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Talk Tribe and spring training with Paul Hoynes today at noon

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Get your questions ready and join Indians beat writer Paul Hoynes today at noon as he talks Tribe baseball.

hoynes-headshot.jpgPaul Hoynes answers your Indians questions today at noon.

Get your questions ready and join Indians beat writer Paul Hoynes today at noon as he talks Tribe baseball.

Paul will chat with cleveland.com's Glenn Moore about spring training, the starting rotation and who will make the squad.

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



Phil Dawson signs with San Francisco 49ers, ending his 14-year run with the Cleveland Browns (photo gallery)

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The fan favorite made his first Pro Bowl in 2012, a season that saw him convert 29 of 31 field-goal attempts

PHOENIX, Ariz. -- Phil Dawson finally has a chance at that elusive Super Bowl ring that was never afoot during his 14 seasons with the Browns.

The last member of the franchise's 1999 expansion team, Dawson, 38, signed a one-year contract Tuesday with the 49ers, who are coming off a 34-31 loss to the Ravens in Super Bowl XLVII and promise to be contenders for years to come behind young quarterback Colin Kaepernick.

Dawson, a longtime fan favorite, used his Twitter account to thank fans: "Hey, Cleveland. Thank you for a tremendous ride. Your love, support & encouragement have blessed me deeply. ... Playing for you has been one of the greatest joys of my life, and I wish you all the best. I’m humbled and thrilled to have the opportunity to continue my career with my new team, the SF 49ers!"

Later, after the 49ers made the official announcement, Dawson explained on a conference call his reasons for signing. He'll be reunited with his former Browns special teams coach Brad Seeley.

"It's hard to pick just one and that's why this is such an attractive place," Dawson said. "Obviously, one of the storied organizations in the history of the NFL. A team that is on the verge of winning it all right now, with a great head coach, a great front office, special teams coach I'm familiar with, a great part of the world to live in. What is there not to like?

"When you start mixing that together, even for an idiot like me, it's a pretty easy decision."

It's unclear if the Browns made Dawson an offer or how hard they tried to keep him, but owner Jimmy Haslam made it clear earlier in the day -- before he knew of the signing -- that the Browns are moving toward younger players in the prime of their careers.

"We're trying to build a team here," Haslam said. "If you look at where teams are, in terms of about to win the Super Bowl, about to win their conference championship, we're building, right? So I think you have to look at where people are in their career and decide who fits best and who doesn't.

"Why do we like Paul [Kruger] and Desmond [Bryant] so much? Not only are they good players, how old are they? 26 and 27. We're not going to be 13-3 next year. If we were going to be 13-3 and on the verge of going to the Super Bowl and win the Super Bowl, I think you look at your lineup one way. If you're fighting to get above -- have we won more than five games in the last five years? So if you're that, then I think you have to look to build."

Haslam also said Dawson's chance to surpass Hall of Famer Lou Groza for the franchise scoring title did not factor in. Dawson (1,271) needed 79 points to surpass Groza.

"I don't think you can look at things like that," Haslam said. "I think you have to look at what's best for the franchise over a period of time. I'd be shocked if Phil didn't agree with that. He's a professional."

Haslam added, "Dawson's a quality person and a great player. And he's been great for our community and our team."

The Browns also thanked Dawson in a statement that was attributed to the club in general.

"We want to thank Phil for all of his years of service to the Cleveland Browns," it read in part. "We know how much Phil meant to our organization and our fans, and he will always hold a special place in our franchise's history and with the city of Cleveland."

Dawson's teammates also took to Twitter to wish him well.

"The 49ers just got better on the field & in the locker room!" former Browns linebacker Scott Fujita wrote on his Twitter account. "Congrats to @phil_dawson_4! Good things happen to good people!"

Banner was asked by reporters Monday in Phoenix, site of the NFL owners meetings, whether he understood Dawson's popularity in Cleveland.

"I do and I don't. It's just relative," Banner said. "I've been in the league a long time and I understand players that have been on one team a long time, played as well as he has, have the affection that he deserves from the fans. I understand that."

The 38-year-old Dawson made his first Pro Bowl last season, converting 29 of 31 attempts. His conversion percentage (93.5) ranked second among NFL kickers in 2012. Defying age, he's made 14 of 15 attempts from at least 50 yards in the past two seasons, including all seven in 2012.

For the second time in recent seasons, he saluted Browns fans as he left First Energy Field after the team's final home game of the 2012 season.

Dawson seemed resigned to leaving as players cleaned out their lockers on New Year's Eve. The kicker pulled aside a reporter and showed him what he scrawled in an adjoining cabinet where he kept his cleats: "Phil was here 1999-2012."

"Prison style," Dawson told AP reporter Tom Withers.

In a league that doesn't value kickers as it does position players, Dawson was among the most highly respected Browns. Teammates decorated his locker in Hawaiian-style the day after he was named to the Pro Bowl.

Only two other players in NFL history -- Tampa Bay tight end Dave Moore (2006) and San Francisco 49ers offensive lineman Ray Brown (2001) -- waited at least 14 seasons to earn their first trip to Honolulu, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.

In Dawson, the 49ers are obtaining the 12th-most accurate kicker (84.0 percent) in league history. About the only thing the 49ers don't know is how Dawson performs in an long postseason run. He appeared in only one playoff game, during the 2002 season, and has played on just two winning teams.

Plain Dealer reporters Mary Kay Cabot (in Phoenix) and Tom Reed (in Cleveland) contributed to this report.

Cleveland Indians Jason Kipnis' elbow and batting average are hurting, but he says not to worry

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Jason Kipnis is having trouble this spring with his batting average and right elbow. He says not worried about either problem and he will be ready for opening day.

Goodyear, Ariz. -- Jason Kipnis' Cactus League batting average isn't the only thing in pain. The right elbow of the Indians' second baseman is sore and will keep him out of the lineup until Sunday, at the earliest.

Kipnis showed little concern Friday afternoon for either malady.

"I'm not really concerned about the average in spring training," said Kipnis. "I really didn't have a good average in spring training last year. I still have my confidence."

Kipnis is hitting .154 (6-for-39) with one homer and three RBI in 15 games.

"Right now, we're still working on things," said Kipnis. "I'm trying to get my timing down and still have good at-bats. I think I'm starting to have better at-bats and swing at the right pitches. I'm not too worried if the hits aren't falling yet."

Kipnis injured his elbow playing long toss. Friday was the third straight game he has missed.

"It's fine," said Kipnis. "We were just throwing a lot, getting a lot of extra work done, so my elbow is just hanging a little bit.

"If it was the regular season, it wouldn't be a problem at all. We have the luxury to rest a couple of days right now, so we're going to do it."

Kipnis is about to begin his second season as the Indians' starting second baseman. Two years ago, he would not be so nonchalant about his status.

"It's fair to say I would have cared about my numbers a little more a couple of years ago," he said. "If you're trying to win a spot or make a good impression, you want to put up results. But having a year in now, and having confidence in myself, I know that just because I don't hit in spring doesn't mean I won't hit.

"It could be a good thing. Maybe I'm just saving all the hits. Ryan Raburn and Lonnie Chisenhall, they're using all their hits up. . . . That's a rookie move."

Kipnis was laughing when he said that.

Raburn, trying to make the club as a non-roster player, is hitting .368 (14-for-38) with five doubles, four homers and 11 RBI. Chisenhall, with his first clear shot at the third base job, is hitting .405 (17-for-42) with four doubles, four homers and 12 RBI.

Raburn, by the way, is not a rookie. Neither is Chisenhall.

Indians manager Terry Francona said Kipnis is making adjustments in his swing. Last year, he held the bat parallel to the ground before starting his swing. Francona said he has lifted the bat a bit higher.

"Everything is still basically the same," said Kipnis. "I'm just trying to adjust my approach and be a little more consistent with my swing. Other than that, it's about getting my swings in and getting ready for the season."

Last year, Kipnis had a good start to his first full season in the big leagues. Through June 10, he was hitting .285 (68-for-239) with six doubles, three doubles, 10 homers and 39 RBI in 59 games.

He stalled after the All-Star break, hitting .233 (61-for-262) with 14 doubles, three homers and 27 RBI in 69 games.

Kipnis didn't just hit the wall physically, but mentally.

"I think I almost worked myself into the ground at the time," said Kipnis. "It was almost paralysis by analysis. I started over-thinking at the plate instead of clearing my head and swinging. I had too many thoughts in my head when the pitch was coming. You can't hit like that."

The question Kipnis must answer is what did last year teach him? Francona said the good ones learn from something like that.

"That's why I have so much respect for good everyday players," he said. "It's not easy, physically, mentally -- it beats you up. The really good players learn that."

Said Kipnis, "I'll be able to simplify things a little more. I know my swing a little more."

Linescores: Zach McAllister allowed six runs on six hits in six innings Thursday in a Class AAA game. He threw 79 pitches, walking three and striking out two.

Daisuke Matsuzaka allowed one run on four hits in 6 innings in a Class AA game. He threw 62 pitches, walked three and didn't strike out a batter. He hit 92 mph.

Uphill battle: Matt Capps, who saved the Indians' 5-4 victory over Arizona on Thursday, has one mission.

"I'm trying to change the Indians' mind," he said.

