By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, February 18, 2012

An unusual thing has happened to the Rays on the way to Monday's opening of spring training in Port Charlotte: They've gone from underdogs to favorites.

Having been an unexpected and overachieving entrant in the playoffs three of the past four years, the Rays, after improving their lineup to go with dominant starting pitching and premium defense, are becoming the early chic pick in industry conversations and media predictions to get to the World Series.

It's enough to make an executive vice president call for a reality check.

"We have a chance, depending on how things come together, to be a very good team," the Rays' Andrew Friedman said. "But for anyone to say in February that we're better than the New York Yankees, I have a hard time with that being that they're stronger than they were last year, and they won the division pretty handily in 2011.

"The Red Sox for four months of the (2011) season were one of the best teams we've seen in the last 10 years, so the fact is they're going to be an incredibly tough team. I find the reports of them being an underdog amusing. And the Toronto Blue Jays are really talented and kind of flying under the radar a little bit."

So though Friedman obviously feels good about what the Rays have done, he's not buying the narrative that the balance of power in the AL East has shifted.

Especially since the bank accounts haven't. The Yankees are projected to have a major-league-most $200 million payroll, the Red Sox (despite their supposed "penny-pinching") around $178 million and the Rays — after a 50-plus percent increase —at about $65 million.

"We play in an incredibly difficult and competitive division," Friedman said, "and not only are we short-stacked relative to our direct competitors, but they are also incredibly well-run as well. So I think that motivates and challenges all of us, we know that we have to approach things differently, we have to work harder to try to overcome some of the disparity in revenues."

Which means from their view, nothing has really changed.

MONEY MANAGER: Manager salaries are tough to track down, but with an annual average of $2 million in his new three-year deal, Joe Maddon would rank in the middle third based on current contracts.

Among those reportedly making more: Dusty Baker (Reds), Bruce Bochy (Giants), Ron Gardenhire (Twins), Joe Girardi (Yankees), Ozzie Guillen (Marlins), Jim Leyland (Tigers), Charlie Manuel (Phillies), Mike Scioscia (Angels) and Bobby Valentine (Red Sox).

Had Maddon not signed and become a free agent, he likely could have gotten $4 million to $5 million a year. This season, he'll be in the bottom 10 again, making about $1.4 million.

RAYS RUMBLINGS: Nonroster INF Will Rhymes, a scrappy former Tiger, could be an interesting candidate for a job; some Rays people are already calling him the infield version of Super Sam Fuld. … Maddon's Hazleton Integration Project will be featured on ESPN's Outside the Lines today at 9 a.m. … ESPN.com's Jim Bowden gave the Rays a B- for their winter. … Shannon Magrane, daughter of former TV analyst Joe, has advanced to the top 40 on American Idol. … CBSSports.com's Jon Heyman was among those praising the deal to extend Maddon's contract: "Of course, the Rays did the right thing. They always seem to."

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, February 18, 2012

Price's brush with fame

LHP David Price was excited to get to do a national TV commercial for the MB2K12 video game. And that was before he found out he'd be joined by Sports Illustrated swimsuit cover model Kate Upton, who leans in to give him personal instruction on playing. "I messed up multiple times just so she'd continue to do that," Price said. "We did at least 20 takes." And though he claims they hit it off and he'd like to invite her to a game, Price said, "B.J.'s still my favorite Upton." (To see the video, go to tampabay.com/blogs/rays)

Davis' brush with danger

RHP Wade Davis is an avid outdoorsman who once killed a bear with a crossbow, but he was shaken during a winter hunting outing in upstate New York, when he came within 4 feet of stepping on a young bear. The cub and another jumped up and Davis, fearing others were nearby, made sure his rifle was loaded and quickly retreated. "I walked backward for about 200 yards," he said.

Spring roster (59)

Pitchers (30): Chris Archer, Bryan Augenstein*, Burke Badenhop, Matt Bush, Alex Cobb, Alex Colome, Wade Davis, Dane De La Rosa, Kyle Farnsworth, Marquis Fleming*, Brandon Gomes, Jeremy Hellickson, J.P. Howell, Josh Lueke, Jake McGee, Matt Moore, Jeff Niemann, Johnny Nunez*, Ricky Orta*, Joel Peralta, David Price, Cesar Ramos, Ryan Reid*, Fernando Rodney, Wilking Rodriguez, Romulo Sanchez*, James Shields, Albert Suarez, Matt Torra*, Alex Torres.

