Ohio State sophomore Jared Sullinger was clearly a top five NBA pick last year.  Last season,  Sullinger averaged 17.2 points and 10.2 rebounds per game. A thinner Sullinger averaged 17.5 points and 9.2 rebounds per game. Many draft gurus predict Sullinger, at best, is a top ten choice. His draft stock apparently fell. His numbers are about the same,...

John Kuntz / The Plain DealerJared Sullinger

Ohio State sophomore Jared Sullinger was clearly a top five NBA pick last year.  Last season,  Sullinger averaged 17.2 points and 10.2 rebounds per game. A thinner Sullinger averaged 17.5 points and 9.2 rebounds per game.

Many draft gurus predict Sullinger, at best, is a top ten choice. His draft stock apparently fell. His numbers are about the same, so where will Sullinger land if he comes out for the 2012 draft?

UK is the heavy favorite tonight, but does it mean the Wildcats will win?

APKansas coach Bill Self.

Kentucky is the heavy favorite tonight. If it comes down to the better players, UK has a bunch of them.

But Fox Sports reporter Andrew Astleford writes how the NCAA tournament isn't about convention. It's about belief. It's about survival over skill. It's about snatching momentum, creating memories from the unexpected and making surprise seem routine.

That's why Kansas will win its second national title in five seasons in a city known for mystery. Some rebuilding year, right?

Few saw this coming after the Jayhawks' key offseason losses of Tyrel Reed, Brady Morningstar and brothers Markieff and Marcus Morris. Few saw this coming after they fell to Davidson to drop to 7-3 on Dec. 19, a time when coach Bill Self said, "That wasn't an upset tonight." And few saw this coming after sloppy efforts produced consecutive three-point victories over Purdue and North Carolina State to reach the Elite Eight.

So why doubt Kansas anymore, writes Astleford. Why can't this journey end where few expected it to lead: A crimson-and-blue coronation?

"It's a thrill," Self told reporters Saturday night. "And I think it's even more of a thrill for us, because I don't think anybody thought we could get here."

More NCAA Championship news

Everyone is rooting for Kentucky to lose (Yahoo.com).

Plenty at stake for John Calipari in tonight's game (ESPN.com).

All signs point to Kentucky winning it all, but anything can happen (CBSSports.com).

The Kansas Jayhawks are the underdogs tonight ---- on paper (LJWorld.com).

A title would mean the best freshmen class ever for UK (LexingtonSports.com).

Kentucky's Athony Davis is looking for a bit of history (Cleveland.com).

Orlando Magic assistant coach and Cavaliers all-time great Mark Price offers his thoughts on Cavs point guard Kyrie Irving, the current direction of the Cavaliers organization, and recalls his time in Cleveland.

View full sizeAP Photo | Mark DuncanMark Price is still a fan favorite for many in Cleveland.

The legendary NBA career of Mark Price began when he was acquired by the Cleveland Cavaliers shortly after being selected 25^th overall by the Dallas Mavericks in the 1986 Draft. He'd go on to then play nine seasons as a member of the Cavs, averaging 16.4 points and 7.2 assists in 582 games that Cleveland fans will never forget. He'd finish out his career spending three seasons in Washington, Golden State, and Orlando respectively, and retire as a player from the NBA in 1998.

This season, Coach Mark Price is working under Stan Van Gundy as the Shooting and Development Coach for the Orlando Magic. I had the chance to speak with Mark by phone over the weekend, and we talked about his former team in Cleveland, as well as how he's enjoying life as an NBA coach. Below is our conversation.

StepienRules: How are things going for you this season as Shooting Coach for the Orlando Magic, and how have you enjoyed working in that capacity in the NBA?

Mark Price: I've really enjoyed it. Obviously the Orlando Magic have always been a good organization, and I played here during my last season in the League, so I was familiar with them already. We have a good team to work with too, and it's a good opportunity for me. In addition to working as a Shooting Coach, I'm also working as Player Development Coach as well, so it's been a real good opportunity all around and I've enjoyed it. It's always fun any time you get a chance to work with anybody that's in the NBA, anybody that's talented enough to get there. So it's been fun for me to try and help these guys get better, and it's fun to watch them improve as well.

StepienRules: In scouting the Cavaliers this year, preparing for those games, and what you've also been able to see of him, what are your thoughts on Kyrie Irving and his first season in the NBA?

Mark Price: We've gotten to play him a couple times already this season, and Kyrie's had a fantastic rookie year. He's one of the fine young point guards in the NBA right now, so I'm really happy for Cleveland, obviously with my ties there and having played there. Also being a point guard, I really appreciate the importance of that position, and Cleveland has a really good one now for a long time to come.

StepienRules: From your perspective as an NBA Shooting and Development Coach, is it surprising in some ways for a 19 or 20 year old player to be as polished offensively at that age, with as good of a jump shot as Kyrie Irving has right now?

Mark Price: I think his shooting is probably one of the things that surprised everybody the most. Even knowing a lot about him, as far as the other parts of his game were concerned, I don't think anybody realized how good of a shooter he actually was prior to this season starting. So that's been a real surprise in some ways, like you said. But to me, the biggest thing that's impressed me is his poise out on the court. The point guard position is not the easiest position to learn in the NBA, and when you consider how young he is, I really think how poised he's been, and how he's handled everything, has been very impressive.

StepienRules: Who would you compare Kyrie Irving's game too as far as guys you've played or coached against in the NBA?

Mark Price: Kyrie, to me, reminds me a little bit of Isiah Thomas, a guy that I played against. He has the ability to score the ball, but also has done a good job of running the team and getting his other teammates involved too. He's probably a little bit bigger than Isiah, but the way that he played, he's a guy that I look at as a good comparison to the way that Kyrie plays.

StepienRules: Looking back, what were some of those classic games that you played against guys like Isiah, and some of the other great players and teams in the Eastern Conference those days, like for you and your Cavs teammates?

Mark Price: When I came to Cleveland, the Cavaliers were not very good at the time, but we had a terrific Draft in 1986. We brought in Brad Daugherty, Ron Harper, myself, Johnny Newman, and we already had Hot Rod Williams there from the year before.  So it was almost like we had four or five rookies that became really good players in the League all at the same time. We were able to really start building that team then, and from there, we added pieces like Craig Ehlo, and then different other guys over the years as well.

But it wasn't easy because back then the East was really tough. With Boston, Detroit, Chicago, and Philadelphia, it was just like every night you were playing against a great team, and I was playing against a great point guard. It was a real learning experience at first, but it was also exciting to be a part of those battles as we got better and better, and started competing for the Eastern Conference.