On Monday, the Indians told Capps he would not be on the Opening Day roster. Capps had a choice to become a free agent or go to the minors with the Indians. He is currently playing the waiting game.

"I have a few more days to go," he said.

On Tuesday, the Indians have the option of offering Capps a $100,000 retention bonus. If he accepts, he will go to the minors. If not, he becomes a free agent.

Capps was throwing 91 to 94 mph against the Diamondbacks. 

Finally: Carlos Carrasco, competing with Scott Kazmir for the last spot in the rotation, said he doesn't think about the competition.

"I'm just waiting for the Indians to make a decision and for them to tell me where I go," said Carrasco. "For me, though, I want to be part of that rotation.". . . Catcher Yan Gomes could be back in the lineup Sunday.

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

On Twitter: @hoynsie

For Sam Thompson of Ohio State a dunk is an expression of teamwork: Bill Livingston

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Sam Thompson of Ohio State brings down the thunder, tomahawking and bullwhipping and kind of Sam-bamming the other team into submission with his dunks.

THOMPSONcrop.JPG Ohio State Buckeyes forward Sam Thompson can't contain a smile as he slams down a dunk against the Iona Gaels in second half action of the NCAA Division I mens second round on Friday at the University of Dayton Arena in Dayton. Ohio State won the game 95-70.

 DAYTON -- A dunk is supposed to be an individual pursuit in a team game. It's self-aggrandizement, say critics, a "hey, look at me" play, especially when followed by the histrionics and chest-thumping of NBA players.

But the way Ohio State's 6-8 sophomore Sam Thompson brings down anything Aaron Craft or Shannon Scott tosses up makes a dunk an expression of teamwork, timing, coordination, explosiveness, and showmanship.

Maybe the play's allure is superficial, a video-game ka-boom, tailored for "SportsCenter". But what Thompson did repeatedly Friday night brought the Ohio State-friendly crowd at the University of Dayton Arena to their feet, singing hallelujah and getting downright giddy in their happiness.

Ohio State wins games with a defense that serves as its offense, other than for the newly sweet stroke of Deshaun Thomas, who scored 24 points. And then along comes Thompson, never at a failure to launch, catching Scott's eye as far out as the 3-point arc, taking off and spreading his wings.

"Just throw it around the rim. You don't have to be that precise. Sam will get it," said Scott.

Thompson brings down the thunder, tomahawking and bullwhipping and kind of Sam-bamming the other team into submission. "It excites the crowd and it makes the other team think," said Scott.

Iona, the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Tournament champions, will be thinking about ducking dunks and flying netcords after Thompson turned three alley-oop passes into the stuff of dreams. He finished another fast break with a throwdown. In all he scored 20 points on only 10 field-goal attempts and a perfect 8-for-8 night at the foul line.

The Buckeyes, the No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament's West Regional, finally freed of Big Ten bodies bumping and banging them, erupted for a 95-70 victory in their tournament opener over the 15th-seeded Gaels.

"All I have to do is finish. That's the easy part," said Thompson. "Craft and Shannon get into the teeth of the defense and make it collapse."

Thompson's finishes ought to be accompanied by clashing cymbals. In the first half, he flashed into the clear along the baseline, crosscourt from Scott, who was being trapped near the 3-point line by two Gaels. The ball was jarred free momentarily, but then Scott reclaimed it, stepped through the double team and slung the ball toward either Thompson or the Gaels' pep band behind the baseline.

The center ring in Sam Thompson's Flying Circus had always been occupied by his soar-and-score last year off an inbounds pass from Craft at Indiana. That game was a loss, however, at the start Big Ten play, and this one was in the Big Dance, where memories are a stock in trade. Thompson caught the ball with one hand, well north of reality, and threw a fastball. The Gaels' resistance disappeared, their hands dropping like students who have no answer for a problem.

"It would be a little easier if Sam could jump a little higher. Sometimes, you've got to pinpoint passes for him," joked Craft. "But, no, Sam is one of the better ones I've played with. He's got a pretty wide radius from the center of the body where you can throw the ball. You saw that. If he's not going to be able to dunk it, he's going to catch it regardless. It's all about Sam and going up there and doing it. He's the man."

In a game in which an alley-oop pass sailed through Thomas' hands and 6-11 Amir Williams couldn't finish another, Thompson was the most available and reliable target.

"It's something kids thoroughly enjoy doing, probably to a fault," Matta said. "Guys growing up probably would rather be able to dunk than run a clean pick and roll. Our guys watch "SportsCenter", and they see 30 seconds of highlights, but they never saw the other 47:30 of great NBA basketball. So we've had to scale them down in terms of that."

Matta said he just wants the two points, however they are scored. Still, in a game with a vertical goal, the skilled dunker is clearly a player of influence. Asked if Thompson's finish of Scott's alley-oop was his best yet, Scott said, "It's up there."

To reach Bill Livingston:

blivingston@plaind.com, 216-999-4672

On Twitter: @LivyPD

Doug Lesmerises: 4 things I think about Ohio State in the NCAA Tournament

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 1. Efficient Deshaun Thomas is back, and that's a very big deal. "Yeah, I'm back in business," Thomas said with a laugh. After consecutive 6-for-19 games in the Big Ten Tournament, Thomas was 8-for-12 against Iona, scoring 24 points, his first time reaching 20 points since Valentine's Day. Thomas found space in the middle of Iona's zone and didn't...

THOMAScrop.JPG Ohio State Buckeyes forward Deshaun Thomas slips by Iona Gaels forward David Laury for an easy two in second half action of the NCAA Division I mens second round Friday in Dayton. Ohio State won the game 95-70.

 1. Efficient Deshaun Thomas is back, and that's a very big deal. "Yeah, I'm back in business," Thomas said with a laugh. After consecutive 6-for-19 games in the Big Ten Tournament, Thomas was 8-for-12 against Iona, scoring 24 points, his first time reaching 20 points since Valentine's Day. Thomas found space in the middle of Iona's zone and didn't force 3-pointers, making all three of his 3-point attempts. Lenzelle Smith said the Buckeyes told Thomas, "Get in then middle, and we'll get you the ball and turn around and shoot that, and that's exactly what he did." So 8-of-12, two assists, no turnovers, must be what Thad Matta is looking for from Thomas. "Bingo," Matta said. "He was much more relaxed, much more engaged in timeouts."

  2. Thomas has come up with a great birthday present for his son, Deshaun Jr. A year ago Thomas scored 24 points against Cincinnati in the NCAA Tournament in Boston on the day he was born. Friday was his first birthday, and Thomas scored 24 again. "It's got to be something special," Thomas said. "It's be good if I could get 30. But 24, that's good."

3. Ohio State ran so much and so well Friday, it didn't give their future opponents a very good look. At that pace, Matta was excited by a great 25-to-10 turnover-to-assist ratio, but not a lot of the passes came out of set plays. Usually, the Buckeyes are more about their halfcourt offense, but Iona let the Buckeyes be something else.

4. Sophomore walk-on Jake Lorbach from St. Ed made one of two free throws to get on the board in the NCAA Tournament. It was his second point of his first season with the Buckeyes. Getting walk-ons some time is one of the best thing about first-round NCAA Tournament games.

Americans outlast Costa Rica, blizzard conditions to earn vital World Cup qualifying win

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Dempsey scores lone goal as US improves to 35-1-7 in home qualifiers since 1990

MARCH_22_SOC.jpg View full size United States midfielder Graham Zusi, right, and Costa Rica defender Bryan Oviedo go up for the ball during the first half of Friday's snowy World Cup qualifier soccer match in Commerce City, Colo.  

COMMERCE CITY, Colo. -- In a setting better suited for playoff football than international soccer, the United States men’s team earned a critical 1-0 win over Costa Rica in a World Cup qualifier contested in blizzard conditions.

Clint Dempsey scored the lone goal early in the first half as he pounced on a loose ball that had deflected off a Ticos defender. The goal held up for the remaining 70-plus minutes as the two sides slipped and slid across the field in a wintry scene reminiscent of the iconic Oakland-New England playoff game in 2002. All the surreal night lacked was Adam Vinatieri delivering the key kick and Lonie Paxton making snow angles to celebrate the victory.

Match officials used a yellow ball so players and the referee could see it. The game, which featured few quality chances, was briefly halted in the second half due to the extraordinary conditions. Stadium workers driving snow plows and wielding shovels kept clearing the boundary lines. At one point, U.S defender Geoff Cameron pushed a weary shoveler from behind to help him complete his task.

Costa Rica had a potential tying goal in the 70th minute nullified on an offside call.

The Americans, playing without injured keeper Tim Howard and self-exiled striker Landon Donovan, gained a valuable three points following the 2-1 loss to Honduras last month in the qualifying opener. They moved into second-place in the final-round standings in advance of Tuesday's match in Mexico.

The U.S improved to 35-1-7 in home qualifiers since 1990.

Cleveland native and St. Ignatius graduate Justin Morrow dressed for the match, but did not play. The left back was added to the roster last week to fortify an inexperienced and vulnerable back line. Veteran DaMarcus Beasley, who hadn’t started a qualifier in four years, was given the assignment by embattled coach Jurgen Klinsmann.

Beasley played well and the back line, so exposed in the Honduras loss, held tight under intermittent pressure. Brad Guzan was solid in place of Howard, but the biggest stop came late in the first half by a sliding Omar Gonzalez on a glorious Ticos' chance.

