sizePD fileCavaliers Tristan Thompson will oppose Orlando's Dwight Howard on Friday night

Duke guard Austin Rivers, the son of Boston Celtics coach Doc, will enter the NBA Draft.

APAustin Rivers

Austin Rivers is expected to enter his name in the NBA Draft, according to CBSSports.com.

Rivers, who led Duke this season in scoring, is leaving the school after just one season. 
Rivers, writes CBSSports.com, is the son of Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers. Austin averaged 15.5 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.1 assists this past season.

Rivers, according to multiple NBA executives, is expected to be a lottery pick in June's NBA Draft.

Why did the Cavs waive Ryan Hollins when he was gone at the end of the year anyways? Has Tristan Thompson's game improved throughout the year? Plain Dealer Cleveland Cavaliers beat writer Tom Reed answered those questions and more in his weekly podcast.

PD fileThe Plain Dealer's Tom Reed talked about the recent play of Tristan Thompson in his weekly chat on cleveland.com.

Does Manny Harris or Donald Sloan have a chance to make the team next season? Has Tristan Thompson's game improved throughout the year?

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

Among other topics discussed:

• Dwight Howard vs. Tristan Thompson.

• Cavaliers loss to the Hawks.

• Ryan Hollins being waived and picked up by Boston.

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.

Here are what blogs from Cleveland and around the country are saying about the Browns, Cavaliers and Indians.

Here are what blogs from Cleveland and around the country are saying about the Browns, Cavaliers and Indians.

Chuck Crow, The Plain DealerNick Hagadone says he feels ready to compete at the Major League level.

"Indians pitcher Nick Hagadone feels like he is finally doing what he is meant to do. The 26-year old left-hander is pitching well this spring, and is doing his best to state his case for leaving Goodyear with the big league club.

But it was not long ago, Hagadone was trying to find his niche. The numbers were impressive, but the lefty always thought he may be better suited for the bullpen. When the switch was finally made, he greatly looked forward to that transition."

"Damon isn’t the hitter he once was (and even in his prime he was somewhat overrated), but he can still swing a decent stick. The 38-year-old hit .261/.326/.418 (109 wRC+) with 16 home runs, 73 RBI, 79 runs and 19 stolen bases as the Tampa Bay Rays’ primary designated hitter last year, and all the major projection systems see him continuing to hit at an above-average clip in 2012."

Joshua Gunter/ The Plain DealerWhat would cure all of the Browns problems? Winning.

"Fans were warned but outrage still ensued for standing pat – minus two additions at defensive end. There is still plenty of time to add players but any more additions will be of the low-key variety.

As a result they likely won’t go crazy by winning games this coming season either."

"The proposal is for the "new overtime rules" from two years ago to be implemented during the regular season. I fully support this, because it doesn't make sense to have two different formats and the current system in the playoffs has always ended with the Pittsburgh Steelers losing on the first play."

AP Photo/David GoldmanTristan Thompson has enjoyed his rookie season with the Cavaliers.

"SLAM: What has been your biggest adjustment to the NBA throughout this season?

Thompson: Biggest adjustment, probably just the amount of traveling that goes on. You know, in a college season you do a lot of traveling, but you’re usually in conference, so flights are not too long. Now you got, especially back to backs, you might get in at 2 o’clock in the morning so eating right and definitely getting your rest is important."

"All right, Luke Walton, for the BILLIONTH time — if you want to get any playing time, you can't be the first one without a seat in our game of Musical Chairs at the start of every half. I can explain it more slowly if you need me to; I guess you're not a real big sports guy?"

Who will the Cleveland Browns select with their No. 4 pick? Will they draft a defensive stud? Will they go after a quarterback? Or will they draft an offensive playmaker? This mock draft by Clifton Brown of the Sporting News has the Browns drafting Oklahoma State wide receiver Justin Blackmon. Vinnie Iyer of the Sporting News has the Browns selecting...

View full sizePaul Connors, Associated PressIs Oklahoma State's Justin Blackmon a likely selection of the Browns with the fourth pick in the first round in April? The Sporting News Clifton Brown thinks so.

Stan Van Gundy prepares his Magic against Kyrie Irving.

PD fileKyrie Irving

Orlando Magic coach Stan Van Gundy, like every coach in the NBA, will need a plan on how to slow down Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving.