Catchers (8): Craig Albernaz*, Nevin Ashley*, Robinson Chirinos, Chris Gimenez*, Jose Lobaton, Jose Molina, Mark Thomas*, Stephen Vogt.

Infielders (13): Tim Beckham*, Reid Brignac, Elliot Johnson, Jeff Keppinger, Hak-Ju Lee*, Evan Longoria, Matt Mangini*, Juan Miranda*, Carlos Pena, Will Rhymes*, Sean Rodriguez, Luke Scott, Ben Zobrist.

Outfielders (8): Brad Coon*, Jesus Feliciano*, Sam Fuld, Brandon Guyer, Desmond Jennings, Matt Joyce, Jeff Salazar*, B.J. Upton

* Non-roster invitee

Number of the day

7 Players on the 40-man roster new to the organization; last spring it was 13

Who is this Ray?

He is a member of one of the 18 trios of brothers to play in the major leagues, and the only one in which each has a World Series ring. He played previously with the Angels, Yankees and Jays.

Key dates

Monday: Pitchers and catchers report to Port Charlotte

Tuesday: First workout

Saturday: Position players report

Feb. 26: First full-squad workout

March 1: Intrasquad game

March 3: Exhibition opener vs. Twins in Fort Myers

April 6: Season opener vs. Yankees at Tropicana Field

The dish

Tuesday's first workout for pitchers and catchers starts around 10 a.m. (subsequent days at 9:30) at the Charlotte Sports Park (2300 El Jobean Road) and will last 2½-3 hours. Admission and parking free. Driving time from the bay area is 1½-2 hours. Suggested route: 1-75 South to Toledo Blade Road, go west 6½ miles to El Jobean Road (SR 776), go right 2 miles, stadium complex is on left. For more information: (941) 235-5025.

Exhibition schedule

Tickets: $9/12-27, available via raysbaseball.com, at the box office, and through Ticketmaster.

Info: Toll-free 1-888-326-7297 (FAN-RAYS)

All games 1:05 unless noted

March

3: at Twins

4: Twins

5: Orioles

6: Twins

7: at Yankees

8: Tigers (ss)

at Twins (ss)

9: Orioles

10: at Red Sox (7:05)

11: Pirates

12: Twins

13: at Orioles

14: Marlins

15: Phillies

16: at Jays

17: at Pirates

18: Red Sox

19: Off

20: at Marlins

21: Yankees

22: at Pirates

23: Jays (7:05)

24: at Twins (3:05)

25: Marlins

26: at Twins

27: at Red Sox (1:35)

28: Pirates (7:05)

29: at Phillies

30: at Pirates

31: Red Sox

April

1: at Orioles

2: Twins

3: at Twins

4: vs. Future Rays, 1:40, at Tropicana Field

Who am I answer: C Jose Molina

Marc Topkin, Times staff writer

Times staff
Saturday, February 18, 2012

Frozen Four comes to Tampa

The college hockey championship tournament culminates this year with the semifinals and final in Tampa.

When: April 5 and 7

Where: Tampa Bay Times Forum

Tickets: Reserved tickets for two semifinals and the final are $195

Best bets

Seven teams are receiving No. 1 votes in the U.S. College Hockey Online poll. The current top 10 in the rankings:

Rank Team (No. 1 votes) Record

1 Ferris State (27) 20-8-4

2 Boston Univ. (6) 17-9-1

3 Boston College (13) 18-10-1

4 Minn.-Duluth (1) 19-7-4

5 Michigan (1) 18-10-4

6 Mass.-Lowell (1) 19-8-0

7 Minnesota (1) 19-11-1

8 Union 17-6-7

9 Merrimack 15-7-6

10 Denver 17-9-4

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, February 18, 2012

The Lightning is a long shot to make the playoffs and general manager Steve Yzerman is selling off assets. It is a challenging time for Tampa Bay, but consider this:

Missing the playoffs might not be the worst thing long-term for an organization trying to establish self sufficiency.