During that time Detroit won a couple championships obviously, Chicago won as well, so we were playing against the best teams in the League a lot every year. Those were exciting times to be a part of, it was a great time for basketball in the late '80s and early '90s, and there were so many great players.

StepienRules: What are the memories you have today of how the Cleveland fans and city supported those Cavs teams back then?

Mark Price: The Cleveland fans were always terrific, they gave us so much support, and I always felt like I had a special relationship with the fans in Cleveland. I thought that people could relate to our team, we weren't as overly talented as some teams might be, but while we were talented ourselves, we were also just kind of lunch pail guys too. We were hard workers who went out there every night and gave it everything we had, and I think the city of Cleveland related to that. They really supported us through all those battles over all those years, and I'll always have fond memories of the people in the Cleveland, and my time spent there.

StepienRules: Do you think this upcoming Draft could be a similar opportunity for the Cavaliers to that 1986 Draft that you mentioned? With Kyrie and Tristan Thompson already on-board, and now the opportunity to bring in three or four more Rookies, who could all grow together like you guys did?

Mark Price: Yeah, no question. I really feel like the framework for building a good team is there for the Cavaliers right now. When you have four draft picks in a two round draft, that's a lot, so you want to hopefully get it right, and bring in the right pieces. And like you said, already having Kyrie Irving and Tristan Thompson in the fold, to then add four more really good young pieces, the core of the Cavaliers future can be very bright if they're able to bring in a couple of really good players here.

StepienRules: Getting back to your Magic team, with Dwight Howard locked in for the stretch run here, how do you feel like things are coming together for you guys right now?

Mark Price: It's all about positioning for us right now, just trying to get into the best position possible heading into the playoffs. Obviously, you've got the two-headed monster in the Eastern Conference right now with Chicago and Miami, and then after that there are probably four or five teams including us that are right underneath them. But we feel like having a premier player in Dwight Howard can allow us to compete with anybody. We've beaten Miami a couple of times this year, and we've beaten Chicago once as well, so we feel like we can compete with everybody. But at the same time we know that we have to play well ourselves, the other teams are capable of beating us too if we don't. Indiana is having a good year, Boston has gotten their act together again as well, so we're just trying to get better leading into the postseason, and then see what we can do.

StepienRules: Where are you looking to go with your career in the coaching profession? Is your goal to become a Head Coach in the NBA one day?

Mark Price: I think anybody who's ever coached would like the opportunity to be a Head Coach one day, and I certainly would like that opportunity if it presented itself. But right now I'm enjoying what I'm doing, learning as much as I can, and I'm fortunate enough to work for a great coach in Stan Van Gundy. I'm learning a lot everyday, and that's just the way I've always been. Try to get better at whatever I'm doing everyday, and preparing myself for that next test, but I do hope to get that opportunity one of these days.

Ohio State did pretty good in the tournament --- for a football school.

Marvin Fong, The Plain DealerJared Sullinger

Columnist Rob Oller writes how the Buckeyes did well in the NCAA Tournament, for a football school.

It was meant as a compliment.

Historical precedent suggests it should be taken as such. As much as Ohio State wants to compete at the highest level in basketball, that worthy goal is unrealistic when viewed from a historical perspective.

Since 1960, when the Buckeyes won the NCAA championship, only two other schools thought of as “football schools” have won national titles: Michigan in 1989 and Florida in 2006 and 2007. Three years out of 51. Additionally, only five schools — OSU, Michigan, Florida State, Oklahoma and Florida — advanced to the championship game during that span.

Viewed in that light, Ohio State advancing to the Final Four, which it has done three times in the past 13 years, is a rare achievement for a football school, writes Oller. No wonder Kansans and those from the Bluegrass State gave the Buckeyes a pat on the back.

Of course, just because something does not often happen does not mean it cannot happen. No rule says a school cannot contend for titles in both sports. Florida won football and basketball championships in 2006. What do the Gators have that Ohio State does not?

More Ohio State Buckeyes

Ohio State didn't get much help from its big men (Cleveland.com).

Lack of execution for the Buckeyes in the last minutes (Columbus Dispatch).

Buckeyes remain toughest critics (MansfieldJournal.com).

Ohio State waiting on decisions by Sullinger and Thomas (Washington Post).

The Browns will host most of their big-name draft prospects this week, including Oklahoma State receiver Justin Blackmon, Alabama running back Trent Richardson and Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill.

Dave Martin, Associated PressRunning back Trent Richardson is one of a group of big-name draft prospects the Browns will host this week.

CLEVELAND -- The Browns will host many of their big-name draft prospects this week, including Oklahoma State receiver Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State quarterback Brandon Weeden, Alabama running back Trent Richardson, Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill and LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne.

Also scheduled to visit are Illinois defensive end Whitney Mercilus, Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill, Michigan State quarterback Kirk Cousins and Virginia Tech running back David Wilson.

Browns general manager Tom Heckert said at the NFL Owners Meetings last week that the Browns are seriously considering about five players with their No. 4 overall, but that not one of them was clearly ahead of the other. Therefore, he said, the Browns will consider trading down up to about four spots in the draft.

"But it's still early,'' Heckert said. "We might fall in love with one of those guys when we have  everyone in and say 'hey, we've got to have this guy, just forget it. We're going to stay there and take him, which could happen.''

He added, "if there's somebody that's head and shoulders above the other, we're going to stay there and take him no matter what. But if there's not, then there's really no reason not to.''

 So there's no one that fits that description yet? "Right now, no. They're all pretty good.''

The Browns will also conduct private workouts with all or most of their top five, including Tannehill and Richardson.

During the visits here, the Browns can interview players and have them examined by the medical staff, but not work them out.  Mercilus was in Cleveland on Sunday, and espncleveland's Tony Rizzo reported that Weeden and Richardson had dinner with the Browns Sunday night. 

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Upper Arlington edged Rocky River, 49-37, for the girls title at the Ohio High School Fencing Championships at Ohio State over the weekend. Dublin Jerome claimed the boys title. Local fencers, coached by Walter Dragonetti of Hooked On Fencing, dominated the epee events.

Westlake's Matt Bogard, left, competes against Keystone's Michael Billinghurst III in the boys epee final bout. Bogard won, claiming his second individual boys epee title. - (Special to The Plain Dealer)

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Upper Arlington edged Rocky River, 49-37, for the girls title at the Ohio High School Fencing Championships at Ohio State over the weekend. Dublin Jerome claimed the boys title.