Irving has averaged 23.2 points, and 7.6 assists in his last five games. He's also shot 40.0 percent from 3-point range during that span.

On the Magic Basketball Blog, Stan Van Gundy effusively praised Irving when the teams met Feb. 3, and Van Gundy took the same stance after the Magic completed their shootaround today at Amway Center.

“I said this the last time we played ’em: This guy’s a great player, and what’s amazing is you don’t feel like when you’re watching him that you’re watching a great young player,” Van Gundy said. “It looks like you’re watching a great veteran player: the plays he makes, the demeanor he has on the floor, the way he interacts with his teammates, his decision-making, everything.”

"Cavs have made some shrewd moves so far in getting draft picks to build this team. Getting the Clippers pick was one of those moves and that has turned into Kyrie. Grant is the best GM we have seen in Cleveland in any sport for years and years and years. I actually have faith in Grant. I have no faith in any other Cleveland GM. - dgreatsavage

View full sizeThomas Ondrey | The Plain DealerMany cleveland.com readers have been happy with the job of Cavaliers GM Chris Grant.

"Cavs have made some shrewd moves so far in getting draft picks to build this team. Getting the Clippers pick was one of those moves and that has turned into Kyrie.

Grant is the best GM we have seen in Cleveland in any sport for years and years and years. I actually have faith in Grant. I have no faith in any other Cleveland GM.

Jamison didn't have a market. He makes too much and the Cavs would have had to take on salary to dump him. It would have been nice to get another pick, but I don't think there was a deal out there for his services.

Jamison will be gone next year (or re upped for a small amount of cash). I have faith the Cavs will lose just enough to get a decent pick in next years draft. Ping pong balls will bounce our way. "

Miami Heat players show their support for Trayvon Martin.

LeBron James posted this photo on Twitter with the Miami Heat players wearing hoodies.

The concept of athletes using their celebrity to influence social or political change has been lost since the days of Paul Roberson, Jim Brown, and Muhammad Ali.

There was a time when some athletes took a stand on unpopular issues, and had the courage to risk their celebrity and financial freedom for what they believed.

What several Miami Heat players have done today may not cost them 3 1/2 years of their career like Ali, who was stripped of his boxing licence for refusing to participate in the Vietnam War, or their reputation damaged like Roberson in the 1940's for his participation in the early stages of the Civil Rights Movement, but these players are indeed brave.

In protest of the death of teenager Trayvon Martin, who was shot by a neighborhood crime-watch volunteer in Florida, LeBron James posted a photo on Twitter of Heat players in hoodies. They all have their heads bowed.

Heat guard Dwyane Wade posted a photo of himself in a hoodie on Twitter and Facebook.

Wade said to The Associated Press:
 
"This situation hit home for me because last Christmas, all my oldest son wanted as a gift was hoodies," Wade told The Associated Press Friday from Auburn Hills, Mich., where the Heat were to play the Detroit Pistons. "So when I heard about this a week ago, I thought of my sons. I'm speaking up because I feel it's necessary that we get past the stereotype of young, black men and especially with our youth."

The Heat players are picking up on many people speaking up and taking action because of Martin's death. There was a "Million Hoodie March" in New York on Thursday, where several thousands protesters marched through the streets. President Barack Obama spoke out today about Martin's death. He called it a tragedy.

The investigation continues. Florida Gov. Rick Scott has appointed a task force to look into the incident.

While so much sorrow and many unanswered questions remain in this incident, a stand by the Heat brings at least a glimpse of encouragement that some athletes still have room to use their influence on something other than self promotion.
 

"To me, Duncan and Canzler (both righties) have done enough to win the LF job. If yet another OF is needed, someone who can play all 3 OF positions well would be ideal. Remember, Donald has also been groomed for the OF, as well as INF. And Kipnis can certainly be stuck out there in a wild pinch, if needed. Anyone who can help this lifeless offense scratch out runs (especially with power) has got to be in Cleveland." - Common...Sense!

View full sizeAP Photo/Charles Rex ArbogastTribe slugger Shelley Duncan has done all he can to be the starting left fielder come Opening Day.

"To me, Duncan and Canzler (both righties) have done enough to win the LF job. If yet another OF is needed, someone who can play all 3 OF positions well would be ideal. Remember, Donald has also been groomed for the OF, as well as INF. And Kipnis can certainly be stuck out there in a wild pinch, if needed. Anyone who can help this lifeless offense scratch out runs (especially with power) has got to be in Cleveland."