The Lightning is far from Yzerman's vision of a perennial Stanley Cup contender that, like the Red Wings — the organization that shaped his frame of reference as a player and executive — runs almost on its own momentum.

To do that, teams need organizational depth.

Think of it as a conveyor belt of talent. For small-market teams such as the Lightning that is critical because homegrown talent, generally, is younger and cheaper.

As Yzerman said of trying to build through free agency, "You can't keep going out every summer and keep trying to sign guys. That's not a recipe for long-term success."

Establishing organizational depth is a process, especially for a franchise that from 1999-2007 was gutted by bad drafting.

Things are improving. Yzerman and staff got good reviews for the two drafts for which he was in charge and even the malfunctioning ownership of Oren Koules and Len Barrie drafted fairly well from 2008-09.

This year, though, is an opportunity to really move the process forward, even though the price might be the team's regular-season failure.

Already, Yzerman has traded center Dominic Moore to the Sharks and defenseman Pavel Kubina to the Flyers for 2012 second-round draft picks, giving him four second-rounders. And there still are eight days until the Feb. 27 trade deadline.

Assets gained will give Yzerman options. He can use the picks at the draft or trade them to move up or for better assets. And if Tampa Bay does not make the playoffs, add another quality draft choice, all of which means depth and the opportunity to develop it are improved.

This is not to suggest Lightning players shouldn't push as hard as they can to reach the postseason. But if they fail, and the climb certainly is steep, consider it part of a process for which the team should be better.

By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, February 18, 2012

Bucs coach Greg Schiano is an organized, detailed man; some even say, a micromanager who concerns himself with every facet of a football program.

That's not a criticism because it was a strength of Schiano's that enabled him to build Rutgers into a Big East contender.

It's not a surprise, then, why he would hire at least a handful of assistants from his Scarlet Knights staff. They know what he expects, how he works and prepares.

But Schiano didn't stop with the coaching staff. He wanted a trusted adviser in the front office, and that's why Butch Davis is at One Bucs Place.

"I think also the other part of it, which I think Greg is doing a great job, is surrounding himself with guys that he knows," Davis said.

There has been a lot of talk about Davis' $2.7 million settlement with North Carolina, which prohibits him from taking another coaching job. But it's obvious when you listen to Davis that, at 60, he's more interested in a front-office position at this point in his career.

Davis' title is special assistant to the head coach. But in the football operation of an NFL team, there is the coaching/support staff (trainers, strength coach, etc.) and the front office, which includes general manager Mark Dominik, director of player personnel Dennis Hickey, coordinator of pro personnel Shelton Quarles and the scouting staff. Davis isn't going to instruct players on the grass or run meetings. Regardless of his title, he's another layer to the front office.

By contrast, senior offensive assistant Jimmy Raye, who was a candidate for the Bears' GM job, is a member of the coaching staff and will work with players.

Schiano and Dominik share the same vision for building the Bucs. The last three years, it was all about building through the draft. But it's obvious Schiano received a commitment from the Bucs that they will invest in free agents. To that end, the Bucs have approximately $67 million of salary-cap space, which might be the most in the NFL.

Davis will begin by evaluating the roster and sitting in on player interviews at the combine.

"That is something that I look forward to, taking a look at the team," Davis said. "Taking a look at where they are in the growth. I know it is a very young football team."

As for helping with free agency, Davis said: "I will be there to help any way that I can. Try to have knowledge of guys that I have either coached or played against or coached against. … A lot of times getting information is extremely important. A lot of times it keeps you from making a bad decision. Hopefully sometimes it will help you make a good decision."

Good decisions. That's what Schiano wants. Davis has been part of several transitions from college to the NFL and back. He was part of Jimmy Johnson's Hurricanes staff that went to Dallas and won two Super Bowls with the Cowboys. He made his share of mistakes as the head coach and general manager of the Browns.

"The small pieces of advice that I have shared with Greg is just be yourself," Davis said.