Local fencers, coached by Walter Dragonetti of Hooked On Fencing, dominated the epee events.

Westlake's Matt Bogard won his second individual boys epee title. Keystone's Michael Billinghurst III was second.

Brecksville-Broadview Heights' Rebecca Rutan defeated Rebecca Shaffer of Rocky River to win the girls epee championship. Rutan has committed to fence for Ohio State next season. Rocky River's Gabriela Ruffus tied for third.

The ending to the Ohio State and Kansas game.

Just in case you didn't see the ending of Ohio State choke loss against Kansas in the Final Four, take a look at this video.

OSU certainly had its chances, but allowed a game it had in the bag slip away. Turnovers and mental lapses help do the Buckeyes in. If you can't deal with watching the replay again, we understand. But for those (especially the Ohio State haters) who want to see it again, enjoy watch.

NEW ORLEANS - Medina senior Kenny Kaminski scored five points Sunday for the North team at the second annual All-American Championship at Lakefront Arena in New Orleans. Kaminski, a 6-7 Michigan State recruit, also tallied two rebounds and two assists. Toledo St. John's Jesuit junior and Ohio State recruit Marc Loving hit two three pointers.

Medina senior Kenny Kaminski scored five points Sunday during the second annual All-American Championship in New Orleans. - (Courtesy of Rivals.com.)

NEW ORLEANS - Medina senior Kenny Kaminski scored five points Sunday for the North team at the second annual All-American Championship at Lakefront Arena in New Orleans.

Kaminski, a 6-7 Michigan State recruit, also tallied two rebounds and two assists. Toledo St. John's Jesuit junior and Ohio State recruit Marc Loving hit two three pointers.

Braxton Ogbueze of Charlotte, N.C., converted two free throws with nine seconds left to give the South an 86-85 win.

What doomed Ohio State at the Final Four? What was Ubaldo Jimenez thinking when he plunked Troy Tulowizki? Get answers on today's PD Sports Insider, hosted by Bud Shaw and Dan Labbe. Watch video

On today's PD Sports Insider, The Plain Dealer's Bud Shaw and cleveland.com's Dan Labbe are joined by Bill Livingston, live via telephone from the NCAA Tournament in New Orleans, and Paul Hoynes, who checks in live via Skype from Indians spring training camp in Goodyear, Arizona.

In the first segment, Livy talks about what doomed Ohio State in their NCAA semifinal game against Kansas on Saturday, if Jared Sullinger will leave for the NBA and William Buford's OSU legacy. He also sets up tonight's championship game between Kentucky and Kansas.

In the second segment, Hoynsie talks about Ubaldo Jimenez's scuffle with former teammate Troy Tulowizki, Asdrubal Cabrera's contract extension and surprises on the Indians' Opening Day roster.

Click on play to watch

Today's PD Sports Insider is brought to you by Ed Tomko Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram in Avon Lake. Stay tuned for the next show Thursday, April 5 at noon as we talk Browns.

Be sure to like PD Sports Insider on Facebook

About the show: "PD Sports Insider" airs live every Monday and Thursday at noon. Co-hosted by Bud Shaw and Dennis Manoloff, the show features a timely and lively debate of the biggest sports topics of the day and gives readers a chance to interact directly with PD sportswriters and columnists.

Viewers have to the opportunity to ask questions and post comments in a live chat room during the show. They can also their video questions during the week. Fans who miss the live show can watch the archive, available a few hours later.

Irving, questionable for Tuesday's game against San Antonio with a sprained right shoulder, was named the Eastern Conference's top rookie for March on Monday.

Joshua Gunter, The Plain DealerKyrie Irving's status for Tuesday's home game against San Antonio remains uncertain due to an injured shoulder.

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio -- As far as the Cavaliers are concerned, there's no question that Kyrie Irving will be named the NBA's Rookie of the Year when the season ends.

"I don't think it's even close," coach Byron Scott said.

"If he's not, I don't know who's in competition," Antawn Jamison added. "I'm biased, but just look at his body of work and the things he's done. Game after game opponents are trying to do everything possible to stop him. To be averaging 18 or 19 points a game, I don't see him not being the Rookie of the Year."

Irving, listed as questionable for Tuesday's game against San Antonio with a sprained right shoulder, was named the Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month on Monday for the third time this season, and has swept the monthly honors so far. Sacramento's Isaiah Thomas was named the Western Conference Rookie of the Month for the second time.

Irving, who did a lot of shooting after a no-contact practice while wearing a short-sleeved compression shirt that covered his injured right shoulder, led all rookies in scoring (19.9 ppg), assists (6.7 apg), and was second in free-throw percentage (.881). He also led all Eastern Conference rookies in fourth-quarter scoring (7.4 ppg).

Irving scored 20 or more points in eight games in March, shooting .500 or better six times. He had a career-high 12 assists to go along with nine points against Oklahoma City on March 9, snapping the Thunder's 14-game home-winning streak. He had a game-winning driving layup at Denver on March 7, his third game-winner of the season. He also beat Sacramento with two late free throws.

With a knee injury that brought an early end to the season of Minnesota's Ricky Rubio, seen as Irving's closest competitor at the time, it's possible Irving could wind up as a unanimous selection for Rookie of the Year, as the Clippers' Blake Griffin did last season.

Since 1976-77, Griffin was just the third unanimous selection, after Ralph Sampson in 1984 and David Robinson in 1990. LeBron James got 78 first-place votes, compared to 40 for Carmelo Anthony in 2004. But, like Irving so far, James did sweep the monthly conference awards en route to winning the overall rookie of the year award.

Voters in the media -- there were 118 last season -- will select their top three choices. A first-place vote is worth five points, second is worth three points, third place is worth one point. The player with the most points wins the award.

Others likely to get votes include Thomas, Golden State's Klay Thompson, Denver's Kenneth Faried, Detroit's Brandon Knight, Charlotte's Kemba Walker, Houston's Chandler Parsons and New Jersey's MarShon Brooks, but second- and third-place votes would seem more likely than first-place votes based on cumulative statistics.

There will be one more monthly award presented. According to an NBA spokesman, the league doesn't have a timetable yet for the announcement, but typically it is one of the first awards presented after the season ends. Griffin's award was announced on May 4, although last year the regular season ended on April 13. This season's final regular-season game will be pushed back to April 26 because the lockout delayed the start of the season.