Dempsey, who served as U.S. team captain, made it 1-0 in the 16th minute. Jozy Altidore's shot ricocheted off a defender and fortuitously fell to the waiting foot of Dempsey.

NCAA Tournament 2013: Rating the early Cinderella contenders

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It wouldn't be March Madness without the upsets, and there have been plenty of them so far in this NCAA Tournament.









By Andrew Koob | National Desk






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Oregon guard Johnathan Loyd (10) passes against Oklahoma State forward Michael Cobbins (20) during a second-round game in the NCAA college basketball tournament in San Jose, Calif., Thursday, March 21, 2013. Oregon won 68-55. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)




 It wouldn't be March Madness without the upsets.

And there have been plenty of them so far in this NCAA Tournament, with eight teams seeded eighth or lower advancing to the round of 32. Here's a closer look at each of those teams and their chances of wearing Cinderella's slipper:

Midwest Region

Colorado State

Seed: 8

Why the slipper fits: The Rams outrebounded the Missouri Tigers right out of the gym Thursday, winning the battle of the boards a 36-18 margin. If they can duplicate that effort against top-seeded Louisville, which has a +3.8 rebounding margin on the year, Colorado State has a chance to stun the Cardinals and make a deep run.

Why midnight will strike: Louisville, with Russ Smith and Peyton Siva running the show, has too many scorers for Colorado State to handle.

Oregon

Seed: 12

Why the slipper fits: It really doesn’t. The Ducks were seeded way too low by the selection committee, and they proved as much with their dismantling of Oklahoma State on Thursday. Even if the Ducks make a deep tournament run, they're too good to qualify as a true Cinderalla story.

Why midnight will strike: They’re matched up with another supposed team of destiny in No. 4 seed Saint Louis, a squad that doesn’t have many glaring flaws in their game.

West Region

Wichita State

Seed: 9

Why the slipper fits: The Shockers took it to the Pittsburgh Panthers in the first round, getting 20-point performances from Malcolm Armstead and Cleanthony Early in a 73-55 win. With three players – Early, Armstead and Carl Hall – who average double-digits in scoring, Wichita State can be a handful for opponents.

Why midnight will strike: The bell may take a little longer to toll, especially with the way Gonzaga played on Thursday. Wichita State, if they can take care of the Zags, could draw hot-shooting Ole Miss in the Sweet 16.



Henderson.jpg


Mississippi guard Marshall Henderson (22) and Wisconsin forward Ryan Evans (5) battle for a rebound during a second round game in the NCAA college basketball tournament Friday, March 22, 2013, in Kansas City, Mo. Mississippi won 57-46. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)




 • Ole Miss

Seed: 12

Why the slipper fits: Wisconsin was supposed to slow down the Rebels' Marshall Henderson on Friday, and they did that to an extent. They just forgot to contain him for the full 40 minutes. A team with a hot shooting hand always has a chance to win in March.

Why midnight will strike: If Henderson shoots like he did in the first half of Friday's win over Wisconsin, Ole Miss doesn't have many other players on the roster who can carry the scoring load.

 • La Salle

Seed: 13

Why the slipper fits: Just like VCU in 2011, the Explorers are looking to go from the First Four to the Final Four. The guard play of La Salle is what carried them to their first two wins in the NCAA Tournament, and it's what makes the Explorers a threat to continue their run.

Why midnight will strike: Fatigue. In the final five minutes against Kansas State, La Salle looked absolutely exhausted before finally cementing the upset. Their matchup against Ole Miss will be the Explorers’ third game in six days.

Harvard

Seed: 14

Why the slipper fits: It’s the Ivy League! Tommy Amaker’s squad simply outplayed the third-seeded New Mexico Lobos, a sexy pick to make the Final Four out of the West. It’s tough to defend a team that gets double-digit scoring from four players.

Why midnight will strike: The last Ivy League team to reach the Sweet 16 was Cornell in 2010, when they beat inefficient teams in Temple and Wisconsin before losing to Kentucky. The Crimson run into a well-oiled machine in the Arizona Wildcats in the next round.

South Region

Florida Gulf Coast

Seed: 15

Why the slipper fits: Upsets don't get much more impressive than a No. 15 seed taking out a No. 2. The Eagles aren't intimidated by facing elite teams, as evidenced by their stunning win against Georgetown on Friday and a victory against Miami (another No. 2 seed in this tournament) early in the season.

Why midnight will strike: Of the six No. 15 seeds to make it to the round of 32, none have advanced to the Sweet 16. History isn't on the Eagles' side.

East Region



Temple.jpg


North Carolina State guard Lorenzo Brown (2) reaches in on Temple forward Jake O'Brien (22) during the first half of a second-round game at the NCAA college basketball tournament, Friday, March 22, 2013, in Dayton, Ohio. (AP Photo/Skip Peterson)




 • Temple

Seed: 9

Why the slipper fits: The Owls have one of the most prolific scorers in the nation in guard Khalif Wyatt, who can take over any game, as evidenced by his 31-point performance in Temple's opening win over NC State.

Why midnight will strike: Temple is not a strong defensive team, allowing 68.1 points per game (tied for 210th in the nation). No. 1 seed Indiana, the Owls' next opponent, averages 80 points per game (third in the nation) and posted 83 against James Madison on Friday.

California

Seed: 12

Why the slipper fits: The guard combo of Allen Crabbe and Justin Cobbs took it to a good, albeit young, UNLV team and forced the Runnin’ Rebels to shoot a mere 32.2 percent in Cal's win on Thursday. Either one of them has the ability to be the go-to scorer and carry the Golden Bears deep into the tourney.

Why midnight will strike: For Syracuse, Thursday's 47-point win was impressive, even against a completely outmatched team like Montana. Cal faces a daunting challenge in Saturday's matchup against the Orange, who are looking to roll into the Sweet 16.







NCAA Tournament 2013: Friday's top individual performances

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By Garrett Miley | National Desk Friday’s NCAA Tournament games were full of top-flight talent, and the performances certainly reflected that fact. Some familiar names had typically strong games, while a few lesser-known players rose to the occasion when their teams needed it most. Here are Friday’s top individual performances: Khalif Wyatt, Temple The stats: 31 points , 2...









By Garrett Miley | National Desk






Khalif Wyatt, Tyler Lewis


Temple guard Khalif Wyatt (1) reacts after making the game clinching free throws in the closing seconds of a second-round game at the NCAA college basketball tournament, Friday, March 22, 2013, in Dayton, Ohio. North Carolina State's Tyler Lewis watches. Wyatt led Temple to a 76-72 win with 31 points. (AP Photo/Al Behrman)





 

Friday’s NCAA Tournament games were full of top-flight talent, and the performances certainly reflected that fact. Some familiar names had typically strong games, while a few lesser-known players rose to the occasion when their teams needed it most.

Here are Friday’s top individual performances:

Khalif Wyatt, Temple

The stats: 31 points , 2 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals

The story: The Atlantic 10’s leading scorer carried Temple past NC State, scoring 31 points on 9-for-22 shooting. Wyatt got to the foul line 14 times against the Wolfpack and converted 12 of his attempts.

Mason Plumlee and Seth Curry, Duke

The stats: 49 combined points on 19-for-25 shooting

The story: Duke handled Albany, but the Blue Devils were carried by Plumlee and Curry the entire game. Plumlee scored 23 points on 9-for-11 shooting while Curry finished with 26 and shot 10-for-14 from the floor.

Durand Scott, Miami

The stats: 21 points, 5-for-8 on 3-point attempts (62.5 percent), three rebounds

The story: As Miami cruised to a 29-point win over Pacific, Scott led the way for the Hurricanes. He was the game’s leading scorer and one of only two Hurricanes to crack double figures (Shane Larkin chipped in with 10).

Doug McDermott, Creighton

The stats: 27 points, 7-for-15 shooting, 11 rebounds

The story: In the Bluejays' win over Cincinnati, McDermott carried Creighton just as he has done his entire career. The forward recorded a double-double, scoring 27 points and corralling 11 rebounds in Creighton’s four-point victory over the Bearcats.

Jerrell Wright, La Salle

The stats: 21 points, 6-for-6 shooting (100 percent), eight rebounds, two blocks

The story: The La Salle Explorers pulled off a major upset when they took down Kansas State, and Wright turned in a phenomenal performance. The 6-foot-8 forward was perfect from the floor and made 9-of-10 free throws in the Explorers’ 63-61 victory.



APTOPIX Georgetown Fl_Newh.jpg


Florida Gulf Coast's Brett Comer reacts after scoring during the first half of a second-round game against Georgetown during the NCAA college basketball tournament on Friday, March 22, 2013, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)





 Brett Comer, Florida Gulf Coast

The stats: 12 points, 4-for-9 shooting (44.4 percent), 10 assists, six rebounds

The story: Comer was the best player on the floor when Florida Gulf Coast pulled off the biggest upset in this year’s tournament so far, defeating No. 2 seed Georgetown 78-68. The sophomore point guard dished out 10 assists as the Eagles depended on Comer’s floor command all night. Comer turned the ball over just twice against the Hoyas, posting an impressive 5.0 assist to turnover ratio.