UPDATED: Ohio puts a scare into North Carolina before losing in overtime.

Jeff Roberson, Associated PressIvo Baltic and the Ohio Bobcats saw their magical run in the NCAA Tournament come to an end Friday night against North Carolina.

ST. LOUIS, Mo. — There was little 13th-seeded Ohio could do against top-seeded North Carolina's size except chuck and duck. It didn't work in the first half, but a second half barrage of 3-pointers put the Bobcats on the cusp of perhaps the biggest upset of this NCAA Tournament.

The Bobcats were 12-of-32 on 3-pointers in the game. But a missed free throw for the lead with 25 seconds to play in the game kept the Bobcats from taking a lead in the Midwest Regional semifinal Friday night in the Edward Jones Dome. And when the contest went into overtime there was no gas left in the tank for the Bobcats as the Tar Heels escaped with a 73-65 triumph, ending a Sweet 16 season for the Bobcats.

"Awful proud of our guys fighting through adversity," Ohio head coach John Groce said. "Nothing I can say that will take the sting away from this one. We had our chances."

Ohio State transfer Walter Offutt scored 19 of his 26 points in the second half, including going 6-of-10 on 3-pointers, to keep the Bobcats in the game and put them briefly in the lead. The Bobcats were sniffing the Elite Eight, 10 years after Kent State became the first MAC team to advance that far in the tournament.

But it was Offutt's missed free throw in regulation, which barely nicked the front of the rim that kept the game tied, 63-63, and ultimately sent it into OT. Then five straight points to start the extra session from the Tar Heels gave them the lead for good.

"This feels terrible, one free throw away," Offutt said after the game. "I've got to hit that free throw. I feel terrible."

This was a game the Bobcats could have stolen, even with the Tar Heels dominating the boards, 63-30. But Ohio forced the Heels into 24 turnovers, which the Bobcats turned into 26 points. Combined with going 14-of-24 from the line, North Carolina was asking to be beat.

"I think we got away with one," the Tar Heel's Tyler Zeller said.

The only problem for the Bobcats was Offutt getting little offensive help. Dervish guard D.J. Cooper, who had played so solidly the first two games of the tournament, took ill-advised 3-pointers and went on off-balance forays to the hoop.

He finished the game with 10 points on 3-of-20 shooting, including 1-of-10 on 3-pointers.

"I've been getting those same shots all tournament and making them," Cooper said. "Tonight, I didn't get the job done."

Sophomore Nick Kellogg had 14 points, nine in the first half as he kept the Bobcats from being blown off the court.

The first half was not how the Bobcats had played throughout the tournament, particularly on the offensive end. Ohio had been on a hot streak, shooting well above their season-long percentages in every category. But all that went south against the Tar Heels.

It took an 11-7 run the final 7:57 of the first half to cut a 22-11 deficit to 29-22 at the break as UNC's 7-0 Zeller was already in the books for 11 points and nine rebounds. He finished with 20 points and 22 boards. The Bobcats were shooting 8-of-35 (23 percent) from the field and already down double digits on the boards, 22-12.

If not for Kellogg's 3-of-3 shooting from behind the arc, the Bobcats would have been in a deep hole. Then, in the final 3:15, the Bobcats' defense kicked in and forced the Tar Heels to miss their final six shots.

"We didn't change anything at halftime," Kellogg said. "Coach told us to continue to be shot-ready."

Heeding that advice, the Bobcats cut into the deficit on their first possession with a 3-pointer. The Bobcats later came out of a timeout with another 3-pointer to get even closer, 37-33. Moments later, a T.J. Hall 3-pointer made it a 37-36 game.

The 3-pointers kept falling for the Bobcats and with 8:28 to play, Offutt drained yet another long bomb and the Bobcats had their first lead of the second half, 47-46. It was never less than a two-possession game the rest of regulation. But a team that had been flawless (7-of-7) from the line, suddenly missed, leaving the door open for North Carolina.

Coach Roy Williams circled his Tar Heels before the extra session and said he told them, "We can't do anything about that [first 40 minutes]. Now let's leave here with a good feeling."

They did, and the Bobcats didn't.