Gibson surgery: Guard Daniel Gibson was scheduled to have surgery to repair a torn tendon in his left foot and ankle on Monday afternoon at the Southern California Orthopedic Institute in Van Nuys, California. The surgery was to be performed by Dr. Richard D. Ferkel. Gibson's status will be updated after a post-operative review.

Varejao update: Scott said Anderson Varejao did all the running with the team on Monday but then got on a bike. "He's progressing nicely," the coach said, adding that there is still no timetable for his return to practice. The Cavs have 15 games left after Tuesday, and Varejao, out since fracturing his wrist against Milwaukee on Feb. 10, has maintained he'd like to play this season if possible.

If he's not back by the last week of the season -- April 22 -- Scott said there would be a conversation about the wisdom of coming back at that point.

Future plans: Jamison, 35, said he'd like to play two more seasons. He said it was too soon to think about where, but didn't rule out a return here.

"I haven't thought about it," he said. "I appreciate the things the organization has done for me. ... I've been through a lot of coaches, and by far this is my favorite coaching staff to play with and learn things from. ... That's one of those decisions you really have to clear your mind, let the batteries get re-juiced and figure out what you want to do and what's the best situation for me.

"I'm not one of those guys who has to chase a championship. I can be happy with going to a team and teaching young guys. I've just got to do what's best for me and best for my psyche. I've got a family. I've got boys who are growing up [in Charlotte] and I want to be around them more. It's going to be one of those decisions [made] collectively with the family and myself and what I really want to do."

On Twitter: @pdcavsinsider

Earlier today on PD Sports Insider on cleveland.com, The Plain Dealer's Bud Shaw and Paul Hoynes talked about Ubaldo Jimenez apparently throwing at former teammate Troy Tulowizki during the Indians' spring training game with the Rockies on Sunday. Click to watch the two-minute clip. Watch video

Earlier today on PD Sports Insider on cleveland.com, The Plain Dealer's Bud Shaw and Paul Hoynes talked about Ubaldo Jimenez apparently throwing at former teammate Troy Tulowizki during the Indians' spring training game with the Rockies on Sunday.

Both writers were critical Jimenez's action, saying they portrayed a player who put his own personal vendettas ahead the interest of the team. Major League Baseball is currently investigating the matter to decide if Jimenez should be suspended.

Click on play to watch the two-minute clip. The show can be watched in its entirety at cleveland.com/pdsportsinsider.

Related coverage:

• Ubaldo Jimenez doesn't think he should be suspended; MLB reviewing incident

• Cleveland Indians pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez needs to change his approach to the game - Terry Pluto

• Ubaldo Jimenez hits Troy Tulowitzki; Tribe ends 10-game losing streak with 12-10 win

Tom Heckert has a solid history when it comes to the draft.

APBrowns GM Tom Heckert.

Tom Heckert's philosophy with with Philadelphia was to build through the draft, and he practiced it with picks that wound up being rather low, writes Steve Doerschuk of CantonRep.com.

What should he be able to accomplish with picks at 4, 22, 37? Not to mention a fourth pick, at 67, that isn’t far off his typical second pick from the Philadelphia days?

Overall, Heckert is sitting on 13 picks.

“It’s phenomenal,” he said this week. “It gives us the ammunition to move around, not just in the early rounds, but in the later ones.

“We did that last year with Pinkston.”

Jason Pinkston became the 2011 Browns’ starting left guard and fared well enough that the team released veteran Eric Steinbach.

Last year, in his second draft with Cleveland, Heckert had much higher scheduled picks than he was used to in Philadelphia — originally 6, 37, 70 and 102 — but he was not content to stay put, writes Doerschuk.

More Cleveland Browns

AFC North Draft outlook on ESPN's AFC North blog (ESPN.com).

The big names are coming to Berea to chat with the Browns (Cleveland.com).

The Cleveland Browns will host several players for visits (NFL.com).

The Cleveland Browns should draft Matt Kalil from USC (SamDrewTakesOn.com).

Indians could use upgrades in talent and depth of their position players, at least. Links to more Indians stories.

Chuck Crow, The Plain DealerShelley Duncan's roster spot with the Indians is probably secure, but how long he remains the starter in left field might depend on how aggressive the Indians are in trying to find an upgrade.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Indians' 25-player roster to open the season has been set for a couple days now.

Anyone somewhat familiar with the workings of major league teams knows that can change at the drop of a hat, or the ring of a cell phone.

Sheldon Ocker of the Akron Beacon Journal looks at the Indians' roster and writes that the situation is fluid (referring to general manager Chris Antonetti):

Nor did Antonetti dismiss the possibility that a trade could occur at any time.

“We’re talking to a lot of other teams about upgrading the roster,” he said. “But it’s really hard to say if anything will happen.”

In speaking of the roster in general, Antonetti said, “The situation is still fluid.”

Does this mean Antonetti (and manager Manny Acta) are disappointed with the way the roster turned out? Acta tried to put Antonetti’s words in a different light.

“No team has the best 25 players in baseball,” the manager said. “So we continue to look for ways to improve. The reason Chris didn’t want to commit is that we could acquire somebody tomorrow.”

Plain Dealer and cleveland.com Indians coverage includes Paul Hoynes' report that the paycut for pitcher Roberto Hernandez (formerly known as Fausto Carmona) is tied to an attempt to avoid a suspension; Terry Pluto's column that pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez must change his approach to the game, especially after Sunday, when Jimenez hit former Colorado Rockies teammate Troy Tulowitzki with a pitch; the twice weekly (Mondays and Thursdays, noon to 12:30) video feature, PD Sports Insider, with Hoynes talking about Jimenez's drilling of Tulowitzki; Mike Peticca's report that Ray Narleski, one of the Indians' all-time best relief pitchers, has died at age 83; Hoynes' report that Jimenez doesn't think he should be suspended for hitting Tulowitzki, with the incident under review by Major League Baseball; and more.

Rounding third

The Tigers have the Indians and the other American League Central Division teams playing for second place. By Ted Keith for Sports Illustrated's SI.com.

A 2012 player preview: relief pitcher Dan Wheeler. By Lewie Pollis for the blog "Wahoo's on First."

Tony Lastoria of Indians Prospect Insider details what happens in "extended spring training."

Ubaldo Jimenez should be suspended for hitting Troy Tulowitzki, Jon Heyman writes for CBSSports.com.

Players the Indians might consider to try to solve their left field problem. By Jeff Ellis for Indians Prospect Insider.