Markel Starks, Georgetown

The stats: 23 points, 8-for-17 shooting (44.4 percent), six assists

The story: On the other end of FGCU's upset over Georgetown, Hoyas guard Markel Starks put together an admirable performance in the loss. Starks scored 23 points, knocked down four 3-pointers and led his team with six assists.

Andre Nation, James Madison

The stats: 24 points, 10-for-16 shooting (62.5 percent), four rebounds

The story: While James Madison was no match for the mighty Hoosiers, Dukes guard Andre Nation gave his team everything he had. The 6-foot-5 freshman guard scored 24 points against No. 1 seed Indiana before fouling out with 1:58 remaining in regulation.

P.J. Hairston, North Carolina

The stats: 23 points, 7-for-11 shooting (63.6 percent), five rebounds, three steals

The story: P.J. Hairston is still playing with a stitched-up and heavily bandaged left hand, but he didn’t let that affect him against Villanova. The Tarheels guard put together an impressive shooting performance against the Wildcats, scoring 23 points and knocking down five of his eight 3-point attempts in North Carolina’s 79-71 victory.








Cleveland Indians lose to Arizona, 7-5, as bad defense hurts Justin Masterson

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Justin Masterson threw close to 100 pitches, but two errors behind him led to four unearned runs as the Indians lost to Arizona.

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Justin Masterson was hurt by shoddy defense Friday night as Arizona beat the Indians, 7-5, at Goodyear Ballpark.

Masterson (2-1) gave up five runs, but only one of them was earned because of errors by shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera and third baseman Lonnie Chisenhall. Cabrera tried to short hop Josh Wilson's bouncer with the bases loaded and no score in the second inning, but the ball went under his glove allowing two runs to score. A third run scored in the inning on an RBI grounder by Gerardo Parra to give Arizona a 3-0 lead.

In the fourth, Wilson sent a grounder to Chisenhall. He made a nice stop, but threw wide of first base as Mark Teahen scored and Wilson went to second. Parra followed with a double for a 5-2 lead.

Arizona stretched the lead to 7-2 with two runs off Jerry Gil in the sixth.

Mark Reynolds provided the highlight of the night in the bottom of the sixth when he hit a two-run homer over the left field scoreboard to put the Indians back in the game at 7-5.

It was Reynolds third homer of the spring and gave him seven RBI.

"That's why he's here," said manager Terry Francona. "He put a nice swing on that ball and generates so much back spin. That was impressive." 

The Indians scored their first two runs in the third on a bases-loaded single by Michael Brantley to make it 3-2. They loaded the bases against left-hander Patrick Corbin (3-0) on walks by Chisenhall, Drew Stubbs and Cabrera.

The Tribe is 15-10-2 in Cactus League play.

Saturday, March 23 television sports listings for Cleveland and Northeast Ohio

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Highlights include high school boys basketball state championship games, NCAA Tournament play in men's and women's basketball, wrestling, hockey, lacrosse and gymnastics, and games with the Indians, Lake Erie Monsters, Columbus Blue Jackets and Columbus Crew.

CLEVELAND, Ohio

Today's TV sports listings

AHL

7:30 p.m. Grand Rapids at LAKE ERIE MONSTERS, WUAB; AM/1220

ARENA FOOTBALL

8 p.m. Philadelphia at Arizona, CBSSN

AUTO RACING

12:30 p.m. Auto Club 400 practice, Speed Channel

1:30 p.m. Royal Purple 300 qualifying, Speed Channel

2:30 p.m. Grand Prix of St. Petersburg qualifying, NBCSN

3:30 p.m. Auto Club 400 "Happy Hour Series," Speed Channel

5 p.m. Royal Purple 300, ESPN

3:30 a.m. (Sun.) Malaysia Grand Prix, NBCSN

BASEBALL

9 a.m. Seattle vs. San Diego (tape), MLBN

1 p.m. St. Louis vs. Miami, MLBN

4 p.m. Chicago Cubs vs. L.A. Angels, WGN

4:05 p.m. CLEVELAND INDIANS vs. Seattle, MLBN; AM/1100

8 p.m. Pittsburgh vs. Boston (tape), MLBN

Midnight Washington vs. N.Y. Mets (tape), MLBN

3 a.m. (Sunday) Texas vs. Cincinnati (tape), MLNB

BULL RIDING

11 p.m. Ty Murray Invitational (tape), CBSSN

COLLEGE BASEBALL

8:30 p.m. Texas A&M vs. Mississippi, ESPNU

COLLEGE SOFTBALL

7 p.m. Texas A&M vs. Tennessee, ESPNU

HIGH SCHOOL BOYS BASKETBALL

10:30 a.m. Ohio D-III final, Ottawa-Glandorf vs. Versailles, SportsTime Ohio

1:30 p.m. Ohio D-II final, ST. VINCENT-ST. MARY vs. Columbus Watterson, SportsTime Ohio

4:30 p.m. Ohio D-IV final, VILLA ANGELA-ST. JOSEPH vs. Leipsic, SportsTime Ohio

8:30 p.m. Ohio D-I final, MENTOR vs. Rogers, SportsTime Ohio

GOLF

9 a.m. Malaysian Open (tape), Golf Channel

12:30 p.m. Arnold Palmer Invitational, Golf Channel

2:30 p.m. Arnold Palmer Invitational, WKYC

5 p.m. Mississippi Gulf Resort Classic, Golf Channel

7 p.m. Kia Classic, Golf Channel

MEN'S TOURNAMENT COLLEGE BASKETBALL

Noon NIT, Stanford vs. Alabama, ESPN

Noon NCAA, VCU vs. Michigan, WOIO

2:30 p.m. NCAA, Memphis vs. Michigan State, WOIO

5 p.m. NCAA, Colorado State vs. Louisville, WOIO

6 p.m. NCAA, Harvard vs. Arizona, TNT

7 p.m. NCAA, Oregon vs. Saint Louis, TBS

7:30 p.m. NCAA, Butler vs. Marquette, WOIO

8:30 p.m. NCAA, Wichita State vs. Gonzaga, TNT

9:30 p.m. NCAA, Cal vs. Syracuse, TBS

MEN'S TOURNAMENT COLLEGE HOCKEY

7 p.m. Hockey East final, NBCSN

MEN'S COLLEGE LACROSSE

2 p.m. Colgate vs. Navy, ESPNU

4:30 p.m. Virginia vs. Johns Hopkins, ESPNU

MEN'S COLLEGE WRESTLING

11 a.m. NCAA championships, ESPNU

8 p.m. NCAA championships, finals, ESPN

MOTORSPORTS

7:30 p.m. Supercross, Speed Channel

NBA

8 p.m. Indiana at Chicago, WGN

NHL

4 p.m. Vancouver at Los Angeles, NHLN

7 p.m. Boston at Toronto, NHLN

8 p.m. COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS at Nashville, Fox Sports Ohio

SOCCER

3:30 p.m. MLS, COLUMBUS CREW at DC United, NBCSN

TENNIS

11 a.m. Sony Open, Tennis Channel

WOMEN'S NCAA TOURNAMENT COLLEGE BASKETBALL

11 a.m. NCAA, ESPN2

1:30 p.m. NCAA, ESPN2

4 p.m. NCAA, ESPN2

6:30 p.m. NCAA, ESPN2

WOMEN'S COLLEGE GYMNASTICS

1 p.m. Big Ten Championships, Session 1, Big Ten Network

6 p.m. Big Ten Championships, Session 2, Big Ten Network


NFL Draft 2013 -- mock draft links: Free agency signings make CB Dee Milliner new Browns favorite; G Chance Warmack becomes option

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Browns have the sixth pick in the first round, and if Milliner -- the best cornerback in the draft -- is still on the board, they might take him. Warmack is considered by many as the most promising guard in the draft in years. More mock draft links.


CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Browns went into the free agent signing period with goals such as improving the pass rush and adapting the roster to new offensive and defensive systems.

On the defensive side, Cleveland has signed outside linebackers Paul Kruger and Quentin Groves, lineman Desmond Bryant and cornerback Chris Owens.

The first round of the NFL draft will be on Thursday, April 25. As that approaches, the mock drafts flourish.

The Browns own the sixth pick in the first round. What they've done in free agency has altered what many mock drafts predict will happen with that selection.

Prior to the free agent signings, most mock drafts had the Browns using their first-round pick on players such as defensive end-outside linebackers Dion Jordan of Oregon, Barkevious Mingo of Louisiana State and Ezekiel Ansah of BYU, and Georgia outside linebacker Jarvis Jones.

Those players could be good fits in Cleveland's new defense, likely the 3-4 and variations of it. Maybe one of them will indeed be the guy wearing the Browns baseball cap about an hour into the draft.

Given the circumstances, however, there's a new favorite to be tabbed by the Browns at No. 6: Alabama cornerback Dee Milliner. A Browns starter at the position last season, Sheldon Brown, is a free agent and won't be back, and the team's deep thinkers may regard Chris Owens as a valuable backup.

The thinking among mock drafters is that Milliner, if he's still on the board when it's Cleveland's turn, would team with Joe Haden and give the Browns a pair of potentially elite corners.

Don't count out the Browns going offense with their first-rounder. With a couple defensive issues now addressed, at least in part, through free agency, some mock drafts mention Alabama guard Chance Warmack as a possibility at No. 6. That decision, they feel, would make a pretty good Browns offensive line even better.