"Hopefully I can help be a sounding board for him. Look over his shoulder at times and say here are some things that I did that were the wrong things to do. Maybe learn from some of my mistakes and hopefully maybe some of the things that I did right I can help."

How long will Davis be part of the Bucs organization? He will receive deferred payments from the Tar Heels through 2015.

"I don't have a crystal ball," Davis said. "I am committed to try and help this team win a Super Bowl as quick and as fast as possible. … As we have talked about it, you never know, this could be 10 years, who knows?"

By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, February 18, 2012

TAMPA — Bucs coach Greg Schiano has convinced a third assistant coach to leave college only months after taking a new job.

Pittsburgh offensive coordinator Bob Bostad, who joined the Panthers coaching staff in January, has been hired by the Bucs as their offensive line coach, the Tampa Bay Times confirmed Saturday.

Bostad, 45, spent the last six seasons at Wisconsin coaching tight ends, offensive line and serving as the run game coordinator.

Bostad is at least the third assistant coach to leave a college program shortly after being hired to join the Bucs.

Defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan, who was hired by the Bucs on Friday, left Ohio State only a few months after being hired by coach Urban Meyer as a defensive assistant. Receivers coach P.J. Fleck, who had agreed to become the offensive coordinator at Northern Illinois, left that job after one day to join the Bucs.

Bostad will work closely with Bucs offensive coordinator Mike Sullivan, the former Giants quarterbacks coach who was introduced last week.

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, February 18, 2012

5 questions LW Ryan Malone

What's your favorite movie?

I'm going to go with one you haven't heard of, Peaceful Warrior.

Why is that special?

It's about living in the moment, a life-changing movie.

Your favorite music performer?

Kid Rock.

Best meal you can make?

I like doing the breaded chicken and rice.

Favorite nickname other than Bugsy?

In college I was Pony. I had long hair, dyed it and shaved it. They called me Ponyboy from The Outsiders. Had a little TV show called The Maloney Pony Show.

Hard feelings

Sharks and former Lightning D Dan Boyle was in town last week for San Jose's game against his former team, and as usual took his shots at former Tampa Bay owners Oren Koules and Len Barrie.

"What they came in and did speaks for itself," Boyle said. "What did they last, a year and a half? It was going downhill from the day they took over and that's why they're gone."

Boyle has a particular issue with Barrie, who in June 2008 apparently was the driving force in the decision to trade him to the Sharks.

Asked if he took pleasure in Barrie's financial and legal problems, Boyle said, "Isn't he in jail yet? … You get what you deserve I guess is all I can say in a sort of nice roundabout way."

Record-setting

When the Red Wings won their league-record 21st consecutive home game, some believed the mark deserved an asterisk because four wins were in either overtime of a shootout.

By contrast, the 1929-30 Bruins and 1975-76 Flyers, holders of the former record of 20, won their games in regulation because there was no overtime. Ties ended that way.

Even so, Lightning television analyst Bobby "The Chief" Taylor, who played for the '75-76 Flyers, said the Wings deserve their recognition.

"It doesn't take anything away from what they did," he said of the overtime wins. "To win in this league that many times in this day and age is really hard."

Still, he added, "To me, if you can do it 20 straight in 60 minutes, that's pretty impressive."

By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, February 18, 2012

CLEARWATER — Jonathan Papelbon still wears red and boasts the same stone-cold stare, a picture of intensity who thrives on pressure.

"That's what makes me tick, man," he said. "This is an environment I enjoy."

But as Papelbon, 31, the former long-time Red Sox closer, entered his first Phillies camp as one of the game's richest relievers (four years, $50 million), he said the change of scenery has made him more excited than he has been at any spring training.

Rejuvenated by the chance to begin a "new chapter" in his career, the four-time All-Star seems to have already put his time in Boston behind him, including capping off the club's historic September collapse with a blown save in Game 162.

"I don't think about that at all, man," Papelbon said in a packed news conference at Bright House Field. "When I was a rookie and made my first All-Star Game, I had a chance to talk to Mo (Yankees closer Mariano Rivera) about what's the biggest thing that's going to make me successful in this game, and he said, 'Short-term memory.'