Analyzing the contract extension for shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera. On the blog "WaitingForNextYear."

AL Central Division team capsules on ESPN.com.

Indians news and notes. On the blog "Let's Go Tribe."

The Indians begin the season near the middle of ESPN.com's power rankings.

Indians notebook by Sheldon Ocker of the Akron Beacon Journal.

Improving the 2012 Indians offense. By Steve Kinsella for the blog "Wahoo's on First."

Manny Acta didn't think Jimenez should be suspended after Sunday's game. He felt the same on Monday.

Marcio Jose Sanchez, Associated PressUbaldo Jimenez, being held back by Carlos Santana, yells at shortstop Troy Tulowitzki after hitting him with a pitch in the first inning Sunday.

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Ubaldo Jimenez didn't think he'd get suspended. He thought wrong.

Major League Baseball suspended the Indians' right-hander for five games and fined him an undisclosed amount Monday for hitting former teammate Troy Tulowitzki with a pitch on Sunday at the Rockies ballpark in Scottsdale.

Manager Manny Acta said Jimenez will appeal the suspension and make his scheduled start Saturday against Toronto at Progressive Field. Jimenez pitched poorly this spring, but was still put in the No.2 spot in the rotation behind Justin Masterson.

Jimenez and the Rockies have been in a verbal battle this spring. Jimenez was not pleased about how Colorado treated him last year before trading him to the Indians on July 31 for Drew Pomeranz, Alex White, Joe Gardner and Matt McBride. He was unhappy that Rockies' front office would not renegotiate his club-friendly contract, but gave big extensions to Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez.

The bad feelings found their way to the diamond Sunday when Jimenez hit Tulowitzki in the first inning. Tulowitzki, who recently criticized Jimenez for his attitude last year, was Colorado's third batter of the game.

"It's disappointing, but I'm not surprised," said Acta, after the Indians' final Cactus League game of spring training Monday. "I got the call this morning."

Acta didn't think Jimenez should be suspended after Sunday's game. He felt the same on Monday.

"I'm very disappointed at their inconsistency on how they make their decisions," said Acta. "We had a situation in New York last year that I thought was worse than this situation and the guy got fined $750."

Roberto Hernandez hit Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira in the back with a pitch on June 10 at Yankee Stadium. It caused the benches to clear.

"I just think everyone is relying too much on the comments made in the newspapers," said Acta. "That's what everyone is going on. [Jimenez] walked five guys. One of them didn't even have to swing the bat and he got walked three times.

"Where do you draw the line? It's disappointing that they let themselves be swayed by you guys. I understand you guys have a lot of power, but sometimes you have to make decisions without what the press is campaigning for."

Commissioner Bud Selig happened to be Salt River Fields at Talking Stick in Scottsdale when the incident took place.

"Who cares whether he's there or not?" said Acta. "Everyone gets the same TV feeds and reports. People are not going to play the game different just because Bud is sitting in the stands. They're not going to change the way they play the game.

"The majority of the players didn't even know he was there."

Rockies manager Jim Tracy called for Jimenez to be suspended during an emotional rant after Sunday's game.

"That's the most gutless act I've seen in 35 years of professional baseball," said Tracy. "I've lost all respect for him ... all of it."

Monday morning, Jimenez pleaded his case, but he was not available after the suspension was announced. The Indians broke camp following a 2-1 loss to Cincinnati. Jimenez was onboard one of two busses waiting to take the team to the Phoenix airport while Acta talked to reporters.

"I don't think I should be suspended," Jimenez said on Monday morning. "A hit by pitch is something that happens every day in the game. It's not a surprise when someone gets hit."

Regarding his former manager's comments, Jimenez said, "I can't control what people say. Whatever people think, leave it like that. ... I was probably a little surprised to hear what he said, but that's OK."

The umpires did not eject Jimenez or Tulowitzki, who walked toward each other gesturing and screaming. Tulowitzki was replaced by a pinch-runner and had X-rays taken on his elbow. The exam showed no broken bones.

Jimenez said he would not apologize to Tulowitzki.

"He was calling me a [expletive], so why should I?" said Jimenez. "I already said I didn't mean to hit him. It was a pitch that got away. I had five walks in the game. I was everywhere [with my pitches]."

Jimenez went 1-4 with a 7.43 ERA in seven Cactus League starts. He allowed 24 runs, 19 earned, on 30 hits and 15 walks in 23 innings. He struck out 15 and the opposition hit .316 against him.

"I'm glad spring training is over," said Jimenez. "Now we go to the fun part of the season. That's where everything counts. I'm really excited for the season."

On Twitter: @hoynsie

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- When it comes to perseverance, you can define it as Carrie Bencic. The Hawken junior has been the epitome of determination throughout her career. It was on display at the Division II state swimming meet as Bencic won the 200- and 500-yard freestyles and participated in two winning relays as the Hawks won their record 14th...

Hawken's Carrie Bencic won the Division II 200- and 500-yard freestyles at the state championships. - (Allison Carey, The Plain Dealer)

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- When it comes to perseverance, you can define it as Carrie Bencic.

The Hawken junior has been the epitome of determination throughout her career. It was on display at the Division II state swimming meet as Bencic won the 200- and 500-yard freestyles and participated in two winning relays as the Hawks won their record 14th straight title.

Bencic has been selected as The Plain Dealer's Girl Swimmer of the Year.

Winning as a team gave her the most satisfaction during the season.

"We did feel a lot of pressure because of what all the great past teams had done," she said. "We tried not to think about all that and just went out and tried our best."

While Bencic emphasized her team, she has shown true grit in pursuing her swimming goals. Since 2009, she has undergone four surgeries to correct a congenital hip problem. Besides the painful recuperations, there was a measure of doubt to overcome.

"Definitely the days after surgery, was it really worth it," said Bencic, who had difficulty walking at times. "I came to the conclusion I was not done yet. I wanted it to be on my own terms.

"No more surgeries. I'm feeling better and all healed. I'm back doing what I should be doing."

As if more proof was needed, Bencic has proven her level of commitment by improving every season. She was second in the individual medley and 500 as a freshman. As a sophomore, she was second in both the 200 and 500.

Bencic said her teammates and coaches deserve credit for all their time and effort.

"There is a lot of work," said Bencic, singling out veteran coach Jerry Holtrey. "Jerry expects a lot from us. He knows how to push us to achieve what we can achieve."

Bencic has definitely done more than her share of achieving.