Draft Countdown, in its mock draft, has the Browns taking Dee Milliner with the sixth pick.

Scott Wright, for Draft Countdown, explains the projected Browns pick, and also mentions Chance Warmack, writing:

Heading into the offseason the Browns top priority was finding a pass rusher to team with Jabaal Sheard in their new odd front, which was accomplished with the signing of free agent Paul Kruger. Cleveland will now have some freedom with this choice but Alabama CB Dee Milliner probably makes the most sense. A tough, battle-tested cover guy, Milliner answered concerns about his timed speed by running a sub-4.4 at the Scouting Combine and solidified himself as a Top 10 overall pick. Milliner is universally regarded as the top corner in this class by a significant margin and would fit in perfectly opposite Joe Haden. Another possibility would be Alabama OG Chance Warmack, who might be a slight reach this early but would fortify the middle of their offensive line. The Browns have been linked to West Virginia QB Geno Smith as well so that is something to at least keep an eye on. Don’t rule out trading down either because there could actually be a relatively strong market for this pick, whether it’s somebody coming up for a cornerback (Milliner), an offensive tackle (Central Michigan’s Eric Fisher or Oklahoma’s Lane Johnson) or perhaps even trying to get ahead of both Arizona and Buffalo for a quarterback ( Smith or USC’s Matt Barkley).

Mock draft links

Alabama cornerback Dee Milliner will be the Browns' first-round pick, predicts Daniel Jeremiah for NFL.com.

Chance Warmack, Alabama guard, will be picked by the Browns at No. 6, according to Drafttek.com.



The Drafttek.com comment:




The Browns have fleshed out their 3-4 defense in Free Agency. Time to give the O-line some love. Chance Warmack will make RB Trent Richardson's job much easier as the most highly-touted OG in many years.

Georgia outside linebacker Jarvis Jones will be the Browns' first-round pick, says Matt Smith for NFL.com.




Cleveland takes Dee Milliner with its first pick, predicts WalterFootball.com in its mock draft.

WalterFootball, though, says another possibility for the Browns is Alabama guard Chance Warmack:


The top of this draft is lacking in talent, so it's possible that the Browns may just consider the best guard prospect since Steve Hutchinson.

Dee Milliner joins Joe Haden to give the Browns two cornerbacks who were premium draft picks. Rob Rang's mock draft for CBSSports.com.



Rob Rang writes:


Having added pass-rushers Paul Kruger and Quentin Groves via free agency, the Browns' next biggest weakness is finding a cornerback to play opposite young star Joe Haden. Milliner has the size, speed and physicality to be up to the task.

Dee Milliner becomes a Cleveland Brown on April 25. So says Josh Norris for Rotoworld.



Defensive end-outside linebacker Ezekiel Ansah of BYU is picked by the Browns at No. 6 in the first round, Clark Judge writes for CBSSports.com.



Outside linebacker Jarvis Jones of Georgia is Cleveland's first-round pick in Pat Kirwan's mock draft for CBSSports.com.



The first defensive back taken in the draft is Dee Milliner, by the Browns, predicts Football Draft Analysis.



Alabama's Dee Milliner is headed for Cleveland, according to Dane Brugler in his mock draft for CBSSports.com.



Brugler writes:


With the Browns transitioning to a hybrid 3-4 defensive scheme under new coordinator Ray Horton, there is a more-than-good chance that this pick is defense. After signing Paul Kruger in free agency, the Browns might switch their thinking to cornerback with this pick, especially if Milliner is still on the board.


NCAA Tournament: Five things to watch for today

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By Garrett Miley | National Desk As the round of 32 begins today, there are plenty of things to keep your eye on. The last two days of basketball had enough excitement and intensity for an entire tournament, but there’s much more to come. Today's games feature a mix of elite programs, Cinderella candidates and under-the-radar squads – all...









By Garrett Miley | National Desk






Shaka Smart, Darius Theus


Virginia Commonwealth head coach Shaka Smart, right, talks with guard Darius Theus (10) in the first half of a second-round game of the NCAA college basketball tournament against Akron Thursday, March 21, 2013, in Auburn Hills, Mich. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)





 

As the round of 32 begins today, there are plenty of things to keep your eye on. The last two days of basketball had enough excitement and intensity for an entire tournament, but there’s much more to come.

Today's games feature a mix of elite programs, Cinderella candidates and under-the-radar squads – all looking to keep their tournament dreams alive. Here are five things to watch:

1. Atlantic 10 looks to stay unbeaten

After La Salle’s upset victory over Kansas State on Friday, the Atlantic 10 conference improved to a perfect 6-0 in the tournament. Both Butler and VCU are on today’s slate of games as they look to keep the A-10 perfect.

VCU takes on Michigan at 12:15 p.m. in what could be the most entertaining game of the day. The Rams breezed past Akron 88-42 on Thursday evening, but will be in for a real test against Trey Burke and the Wolverines.

Butler, meanwhile, didn’t get off to the start it wanted against Bucknell, but the Bulldogs still prevailed. Their second-round opponent, Marquette, also struggled to escape the round of 64. Both the Rams and Bulldogs have a great shot to keep the A-10 perfect.

2. Louisville vs. Cinderella?

Colorado State entered the tournament this year as a popular pick to bust some brackets. However, after seeing the Rams draw a No. 8 seed in the daunting Midwest Region, many folks quickly jumped off the bandwagon. The Rams get their crack at top overall seed Louisville tonight.

The Cardinals do not appear to be on upset alert, but the rebounding prowess of Colorado State is something to be wary of. The Rams were a better rebounding team and shot a higher percentage from the floor than the Cardinals in the regular season. Colorado State certainly has the potential to make things interesting against Rick Pitino’s team.

3. A Crimson encore?

Today's schedule boasts a few teams looking to become America’s darling after pulling off a major first-round upset. Harvard will look to be the first Cinderella team this year to land in the Sweet 16. The Crimson pulled off a No. 14 over No. 3 upset on Thursday night when they defeated New Mexico. Next up for Harvard is another tough game against the Arizona Wildcats.

Arizona defeated Belmont on Thursday behind a big game from guard Mark Lyons. Lyons scored 23 points on 8-of-15 shooting against the Bruins. If Harvard can contain Lyons, the Ivy League champions could land in the Sweet 16.



WCC Saint Marys Gonza_Newh.jpg


Gonzaga's Kelly Olynyk (13) and Kevin Pangos react against Saint Mary's late in the game of the West Coast Conference tournament championship NCAA college basketball game, Monday, March 11, 2013, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)




4. Gonzaga on upset alert

After surviving a scare from No. 16 seed Southern that lasted into the final seconds of their opening win, the Bulldogs are hearing the voices questioning their legitimacy grow ever louder. Wichita State is a much more formidable opponent than Southern, as evidenced by their 73-55 dismantling of Pitt. Wichita State's Malcolm Armstead and Cleanthony Early could be a tough duo to defend for Gonzaga, especially if the Shockers find the mark from behind the arc. Wichita State managed to get past Pitt despite shooting just 2-for-20 from 3-point territory.

While there isn’t much doubt surrounding star forward Kelly Olynyk’s contributions, the Bulldogs will need continued production from guard Kevin Pangos to make a championship run. Pangos rescued the Zags against Southern, scoring seven of his team's final 10 points. If Pangos struggles against Wichita State, he and Gonzaga could find themselves on upset alert.

5. Southerland and Syracuse should shoot, shoot, shoot

That’s a mouthful, but it’s true. Syracuse’s James Southerland, a 40 percent 3-point shooter, must look to take advantage of California’s shaky 3-point field goal defense when the Orange battles the Golden Bears. Cal is ranked 169th nationally this season in 3-point field goal defense, allowing opponents to shoot 33.5 percent from behind the arc.

Against Montana, Syracuse shot just 11 3-pointers after taking control of the game early. However, against Cal, coach Jim Boeheim’s team would be wise to emphasize the long-distance attack and exploit what may be the Bears' biggest weakness. Watch for Southerland to have a big game and lead Syracuse to the Sweet 16. 







Live broadcast: HS basketball Division IV State Championship - Villa Angela-St. Joseph vs. Leipsic, Saturday at 4:30 p.m.

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Listen live Saturday afternoon to the OHSAA Division IV State Championship between Villa Angela-St. Joseph and Leipsic. Join cleveland.com's Glenn Moore and Dan Labbe Saturday afternoon beginning at 4:15 as Villa Angela-St. Joseph (24-4) battles Leipsic (25-4) for the Division IV State Championship. Tip-off for the game is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. The broadcast team will also provide live chat...

VASJ battles for a the Division IV State Championship this afternoon. - (Gus Chan / The Plain Dealer)

Listen live Saturday afternoon to the OHSAA Division IV State Championship between Villa Angela-St. Joseph and Leipsic.

Join cleveland.com's Glenn Moore and Dan Labbe Saturday afternoon beginning at 4:15 as Villa Angela-St. Joseph (24-4) battles Leipsic (25-4) for the Division IV State Championship. Tip-off for the game is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. The broadcast team will also provide live chat room updates throughout the game as well.

• Box: Villa-Angela-St. Joseph vs. Leipsic

Brackets | Scoreboard

Note: Please be patient if no audio is playing. Audio stream not available on some mobile devices.