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

The Gladiators, playing their first home game under Dan Gilbert's ownership, rebound from a season-opening loss.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Gladiators defensive back Levy Brown had no doubt that the Kansas City Command stole a touchdown in the first half Friday night.

Brown did his part to make sure the Command paid for it. His assortment of timely hits and a pick in the second half sparked the Gladiators to a 49-39 victory in front of 6,573 at The Q.

The Gladiators, playing their first home game under Dan Gilbert's ownership, rebounded from a season-opening loss at Georgia on March 12.

The Command slipped to 0-2.

Gladiators quarterback John Dutton went 22-of-40 for 170 yards and five touchdowns. He was intercepted once -- three fewer than he had against Georgia -- and avoided any sacks.

Cleveland's defense held Command quarterback Nate Davis to 17 completions in 42 attempts for 194 yards and intercepted him three times. Command receivers did not do Davis any favors, dropping balls in key spots.

The game featured numerous bone-jarring hits, the vast majority by Cleveland.

"We want to be the more physical team every time we play," Brown said. "We're not going to get bullied this year. We want to be the bully. We want to intimidate."

The Gladiators outscored the Command, 20-0, in the third quarter to take a 43-26 lead. They were ahead, 49-39, with one minute left and possessed the ball on a first-and-goal, but fullback Derik Steiner immediately fumbled.

Kansas City's final gasp ended in a Joe Phinisee interception as time expired.

Gladiators linebacker Denyane Dixon made the first big defensive play of the game. Late in the first quarter, he read Command quarterback Davis' eyes, intercepted at the Kansas City 22 and returned the ball to the 9. Moments later, Dutton connected with Dominick Goodman for a touchdown and 14-7 lead.

Kansas City answered with a TD, then stopped the Gladiators on downs. Dutton and his receivers were not on the same page during several plays.

On the ensuing possession, Davis rolled right and spotted receiver Bret Smith open in the back right corner of the end zone. Smith caught the 2-yard pass and sailed over the boards, Brown tracking him.

As Smith came back into view, he held a ball -- but was it the ball thrown by Davis? Brown insisted it was not and yelled at the official nearest to him: "He picked the ball up! He picked the ball up!"

The back judge had none of it and did not change the call of TD. Brown knew his claim probably would not be validated because no official had been able to see over the boards. Brown walked away disgusted as several Command players chirped at him.

According to one non-player witness who had moved to make way for the tumbling Smith, Brown had a valid argument. The onlooker said that Smith lost control of the pass and grabbed a ball sitting nearby. As is standard procedure for arena games at The Q, several replacement footballs are kept exactly where Davis happened to fall.

After the game, Brown smiled when recalling the sequence.

"It shouldn't have been a touchdown, but I don't blame Smith," Brown said. "I would have done exactly what he did. He made the smart play."

The Gladiators erased their three-point halftime deficit when Dutton found Robert Redd from 6 yards. It occurred the play after officials reviewed a 6-yard catch and waved it off.

Each of Kansas City's next two possessions ended when fourth-down passes were mishandled, thanks in part to footsteps and/or hits by Brown. The Gladiators capitalized on both stalled drives with TDs to pull away.

CWRU grad signs with Orlando: Former Gladiators quarterback Dan Whalen, a product of Case Western Reserve, has been signed by the Orlando Predators. Whalen appeared in six games for the Gladiators last season before being released in June. Whalen was a four-year starter at CWRU, throwing for 9,720 yards and 87 touchdowns. He graduated in 2009 as the school's all-time leader in pass attempts, completions, yards and touchdown passes.

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

On Twitter: @dmansworldpd

Plain Dealer sportswriter Elton Alexander reports from behind the scenes in St. Louis.

View full sizeAPNorth Carolina coach Roy Williams.

True blue: There is Carolina Blue and Jayhawk Blue. North Carolina head coach Roy Williams, a former head coach at Kansas, is not shy about bearing the colors of both schools.

"I love the University of Kansas," he said. "[Thursday] morning I was out on my walk and this guy says, 'Rock Chalk Jayhawk' and you know what I said? 'Go KU.' He walked about three or four steps and says, 'Damn, that was Roy.' I will be ecstatic if we're still playing Sunday, regardless of who we're playing. And I'm a Kansas fan."