Swimmer of the year

Carrie Bencic

Hawken

Junior 200 freestyle

Notable: Won the Division II 200- and 500-yard freestyles at the state championships. Swam the butterfly on the record-setting medley relay and the second leg of the winning 400 free relay. Won both individual events at the Cleveland State district. Was second in the 500 free and the 200 free as a sophomore.

Other All-Stars

Morgan Cohara

Hawken

Senior relays

College: Colgate

Notable: Third at state in the Division II 200 free and seventh in the 100 free. Anchored the winning 400 free relay and second-place 200 free relays. Won the 200 free as a sophomore and was on two record-setting relays.

Marissa Cominelli

Hawken

Junior 100 backstroke

Notable: Won the Division II backstroke at state for the second straight year, breaking her own record with a 54.75. Swam backstroke on record-setting medley relay. Named Division II swimmer of the meet. Also won in events at CSU district.

Sarah Koucheki

Hawken

Junior 100 butterfly

Notable: Was an individual winner at state for the third straight year. Three-time Division II butterfly champ broke her own mark with a 54.66. Won the individual medley for the second straight year. Led winning 400 relay and second-place 200 relay. Won both individual events at CSU district.

Danielle Margheret

Walsh Jesuit

Junior 100 breaststroke

Notable: Finished second at state in the Division I breaststroke. Won the event at the CSU district. Set the Division II mark in the breaststroke as a sophomore at 1:02.74.

Taryn McLaughlin

Hudson

Senior diving

College: James Madison

Notable: Was second at Division I state diving with 489.40 points, edged by Olivia Ball of Olentangy Liberty at 493.20. Won the CSU district title. Finished fourth at state as a junior.

Macie McNichols

Gilmour Academy

Sophomore 100 freestyle

Notable: Won both the Division II 50 and 100 freestyles at state after finishing second as a freshman. Swam anchor on second-place 400 relay and third-place 200 relay. Won both individual events at CSU district.

Katie Miller

Firestone

Junior 200 individual medley

Notable: Finished third at state in the Division I individual medley and second in the backstroke. Member of fourth-place 400 relay and eighth-place medley relay. Won the individual medley and finished second in the 500 free as a sophomore.

Jodi Turk

Riverside

Senior 500 freestyle

College: Cleveland State

Notable: Finished sixth at state in Division I 500 free, finishing in a personal-best 4:59.69. Also qualified in 200 free. Won the 500 at CSU district to become school's first swimmer, boy or girl, to earn that title.

Molly Washko

Strongsville

Sophomore 50 freestyle

Notable: Finished second at state in Division I 50 free and sixth in breaststroke. Swam breaststroke on fifth-place medley relay and member of third-place 200 free relay. Was second in both individual events at CSU district.

Coach of the year

Jerry Holtrey

Hawken

Notable: Year after year, he maintains excellence in his swimming program. The Hawks broke the Ohio record for consecutive state titles with their 14th straight championship, one better than St. Edward's storied wrestling program. Hawken did it in style with 360.5 points, easily holding off Cincinnati Indian Hill at 178 and Granville at 167. The Hawks had individual champions in Sarah Koucheki (200 IM and butterfly), Carrie Bencic (200 and 500 free) and Marissa Cominelli (backstroke). They also won the medley and 400 relays. They have won all 13 Division II titles since it was established and have 22 championships overall -- all under Holtrey.

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

On Twitter: @JoeMaxse

The Indians ended their Cactus League season with a 2-1 loss to the Reds. They went 7-22-3 for the worst spring record in Arizona.

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- The Indians finished their worst spring training in at least 27 years Monday with a 2-1 loss to the Reds. The loss gave them a record of 7-22-3, the worst in the Cactus League.

Josh Tomlin pitched five good innings against Cincinnati at Goodyear Ballpark. He allowed one run on three hits with two walks and two strikeouts. He will open the season as the Indians' No.4 starter, likely facing the Blue Jays on April 8 at Progressive Field, as the rotation moves up a day follow Ubaldo Jimenez's five-game suspension announced Monday.

The Reds took a 1-0 lead on Chris Heisey's sacrifice fly in the second. Scott Rolen, after doubling off the right-field wall and taking third on a grounder to first, scored.

The Indians tied the score in the sixth. Jack Hannahan singled off Bronson Arroyo and Jason Donald doubled him home.

Cincinnati won it on rookie catcher Devin Mesoraco's sacrifice fly in the eighth off Dan Wheeler. The run was unearned as Willie Harris singled, stole second and advanced to third on second baseman Ryan Rohlinger's error.

Tomlin went 0-3 with a 6.18 ERA in seven appearances, including five starts, this spring. He struggled through much of camp, but in his last three starts he had a 2.87 ERA (five earned runs in 15 2/3 innings).

"Tomlin did a nice job," said manager Manny Acta. "He did it in his own particular way, throwing only 63 pitches. It was gratifying to see."

Acta said Tomlin could have gone longer, but the Indians cut down on the starter's pitch count in the last start.

"Tomlin's last three or four starts have been very satisfying," said Acta. "He struggled at the beginning, but he put it together. I'm fine where he's at right now."

Closer Chris Perez, Tony Sipp, Wheeler and Jairo Ascencio followed Tomlin. It was Perez's third appearance after missing most of camp with a strained right oblique. He retired the Reds in order in the sixth inning.

"Chris erased any doubts for us," said Acta. "The only thing he didn't do was go back-to-back. He'll have to do it at some point in the season. He's looked really good."

The Tribe's Cactus League record is its worst since at least 1986, which is as far back as records are listed in the team media guide. Since the Indians returned to Arizona in 2009, they have lost 20 or more games in two of their four springs.

After the game, the Indians left for Zebulon, N.C., to play their new Class A Carolina team in an exhibition game Tuesday. They will work out at Progressive Field on Wednesday in preparation for Thursday's season opener against Toronto at 3:05 p.m.

There was little doubt the Cavs would be lottery-bound for at least a couple years after the departure of Lebron James. So far, they've made two apparently superb picks in the lottery. Links to more Cavs stories.

Joshua Gunter, The Plain DealerIndications are that the Cavaliers had a superb 2011 draft, picking point guard Kyrie Irving (left) and forward-center Tristan Thompson (right) with the first and fourth overall picks, respectively.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- For the Cleveland Cavaliers, landing in the NBA draft lottery for a couple years or so is more than understandable.

Teams do not lose a player via free agency like LeBron James -- as the Cavs did in July, 2010 -- and remain competitive in the standings.