  

   Live chat: Log in to chat with the broadcast team and other fans

Live broadcast: HS basketball Division I State Championship - Mentor vs. Toledo Rogers, Saturday at 8:30 p.m.

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Listen live Saturday afternoon to the OHSAA Division I State Championship between Mentor and Toledo Rogers. Join cleveland.com's Glenn Moore and Dan Labbe Saturday evening beginning at 8:15 as Mentor (24-5) battles Toledo Rogers (21-7) for the Division I State Championship. Tip-off for the game is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. The broadcast team will also provide live chat room updates...

Mentor battles for the Division I State Championship this evening. - (Joshua Gunter/ The Plain Dealer)

Listen live Saturday afternoon to the OHSAA Division I State Championship between Mentor and Toledo Rogers.

Join cleveland.com's Glenn Moore and Dan Labbe Saturday evening beginning at 8:15 as Mentor (24-5) battles Toledo Rogers (21-7) for the Division I State Championship. Tip-off for the game is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. The broadcast team will also provide live chat room updates throughout the game as well.

• Box: Mentor vs. Toledo Rogers

Brackets | Scoreboard

Note: Please be patient if no audio is playing. Audio stream not available on some mobile devices.

  

   Live chat: Log in to chat with the broadcast team and other fans

Cleveland Gladiators 2013 preview: Several new faces, including a new quarterback

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The Gladiators face the Spokane Shock on Sunday afternoon at The Q.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Gladiators coach Steve Thonn knows his arena football, but even he can't be sure what he has in front of him this season as the opener beckons. Too many variables are in play -- notably, new faces at essential positions.

What Thonn does know is that his team is diligent, athletic and hungry. The Gladiators face the Spokane Shock on Sunday afternoon at The Q.

"Our training camp only lasted a few weeks, but I liked what I saw," Thonn said. "The guys were competitive. They got after it. They worked hard. Yes, we have a lot that's different, but I like the mix of guys remaining from last year and guys we've brought in."

The Gladiators' biggest change from last season comes at quarterback, a position of that much more significance in the indoor game. Gone are John Dutton and Matt Bassuener. In are Brian Zbydniewski and his backup, Chris Dieker. Zbydniewski beat out Dieker in a training-camp competition.

"Brian has been very consistent," Thonn said. "He gets rid of the ball quickly and knows where to throw it."

Zbydniewski, 31, is in his fourth AFL season. Last year, he threw 13 passes as a backup to former Gladiator Kurt Rocco in New Orleans. Zbydniewski's most extensive work came in 2011 when, as a member of the Tampa Bay Storm, he went 221-of-357 for 2,825 yards and 56 touchdowns.

"Brian has been a backup, but he also started games in Tampa Bay, so he has experience," Thonn said. "He's picked up our offense quickly. We knew he had played arena and was a smart quarterback, and he showed that in camp."

Zbydniewski's targets include returnees Dominick Goodman, Thyron Lewis and Maurice Williams. Goodman, one the AFL's best, ended last season with a catch off the net at the horn to beat Chicago at The Q. Newcomer Jonathan Wilson impressed in camp and is expected to push for a starting spot. He caught 51 passes for 649 yards and nine TDs with Milwaukee last season.

The most recognizable name on a revamped defense is Pierre Woods, a Northeast Ohio native. Woods grew up on the fields in and around Coventry Elementary and eventually excelled for the Glenville Tarblooders. He went to the University of Michigan. He was undrafted in 2006, then signed with the Patriots, for whom he played 54 games through 2010. He also played four games for the Bills in 2010.

His most recent organized football was semi-pro in Cleveland last summer.

Woods, best known as a linebacker, will start at defensive end.

"Whenever you come from the outdoor game, there's going to be an adjustment," Thonn said. "Pierre is coming along well. He's getting used to having his hand in the ground."

Zbydniewski needed to get rid of the ball in a hurry in camp because Woods and his teammates on the line were relentless.

"The most competitive area for us was defensive line," Thonn said. "It's a good, physical group. We have a lot of people who can rush the passer. Even though our defense did well last year, we lacked in pass rush, especially near the end of the year. We've upgraded."

The Gladiators completely turned over their starting secondary after Levy Brown, Joe Phinisee and Dominic Jones opted to move on. Brown was a fan favorite who fed off the big hit. The Gladiators' defensive backfield in 2012 was as physical as any in the league, but periodically lost track of receivers in big spots.

The projected starters at DB are Jamar Love, Lenny Wicks and Lance Caldwell.

Last year, the Gladiators finished 8-10 and did not qualify for the postseason. Spokane went 10-8 but also missed the playoffs.

Schedule

Sunday, 1 p.m., Spokane Shock

Saturday March 30 7:30 PM at Tampa Bay Storm

Saturday April 6 7 p.m. Jacksonville Sharks

Saturday April 20 7:05 p.m. at Philadelphia Soul

Saturday April 27 7 p.m. Utah Blaze

Saturday May 4 10:30p.m. at San Jose SaberCats

Saturday May 11 7 p.m. Chicago Rush

Saturday May 18 7 p.m. San Antonio Talons

Saturday May 25 7 p.m. at Pittsburgh Power

Saturday June 1 8 p.m. at New Orleans VooDoo

Friday June 7 7:30 p.m. Iowa Barnstormers

Saturday June 15 7:30 p.m. at Orlando Predators

Saturday June 22 7 p.m. at Jacksonville Sharks

Saturday June 29 7 p.m. Philadelphia Soul

Saturday July 6 7 p.m. Pittsburgh Power

Saturday July 13 8 p.m. at Chicago Rush

Saturday July 20 7 p.m. Orlando Predators

Saturday July 27 9 p.m. at Utah Blaze


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

Twitter: @dmansworldpd



NCAA Tournament reaction: What they're saying about Florida Gulf Coast stunning Georgetown

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By Garrett Miley | National Desk Friday provided a wild start to what will no doubt be a memorable weekend of college basketball. Here’s a look the national reaction to Friday’s NCAA Tournament action: In the biggest upset of the day, No. 15 seed Florida Gulf Coast took down No. 2 seed Georgetown by a final score of 78-68....

By Garrett Miley | National Desk

NCAA Georgetown Flori_Newh.jpg

Florida Gulf Coast’s Sherwood Brown celebrates in the final minutes of a second-round game against Georgetown in the NCAA college basketball tournament, Friday, March 22, 2013, in Philadelphia. Florida Gulf Coast won 78-68.(AP Photo/Matt Rourke)


Friday provided a wild start to what will no doubt be a memorable weekend of college basketball. Here’s a look the national reaction to Friday’s NCAA Tournament action:

In the biggest upset of the day, No. 15 seed Florida Gulf Coast took down No. 2 seed Georgetown by a final score of 78-68. The upstart Eagles were not in awe of Otto Porter and the Hoyas, writes Jeff Eisenberg of Yahoo! Sports:

They weren’t intimidated facing a Georgetown team that won a share of the Big East title and features a future lottery pick in its frontcourt. They got chest-to-chest with the Hoyas when Georgetown committed a series of hard frustration fouls. Heck, [Brett] Comer even had the guts to throw a transition lob pass to Fieler for a high-flying alley-oop jam with two minutes to go and Georgetown having clawed back within seven.


» David Jones from PennLive.com has covered 20 consecutive Final Fours. He can put this kind of story into perspective, which he does, quite succinctly:

In the history of the NCAA tournament, there's really been nothing like it. When 15-seeds manage to upset 2-seeds, they do not inflict damage upon their manhood. But that's what this was.
My God, something called Florida Gulf Coast University laying the wood to Georgetown? Not just beating them but beating them down? Making all the plays that make the crowd squeal and scream and stand?

It's like you and your friends decided to start a team, applied for NCAA membership and then there you are in front of 20,000 people making up high-wire circus plays and demoralizing the Big East champions. Except your beer buddies can't do what the FGCU Eagles can.

» The Hoyas’ loss looks shocking on the surface. A No. 2 seed rarely falters to a No. 15 seed in the tournament, but Liz Clarke of The Washington Post explains why we shouldn’t be so surprised by Georgetown’s performance:

It was a sadly familiar postseason refrain for Georgetown, which hasn’t made it out of the NCAA tournament’s opening weekend in six years, not since reaching the Final Four in 2007. The Hoyas have now fallen to a double-digit seed in four straight years, and in five consecutive NCAA tournament appearances overall.

“I wish I could,” Georgetown Coach John Thompson III said when asked if he could pinpoint a common thread in the string of postseason disappointments. “Trust me, more than anyone on this earth I’ve tried to analyze it, think about it, look at it, think about what we should do differently. And I don’t know.”



NCAA Kansas St La Sal_Newh.jpg

La Salle guard D.J. Peterson (1) celebrates their win over Kansas State in a second-round game of the NCAA college basketball tournament on Friday, March 22, 2013, in Kansas City, Mo. La Salle won the game 63-61. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)


La Salle also pulled off a major upset on Friday. The No. 13 seed Explorers held on to defeat Kansas State after the Wildcats engineered a torrid second-half comeback that fell just short. While La Salle may have busted your bracket, Jason King of ESPN.com writes that the Explorers' victory shouldn’t have come as too much of a surprise:

Indeed, Friday’s victory over the Big 12 co-champion Wildcats hardly seemed like an upset. A day before the game, someone joked with K-State coach Bruce Weber that “No. 13 seeds aren’t what they used to be.”