Who knew? To many, Kansas forward Thomas Robinson, a front-runner to be named the college Player of the Year, was just a secondary player for the Jayhawks early in his career. But his teammates say they are not surprised by how the 6-10, 237-pound junior has performed this season.

"It started last year, playing behind the twins [Marcus and Markieff Morris], the two versus him," teammate Travis Releford said. "Seeing that, we just knew, the team and the coaches, we all knew that he was going to be a great player. It was just a matter of him waiting his time to be able to show it.

"The off-season he was in the gym all the time. You can just see the improvement. And you guys are able to see the things that he's been working on the past few years."

Robinson entered the game against North Carolina State on Friday night averaging 17.7 points and 11.8 rebounds per game.

On a roll: That would be Ohio guard D.J. Cooper. Going into Friday's game against North Carolina, Cooper was averaging 20 points, 6.0 assists and 4.0 rebounds in the NCAA Tournament, shooting 52 percent from the field. Right with him is Walter Offutt, who is averaging 16.0 points after wins over Michigan and South Florida, shooting 69 percent from the field.

Less is more: Another tidbit about the Bobcats. While through two tournament games they are averaging four points below their Mid-American Conference regular-season scoring average (67.7 ppg), they are shooting better from the field (45 percent-43 percent), better on 3-pointers (44 percent-34 percent) and better from the free-throw line (81 percent/69 percent).

-- Elton Alexander

Clevelanders will get a chance to see Rogers fight up close and personal in the middleweight semis at Bellator 66 at the International Exposition Center on Friday, April 20.

Brian "The Predator" Rogers is the latest championship-bound fighter out of trainer Marcus Marinelli's StrongStyle Martial Arts and Fitness gym in Independence.

Last weekend, in Bellator 61 in Bossier City, La., Rogers took out his higher-ranked opponent in the Season Six middleweight tournament with a flying knee to the chin four minutes into the first round. Vitor Vianna was out before he hit the canvas.

Clevelanders will get a chance to see Rogers fight up close and personal in the middleweight semis at Bellator 66 at the International Exposition Center on Friday, April 20. Rogers, who fell to eventual Season Five tournament winner Alexander Shlemenko last year, will face Bruno Santos.

Rogers, a standout linebacker at Walsh University, is a special education teacher in Kent. The win over Vianna raises his professional mixed martial arts record to 9-3. But he faces a tough obstacle in Santos, who is 13-0 in his professional career, 1-0 with Bellator.

The other semifinal will pit Maiquel Falcao (29-4 MMA, 1-0 BFC) against Vyacheslav Vasilevsky (16-1 MMA, 1-0 BFC).

The winner of the tournament will face current Bellator middleweight title holder Hector Lombard, whom Bellator founder and owner Bjorn Rebney has referred to as one of the best middleweights in the world. That's a statement that could -- and should -- raise eyebrows in the UFC, where Anderson Silva holds the crown.

Three other fighters from Marinelli's gym -- Jessica Eye, John Hawk and Joe Heiland -- also are on that Bellator 66 undercard. Eye, one of the rising stars of female MMA, is looking to avenge the only loss of her 6-1 professional career by taking on Aisling Daly. Daly, 13-2-0, submitted Eye with a rear-naked choke in NAAFS Fight Night in the Flats last July.

Hawk, from Cleveland, is 6-4 and will fight at 205 pounds.

Heiland, a 30-year-old lightweight, is 6-1 in his professional career.

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

Jena Stutzman has 32 points for Ashland in a losing cause.

The loss snapped a 33-game winning streak for the Eagles (33-2).

Both schools were looking for their first national title in any sport, and the Bears (29-6) got theirs, thanks in part to five players scoring in double figures: Sequoyah Griffin had 24 points, Brittney Spencer 16, Aslea Williams 14, Brittany Ransom 14 and Kyria Buford 10.

Spencer made six free throws in the overtime to help Shaw pull away.

Kari Daugherty scored 24 points, Alyssa Miller 12 and Ashley Dorner nine for the Eagles, who committed 21 turnovers to the Bears' eight.

Daugherty grabbed 15 rebounds. Williams had 11.

Griffin hit two 3-pointers as Shaw jumped out to an 8-2 lead.

A 3-pointer by Stutzman, who transferred from Kent State in 2010, gave Ashland its biggest advantage, 43-29, with 54 seconds left in the first half, but the Eagles let the Bears claw back.