The Cavs took advantage of the lottery last summer, when they landed the No. 1 pick and used it to select point guard Kyrie Irving, the near-lock Rookie of the Year. That pick was acquired via the astute trade of Mo Williams and Jamario Moon to the Los Angeles Clippers for Baron Davis and the Clippers' un-protected first-round pick.

The Cavaliers own first-rounder last summer fell to the No. 4 spot in the draft, in part because of the Clippers/Cavs' pick surpassing it. At No. 4 Cleveland took power forward Tristan Thompson, now starting at center in place of the injured Anderson Varejao, and showing much promise.

The Cavaliers are 17-33 and on a seven-game losing streak going into Tuesday night's home game against the San Antonio Spurs, and are all but certain to again be in the draft lottery.

(A Cleveland Cavaliers P.M. links from Sunday details the draft slots the Cavs could have with the four picks they currently own in the 2012 draft)

Sam Amico writes for FoxSportsOhio.com that the Cavs will soon want no part with the lottery:

I’m OK with following the approach taken by Oklahoma City, which played the NBA draft lottery for a few seasons before becoming a Western Conference power. But let me tell you, folks, that is flat-out risky. Sacramento and Golden State (and a few others) have followed that model for years … and years … and more years. And they've gotten nowhere. People will say it’s because of bad management and scouting, but that’s only partially true. The reality is, playing the NBA lottery is almost like playing the Ohio lottery. You pick your numbers (or players) and hope to strike gold. But there is a certain degree of luck involved (think Portland and Greg Oden).

Plain Dealer and cleveland.com Cavaliers coverage includes Mary Schmitt Boyer's story that Irving -- who is questionable for Tuesday night's game with a sprained shoulder -- has now won the Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month award all three times it's been awarded in this lockout-shortened season; a report that guard Daniel Gibson was scheduled to undergo foot and ankle surgery this afternoon; Boyer's story that the Cavs are pleased with this, the debut season, of their Developmental League team -- the Canton Charge; and more. 

Cavs post-ups

Kevin Hetrick writes for "Cavs: The Blog" about University of Washington guards Terrence Ross and Tony Wroten -- both potential mid- to late-first round draft picks -- and how they might interest the Cavs.

The Cavs' plan takes some time and is risky, but the reward could be great. By Jason Lloyd of the Akron Beacon Journal.

Has guard Manny Harris missed his opportunity to establish himself as a Cavalier? On the blog "Fear the Sword."

Comparing the Cavs and Browns' rebuilding processes. By Craig Lyndall for the blog "WaitingForNextYear."

The Cavaliers have made good use of the Developmental League. By Bob Finnan for the News-Herald and Lorain Morning Journal.

Kyrie Irving wins Rookie of the Month and remains questionable for the Spurs game. By Jason Lloyd of the Akron Beacon Journal.

The Cavs have taken a big slide in ESPN.com's power rankings.

One of the reason the Indians renegotiated Roberto Hernandez's contract was to try and avoid a suspension for the right-hander when he receives permission to enter the U.S.

Chuck Crow, The Plain DealerRoberto Hernandez is still trying to join the Indians.

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- An argument can be made that Roberto Hernandez and Juan Carlos Oviedo are stewing in the same juices. The big-league pitchers formerly known as Fausto Carmona and Leo Nunez cannot leave the Dominican Republic until they get clearance from the U.S. government after being arrest for identity fraud.

But there is a difference.

While rumors circulate that when Hernandez and Oviedo are granted new waivers/visas to the United States they will have to serve a six-week suspension, the Indians have reportedly written to the State Department saying that the $4.5 million Hernandez forfeited form his $7 million salary this year should serve as punishment in lieu of a suspension.

The Indians reportedly insisted that the deal be renegotiated because they felt they were duped by Hernandez when he signed the original four-year, $15 million deal in 2008 because he did so under a false name. Under the reconstruction of the contract, Hernandez will make $2.5 million this year.

The Indians hold a $9 million club option on Hernandez for 2013. As part of the renegotiation, that was reduced to $6 million -- should the Indians exercise it. If Hernandez spends the next two years with the Indians, his salary will have been cut by $7.5 million.

"I'm somewhat familiar with the negotiations between the Indians and Roberto," said Stephen Payne, a visa expert and lobbyist hired by Hernandez's agents. "I feel there was a general understanding between all parties that the punishment would be a $7.5 million reduction in pay [as opposed to a suspension].

"The State Department could come back and ask for a suspension in addition to the reduction in salary that the Indians and Roberto have agreed to."

Payne added that some may see a suspension on top of the pay cut Hernandez has taken as "piling on."

Oviedo was the Marlins' closer last year. He was caught using a false identification in September and has been unable to leave the Dominican Republic since. The Marlins signed him to a $6 million contract for this year. Like Hernandez, Oviedo is on the restricted list, which means he cannot receive any part of his salary until he joins his team in the United States.

If Oviedo joins the Marlins and serves a six-week suspension, it would cost him an estimated $1.5 million of his $6 million salary. Hernandez has already given up $4.5 million.

Hernandez was arrested on Jan. 19 in Santo Domingo, D.R. when he applied for a visa to join the Indians for spring training. He has been going through a simulated spring training at the Indians' baseball academy in the Dominican.

Payne said a decision is expected soon on Oviedo and/or Hernandez. If they are not done together, they will certainly influence each other.

Silence: Still no official word from the Indians on Asdrubal Cabrera's new two-year, $16.5 million contract extension. The Indians could be waiting until they come home Wednesday or Thursday to get a bigger pop from the media.

Cabrera was not in Monday's lineup for the last Cactus League game of the spring. When reporters approached him to ask about his new contract, Cabrera said, "I've got to go take my physical."

The Indians already went through physicals at the start of spring training, but a player usually goes through an extra physical before his new deal is approved.

Next: Indians play their Class A Carolina team in Zebulon, N.C., on Tuesday. They fly to Cleveland after the game and will workout at Progressive Field from 2:30-3:30 p.m. on Wednesday in preparation for Thursday's season opener.

Finally: Outfielder Fred Lewis, who went through big-league camp with the Tribe, has been released. Reliever Chris Ray accepted his assignment to Class AAA Columbus. ... Ryan Spilborghs has until Tuesday to decide if he'll report to Columbus or become a free agent.

On Twitter: @hoynsie

After a shot-blocking tournament in 2012, Ohio State may emphasize that part of defense in the Buckeyes' 2012-13 roster.