  • After both La Salle and Temple proved victorious on Friday, King also explained how competitive the Atlantic 10 conference is quickly proving to be:

It might not be a part of the “power six” conferences, but the Atlantic 10 has proved over the past 48 hours that it’s as tough as any league in the nation. The A-10 is 6-0 in tournament games so far, and no win was as head-turning as La Salle’s 63-61 victory over Kansas State on Friday at the Sprint Center.

  • Ole Miss was the third No. 12 seed to defeat a No. 5 seed when they eliminated coach Bo Ryan and Wisconsin on Friday afternoon. Nicole Auerbach of USA Today writes that this tournament is providing more examples why “bracketeers” should feel confident picking the 12-over-5 upset:

Even the most conservative bracketeers feel confident in picking one upset in the round of 64: A No. 12 seed over a No. 5 seed.

And why not? Since 1985, when the field expanded to 64 teams, that’s happened 41 times. Yes, that’s 41 times in 28 years. A No. 16 seed has never beaten a No. 1. Only seven No. 15s have taken out No. 2s, including Florida Gulf Coast’s stunning upset of Georgetown on Friday.

Though the 12-5 upset is fairly common, it’s unusual to have three in the same tournament, which is what 2013 has brought us in Oregon, California and Mississippi. Two of those (Oregon and Ole Miss) were conference tournament champions riding momentum into the NCAA tournament, and the third (Cal) was a 20-win team that finished in the top half of its league.

  • Ohio State was not troubled by Iona as they defeated the Gales 95-70. The Buckeyes are playing some of the best basketball in the country right now, especially after coming out on top in a tough Big 10 conference tournament. Doug Lesmerises of The Plain Dealer has four thoughts on the Buckeyes' outing against Iona, including a wide-open performance that was somewhat out of character for coach Thad Matta's bunch:

Ohio State ran so much and so well Friday, it didn’t give their future opponents a very good look. At that pace, Matta was excited by a great 25-to-10 turnover-to-assist ratio, but not a lot of the passes came out of set plays. Usually, the Buckeyes are more about their halfcourt offense, but Iona let the Buckeyes be something else.






Terry Pluto's Blog: Tribe scribbles from Goodyear, where the sun has been shining on the Tribe

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The Indians showing bullpen depth with Nick Hagadone, Rich Hill and Bryan Shaw while Mark Reynolds hits a space shot and Justin Masterson has a so-so outing.

1. One of the best parts of the spring is the development of the Tribe's bullpen. I'm not talking about Chris Perez, Vinnie Pestano and Joe Smith. Perez is still recovering from his shoulder strain. Pestano and Smith should be solid once again. I'm talking about Bryan Shaw, who lit up my eyes (and the radar gun) in a Thursday game against Arizona. His inning was 1-2-3, fanning two. Shaw has allowed one run in eight innings, whiffing 12.

2. Terry Francona raved about Shaw's "electric cutter," which has consistently been clocked at 95 mph. The righthander throws most a fastball that slides a bit..."the cutter" effect. Shaw was 1-6 with a 3.49 ERA for Arizona last season. He's 25, and was the Diamondbacks' second-round pick (73rd overall) in 2008. He has a career 3.18 ERA in the Majors and right-handers hit .211 off him last season. He allowed only 5-of-28 runners to score.

3. The point being the Tribe may had added a real asset in the 3-way Shin-Soo Choo deal. The main Tribe targets were Trevor Bauer and Drew Stubbs, but Shaw looks like he'll really help the bullpen.

4. Nick Hagadone has thrown eight scoreless innings this spring, fanning 11. The lefty also is often clocked at 95 mph. So is Cody Allen. Hagadone and Allen are on the team. Shaw has not been announced as a member of the bullpen yet, but that seems likely. Veteran lefty Rich Hill is on the team, and he's not allowed a run all spring. Yes, they have lots of bullpen depth.

5. Justin Masterson was hurt by errors from Asdrubal Cabrera and Lonnie Chisenhall, as only one of the five runs he allowed were earned. He pitched five innings against Arizona Friday night. I didn't think Masterson was very sharp. He walked three. He was behind in the count too often. His spring ERA is 5.09 with 19 strikeouts and five walks in 17 2/3 innings. Some outings have been very sharp, and other were obvious that he's still looking for his rhythm on the mound.

6. That was only Chisenhall's first error of the spring. He's hitting .405 and has looked like the third baseman the Tribe dreamed he'd become when in the minors. We'll see if it carries over into the regular season, but the 24-year-old Chisenhall has been impressive.

7. Michael Brantley is crushing the ball. He has six RBI in his last three games. He's hitting .419, 13-of-31 with six extra base hits.

8. Mark Reynolds hit a home run over the left field scoreboard in Goodyear. It had to be a 450-foot space shot. He weakly popped up in his first two at bats, then launched his third homer of the spring. He's hitting .350. He has only seven strikeouts in 40 at bats, but with that big swing -- his going to strike out. But with Reynolds on the team, they will hit some home runs.

9. Travis Hafner is hitting only .129 (4-of-31) with the Yankees. Ben Francisco is at .333. It's amazing that Francisco wanted to leave the Tribe so he could go to the Yankees, who are desperate for outfielders. He probably will make the team.

10. Nick Swisher looks very good at first base.

Ohio State scores its highest point total of the season, beating Iona, 95-70, to advance in the NCAA Tournament

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The Ohio State Buckeyes (27-7) beat the Iona Gaels 95-70, outrunning the runners, outshooting the shooters and outpressing the pressers with their highest point total of the season. Watch video

DAYTON, Ohio – Placed in the NCAA Tournament's Imploding Bracket, with the West Region already losing its No. 3, No. 4 and No. 5 teams, Ohio State took the floor in Dayton on Friday night either ready to benefit from the fallout, or ready to be the next victim.

"We certainly didn't want to join those guys," junior guard Lenzelle Smith said.

"That's one thing about higher seeds," senior center Evan Ravenel said. "Some teams play like spoiled brats. They bring the name, but they don't bring the game. And it costs them."

Favorites were falling. No. 15 seed Iona, storming in from New York with buckets of confidence and a high-scoring offense, was challenging the No. 2 Buckeyes. OSU coach Thad Matta showed the Buckeyes losses by No. 2 seeds to No. 15 seeds from the past as a reminder.

  And then Aaron Craft dove into a table.

Immediately, people started anticipating Craft's placement in the "One Shining Moment" video at the end of the NCAA Tournament.

"The ball is loose, and there you are. ... You're diving on your face, you're a game-changing, defensive-minded point guard with rosy cheeks ..."

The Buckeyes (27-7) beat the Gaels 95-70, outrunning the runners, outshooting the shooters and outpressing the pressers with their highest point total of the season, topping the 91 they scored on UMKC in November. Ohio State will play No. 10 seed Iowa State at 12:15 p.m. on Sunday, after the Cyclones beat No. 7 Notre Dame 76-58.

Sam Thompson dunked and dunked -- four of his six field goals were stuffed through in his first career double-double, with 20 points and 10 rebounds.

  Deshaun Thomas shot and shot, regaining his formerly efficient ways while going 8-of-12 for 24 points, his highest-scoring output in 11 games.

Craft stole and stole, creating six steals while also dishing out seven assists.

Ohio State, after one game, looked like the best team in the West.

"Those guys, they look like they work out every day," Iona guard Tavon Sledge said. "They're a lot more physical than us. I believe they stuck to their game plan and just kept doing what they do best, what they did all year."

While the Gaels carried themselves with the confidence that an underdog needs to have a chance, it didn't take long for the Buckeyes to take that away.

"We gave them a dose of reality today," Smith said.

It started with a first-half dive into the scorer's table by Craft.

Coming off a ball screen, he deflected a pass, then chased it down as it skipped toward the sideline, saving it with a dive that saw him skid into the scorer's table on his side.

"It's worth it to get a dunk," Craft said.

That came about because Craft saved the ball to Shannon Scott, who said he'd been advised Friday by Craft to stick close by whenever Craft was chasing a ball down. Scott then worked a two-on-one break that ended with a Ravenel dunk. By that point, Craft was up and watching the play, but still playing it cool.

Only after Iona called a timeout after the dunk, with Ohio State now up, 13-6, did Craft let loose a scream to the top of University of Dayton Arena.

"As a point guard, you've got to try to stay as even-keeled as possible during the game," Craft said. "(The Los Angeles Clippers') Chris Paul, when he throws hoops to guys like Blake Griffin, he never makes a face. Sometimes it's tough to keep it in all the time, but when I have time to relax at a timeout, you get to let it out a little bit and then try to get back to work."

The Buckeyes did their work all game, noticing on film that a lot of the Gaels' shot were uncontested and vowing to not let that be the case on Friday. Iona's Momo Jones, the nation's third-leading scorer at 23 points per game, was held to nine points on 3-of-14 shooting.

"Give credit where credit is due," Jones said of Craft. "I think he played good defense. I think I took some bad shots. Things just didn't fall tonight. Can't knock the guy. He played some good defense."

"I thought he was tremendous," Matta said of Craft. "It was like there was a couple of him out there at times."

One was enough.

Northeast Ohio high school sports scoreboard for Saturday, March 23, 2013.

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Boys basketball State tournament

Boys basketball

State tournament

At Jerome Schottenstein Center

Division I

Championship

MENTOR 76,

TOLEDO ROGERS 67

TOLEDO ROGERS (21-8) -- Kynard 3-13 2-48, Owens 5-20 0-0 12, Dailey 2-6 0-0 4, Pratt 10-17 0-1 23, Robinson 4-4 2-5 10, Gilmer 3-3 0-0 6, Davis 0-2 4-74. Totals--27-65 8-17 67.

MENTOR (25-5) -- Fritts 3-9 3-5 9, Krizancic 5-13 2-2 16, Nelson 2-6 4-6 8, Potter 8-12 4-4 24, Foreman 5-16 7-9 19, McClure 0-2 0-0 0, Gallagher 0-2 0-0 0. Totals--23-60 20-26 76.

Halftime--TR 37-34. 3-point goals--TR5-19 (Kynard 0-3, Owens 2-9, Pratt 3-6, Davis 0-1), Mentor 10-27 (Krizancic 4-8, Nelson 0-1, Potter 4-8, Foreman 2-6, McClure 0-2, Gallagher 0-2). Fouled out--TR, Kynard. Rebounds--TR 39 (Dailey 9), Mentor 47 (Fritts 15). Assists--TR 6 (Kynard 3), Mentor 9 (Foreman 4). Team fouls--TR 20, Mentor 17. A-- 9,566.

Division II

Championship

COLUMBUS BISHOP WATTERSON 55,

ST. VINCENT-ST. MARY 52

C.B. WATTERSON (28-1) -- Jackson 5-10 2-3 12, Calhoun 4-6 5-8 14, Geraghty 0-0 1-3 1, Lehmann 3-9 1-2 8, Hughes 5-9 4-5 14, Grieser 2-5 1-2 6. Totals--19-39 14-23 55.

SVSM (20-10) -- Hudson 5-14 6-6 17, Hargrove 0-1 0-0 0, King 1-6 3-4 5, Weber 2-5 0-0 4, Wells 3-8 8-9 14, Woolridge 3-4 0-0 7, Bickley 1-5 2-2 5, Junius 0-1 0-0 0. Totals--15-44 19-21 52.

Halftime--BW 26-17. 3-point goals--BW 3-9 (Calhoun 1-2, Lehmann 1-4, Grieser 1-3), SVSM 3-13 (Hudson 1-5, King 0-3, Woolridge 1-1, Bickley 1-4). Fouled out--BW, Jackson. Rebounds--BW 25 (Lehmann 7), SVSM 30 (King 8). Assists--BW 6 (Jackson 2), SVSM 5 (Hudson 2). Team fouls--BW 16, SVSM 21. A-- 12,593.

Division III

Championship

OTTAWA-GLANDORF 67,

VERSAILLES 46

VERSAILLES (23-6) -- Campbell 3-9 2-3 8, Richard 2-6 0-0 6, Winner 4-11 0-1 10, Ahrens 4-11 3-4 12, Heitkamp 1-1 0-0 2, barga 1-4 2-2 4, Wenning 0-1 0-0 0, Philpot 2-3 0-1 4, Marshal 0-1 0-0 0. Totals--17-47 7-11 46.

OTTAWA-GLANDORF (26-3) -- Kaufman 2-6 3-8 7, Rosebrock 4-5 0-1 8, Siefker 1-5 0-0 2, Bramlage 1-5 2-2 4, Metzger 11-17 5-5 36, Westrick 2-2 1-2 5, Von Sossan 0-2 2-2 2, Leopold 1-1 1-2 3. Totals--22-43 14-22 67.

Halftime--OG 35-20. 3-point goals--Versailles 5-18 (Campbell 0-1, Richard 2-4, Winner 2-7, Ahrens 1-4, Wenning 0-1, Marshal 0-1), OG 9-16 (Kaufman 0-1, Siefker 0-1, Metzger 9-14). Fouled out--None. Rebounds--Versailles 24 (Philpot 8), OG 34 (Rosebrock 8). Assists--Versailles 8 (Richard, Winner, Philpot 2), OG 13 (Kaufman 5). Team fouls--Versailles 20, OG 16. A-- 13,851.

Division IV

Championship

VILLA ANGELA-ST. JOSEPH 87,

LEIPSIC 63

LEIPSIC (25-5) -- Mangas 8-20 1-2 18, Steffan 1-10 0-2 3, Brown 4-10 8-10 16, Barrera 4-8 2-2 10, A. Schroeder 2-5 0-0 4, Bennett 0-1 0-0 0, M. Kuhlman 1-1 0-0 2, Z. Kuhlman 3-11 0-0 8, C. Schroeder 1-1 0-1 2. Totals--24-67 11-17 63.

VASJ (25-4) -- Parker 6-10 3-4 15, Mastalski 1-1 0-0 2, Gibson 10-12 2-5 22, Bragg 3-7 3-4 10, Flannigan 4-14 7-10 15, Roberts 0-1 0-0 0, Williams 0-1 0-0 0, Texidor 4-8 0-0 11, Johnson 0-0 1-2 1, Grudzinski 1-2 0-0 2, Forte 0-2 0-0 0, Pardon 4-5 1-1 9. Totals--33-63 17-26 87.

Halftime--VASJ 40-32. 3-point goals--Leipsic 4-17 (Mangas 1-6, Steffan 1-6, Z. Kuhlman 2-5), VASJ 4-9 (Bragg 1-1, Flannigan 0-1, Texidor 3-5, Grudzinski 0-1, Forte 0-1). Fouled out--None. Rebounds--Leipsic 37 (Brown 9), VASJ 44 (Flannigan 12). Assists--Leipsic 9 (A. Schroeder 3), VASJ 15 (Gibson 8). Team fouls--Leipsic 17, VASJ 15. A-- 10,294.

GirlsLacrosse

Brecksville 16, Avon Lake 3

B (1-0): Harris 5, Klonowski 3, Augustine 2, Wolfe, Kuharich, Robinson, Grgat, Maslowski, Mangan. AL (0-1): Buick, McCann, n/a.

Goalies: B, Gee (4 saves); AL, n/a (9).

NCAA Tournament 2013: Wichita State's 3-pointers topple No. 1 Gonzaga 76-70

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By LYNN DeBRUIN | AP Sports Writer SALT LAKE CITY — Gonzaga's gone. Cleanthony Early and Ron Baker scored 16 points apiece and Wichita State hit 14 3-pointers, including seven straight late, to knock the top-ranked and No. 1 seeded Bulldogs out of the NCAA tournament 76-70 on Saturday. The Shockers (28-8) advanced to the Round of 16 for...









By LYNN DeBRUIN | AP Sports Writer






Ehimen Orukep; Demetric Willimas; Carl Hall


Gonzaga's Kelly Olynyk, center, is sandwiched between Wichita State's Carl Hall, left and Demetric Willimas during the first half of a third-round game in the NCAA men's college basketball tournament in Salt Lake City on Saturday, March 23, 2013. (AP Photo/George Frey)





 

SALT LAKE CITY — Gonzaga's gone.

Cleanthony Early and Ron Baker scored 16 points apiece and Wichita State hit 14 3-pointers, including seven straight late, to knock the top-ranked and No. 1 seeded Bulldogs out of the NCAA tournament 76-70 on Saturday.

The Shockers (28-8) advanced to the Round of 16 for the first time since 2006, while Gonzaga becomes the first top seed to be eliminated.

Gonzaga survived a scare in the second round against Southern but couldn't hold up against a fellow mid-major from Kansas whose motto is "play angry."

The Shockers face the winner of Sunday's game between La Salle and Ole Miss.

Wichita State had the Zags down 13 early. Though Gonzaga (32-3) fought back, the barrage of 3s was too much for the small school from Spokane, Wash.

Kelly Olynyk scored 26 points to lead Gonzaga, and Kevin Pangos had 19.

While Gonzaga held the top spot in the AP Top 25 over the final weeks of the season, skeptics thought of the Bulldogs as a soft No. 1 seed that benefited from a relatively easy schedule in the West Coast Conference while other top contenders were getting banged around in the power conferences.

One thing is sure: Wichita State was not intimidated.

"They never quit," Wichita State coach Gregg Marshall said. "You know we got the big lead, Gonzaga makes a great run as a No. 1 team in the country would, and these guys dig down."

Shockers, for sure.

They showed their grit after Gonzaga's 12-0 run gave the Bulldogs a 49-41 lead with 11:53 left. Back-to-back 3-pointers by Kevin Pangos and Michael Hart started it, Olynyk hit a jumper then a pair of free throws, and Pangos capped it with a steal and fast-break layup.

But Wichita State outscored the Zags 35-21 from there.

Tekele Cotton, Early and Baker hit three straight 3s to get the Shockers within 61-60.

Baker's free throws gave Wichita State the lead for good at 64-63 with 3:10 left. He then hit a 3 and freshman Fred VanVleet helped seal it with a final 3 with 1:28 remaining.

At one point, Early and teammate Chadrack Lufile jumped up and body slammed each other and the Shockers huddled at midcourt for a long team hug. But largely, Wichita State acted like a team that's been there before.

"We play together, we stick to our goals, we're good teammates," Baker said. He hardly looked fazed.







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