View full sizeJohn Kuntz, The Plain DealerThe defensive exploits -- particularly in blocking shots -- of Kentucky's Anthony Davis (23) and Kansas' Jeff Withey (left, with teammate Kevin Young) has been the centerpiece of this year's NCAA tournament.

NEW ORLEANS -- The blocked shot may be the big winner of the Final Four, with national player of the year Anthony Davis making it his signature move and Kansas 7-footer Jeff Withey keeping it a major part of the Kansas arsenal.

Teams are put together in different ways, and not every coach is going to find a 7-footer or a 6-10 athletic marvel with a 7-4 wingspan like Davis. But boy, blocks sure do help. And they may become part of the Ohio State gameplan next season.

Going into Monday night, Davis had 180 of Kentucky's 333 blocks this season. Withey had 136 of Kansas' 217. Ohio State, by comparison, had 125 as a team.

Greg Oden had 125 blocks in 2007 as the Buckeyes put up 218 as a team. The best shot-blocker in recent OSU seasons was Dallas Lauderdale, who put up 77 in 2009-10. But Lauderdale was more limited as an offensive player and therefore didn't stay on the court as much late in his career.

Amir Williams, at 6-11, should be on the court a lot more next season for the Buckeyes, and it bears watching what he does to the defense.

Jared Sullinger led Ohio State in blocks this season with 39 in 1,123 minutes on the court. Williams had 23 blocks in 191 minutes. If he plays 1,000 minutes next season, that kind of average would give Williams 120 blocks. He blocked those shots this season while occasionally looking overwhelmed. He'll have more confidence next season as a sophomore.

Williams needs to work on his post moves, but if he's a defense-first center who can block enough shots to change what opponents do on offense, well, we saw all weekend what that can do for a team.

Players matter: The NBA Draft could have been held in New Orleans over the weekend. Fourteen of the top 100 draft prospects according to ESPN draft analyst Chad Ford were in the Final Four, including 12 of the top 60. Coaches create legacies in college basketball, but they all know the guy with the best players typically wins.

Kentucky had five of the top 40: Freshman Anthony Davis (1); freshman Michael-Kidd Gilchrist (2); sophomore Terrence Jones (13); freshman Marquis Teague (34); and sophomore Doron Lamb (44).

Kansas had four: Junior Thomas Robinson (4); senior Tyshawn Taylor (41); junior Elijah Johnson (54); and junior Jeff Withey (60).

Ohio State had four: Sophomore Jared Sullinger (10); sophomore Deshaun Thomas (40); senior William Buford (57); and sophomore Aaron Craft (83).

Louisville had one: freshman Chane Behanan (90).

Led by player of the year Anthony Davis, Kentucky won its eighth national title with relentless defense against the Jayhawks.

NEW ORLEANS -- Anthony Davis first scored 24 minutes and 30 seconds into the national championship game Monday. He changed it from the opening tip.

"Anthony is a great player," Kansas All-American Thomas Robinson said. "You see he impacted the game without even scoring."

The Kentucky freshman dominated with his blocks, his rebounds, his assists, his presence, his reputation, his reach, his hops, his arms, his legs and even his unibrow. Points? The national player of the year left that to everyone else, as the Kentucky Wildcats cruised, pulled back and then rightfully claimed the eighth basketball title in school history with a 67-59 victory over Kansas.

Ranked No. 1 or No. 2 during the entire season, defeated just twice and featuring the likely top two picks in the next NBA Draft in freshmen Davis and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Kentucky (38-2) earned the burden of expectations and then shed the burden by burning the Jayhawks (32-7) in transition, racing to easy baskets early.

"I told them I wanted this to be one for the ages," Kentucky coach John Calipari said. "Go out there and show everyone what kind of team you are."

Davis often started those races but never finished them, as four Wildcats and three Jayhawks finished with more points. But the 6-10 center with a 7-4 wingspan did everything else. When Davis was scoreless at the half, Calipari told him not to worry about it and reminded him he was the best player in the Superdome.

"I knew I was struggling, so I told (my teammates) I was going to defend and rebound and y'all make all the points," Davis said.

Davis was 1-for-10 from the field, his only actual basket a 17-foot jumper from the left corner with 5:12 to play, though he did make four of six foul shots. He finished with six points, 16 rebounds, six blocks, and three steals.

"I love the fact that Anthony goes 1 for 10 and you all say he was the biggest factor in the game. He was 1 for 10!" Calipari said. "I asked these guys a month ago, 'What do you do to help us when you're not making baskets? You all know what he does."

Doron Lamb led the Wildcats with 22 points, while Marquis Teague had 14 and Kidd-Gilchrist added 11.

The title was the first for Kentucky coach John Calipari, who while at Memphis blew a nine-point lead late in the game and lost in overtime to Kansas in the 2008 championship. This was the Wildcats' first championship since 1998. Kansas has now lost six championship games, tying Duke for the most in NCAA history.

You've got to be good to get a chance to lose that many, and Monday night matched up the two winningest programs in college basketball history. The teams had combined for 4,159 victories before Monday night, and one of the two was going to push that to 4,160. The Wildcats extended their all-time lead on the Jayhawks to 2,090-2,070.

Kansas got this far after trailing Ohio State by 13 points with 42 seconds left in the first half of their national semifinal on Saturday, then storming back to beat the Buckeyes by two.

So when the Jayhawks trailed Kentucky by 16 with 42 seconds left in the first half Monday, it wasn't over. Tyshawn Taylor (team-high 19 points) scored in the final second of the half to cut the deficit to 14, and Kansas continued to cut into the lead in the second half. With four minutes left in the game, the Jayhawks pulled within 59-52. After a Kansas turnover, the teams exchanged 3-pointers and the Jayhawks still wouldn't go away. Robinson (18 points, 17 rebounds) hit two free throws with 1:37 left to slice the lead to five points at 62-57.

Folks started talking about the largest halftime deficit (10 points by Kentucky in 1998) and overall deficit (15 points by Loyola of Chicago in 1963) overcome in title game history.

But Davis answered with one of two foul shots with 1:11 to play, Kidd-Gilchrist blocked a Taylor shot and Teague hit two more free throws and Kansas never got as close as five points again.

"We wanted to get it to three, four points and put the pressure on them and we almost got it there," Kansas coach Bill Self said.

In an NCAA Tournament that didn't feature a single buzzer beater, a coronation of the best team all season was the most fitting ending. After underdog Butler had reached the previous two national title games, this was about talent and tradition.

Kansas and Kentucky had both. But only Kentucky had Davis.