"You've got to be able to learn from the situation, but I don't sit there and think about it. You've got to be able to turn the page."

And as much as Papelbon enjoyed battles with the Yankees and Rays in the rugged American League East, setting a Red Sox record with 219 saves in seven seasons, he flashed a rare smile Saturday in saying he's more than ready to stare down new faces in the batter's box.

"To be honest with you," he said, "there were really some days I was sitting there, saying, 'Okay, I've got to face (Derek) Jeter again. He's seen everything I've got. I've seen everything he's got.' It brings a little bit of life to me this year, being in a new clubhouse and being able to face new guys."

Papelbon felt early in free agency that he'd be leaving the only franchise he has ever known. His last memory was of giving up two runs in the ninth inning of a 4-3 loss to Baltimore, sealing the Red Sox's free fall from nine games up in the AL wild-card race and catapulting the Rays into the playoffs. But Papelbon didn't seem to buy into the reports of teammates lacking a work ethic (among other things) in a 7-20 September.

"Nobody truly knows what was truly going on," he said. "I don't truly know because I'm worried about myself and doing my own job. Just because somebody struggles or a team struggles doesn't mean someone's not doing what they're supposed to be doing.

"Is that why we lost? No. That's not why we lost because of what was going on in the clubhouse. That had nothing to do about it. I never saw (anything) or had to go up to somebody (and say), 'Get your act together.' "

Papelbon believes Boston will bounce back, saying it has too many competitors to "lay down." He sees drive and professionalism in the Phillies clubhouse, which, like Boston's, "seems like every other locker there's a superstar in it." Though Papelbon will get to save games for a much-hyped rotation, he hasn't allowed himself to think about a potential matchup with his former team in the World Series.

"But," Papelbon said with a grin, "I do know when we play the Red Sox."

That will come May 18-20, an interleague series in Philadelphia.

Joe Smith can be reached at joesmith@tampabay.com

Saturday, February 18, 2012

When Anthony Simmons hears the horror stories of professional athletes going broke, he's saddened — but not shocked.

After all, it happened to him.

Simmons, drafted by the Chargers in 1984, blew through his $122,000 contract as a rookie, buying a Mercedes and "spending every dime." As a result, he had to borrow $7,000 from an assistant coach just to survive the first two months.

"It was difficult for me," said Simmons, 49, a defensive end who played five NFL seasons for three teams. "I was trying to 'live with the Joneses.' It's a mind-set we have to change."

According to a 2009 article in Sports Illustrated, by the time they've been retired for two years, 78 percent of former NFL players have gone bankrupt or are under financial duress due to joblessness or divorce; within five years of retiring, about 60 percent of former NBA players are broke. There are many reasons: irresponsible spending, misplaced trust, divorce, bad investing, worse luck.

But Simmons believes it's also due to a lack of financial education, which is why his Pro Athlete Business Group is holding a two-day seminar at St. Pete Beach starting today. The company is flying in more than 200 former and current athletes (including Rickey Henderson and Frank Gore) to hear guest speakers and link up with potential investment opportunities. While the NFL, NBA and Major League Baseball all have programs for rookies and resources available, certified financial planner Jason Cole said he "doesn't really see any change as far as players making smarter decisions."

"You can have all the symposiums you want, if you don't have a way to connect and communicate and coach these kids and people on how to conduct themselves and how to run a business the right way, they'll fail again and again and again and again," said Corey Crowder, a former NBA player who wrote Success for Life, a guide for on- and offcourt success. "I was one of them. I've made money, I've lost money. Within that journey, I've learned to not make that second mistake."

• • •

Former Bucs defensive end Simeon Rice will never forget his first mistake.

Shortly after the Cardinals drafted him third overall in 1996, Rice was swindled for a sizable chunk of his first contract. Rice was approached by a wealthy investment adviser at his hotel during the rookie symposium. The adviser looked and acted the part, boasting a license, lavish home and large client list. He gave Rice a lot of money and told him in five years, he'd never have to work again.

A few years later, Rice had lost millions, and the adviser, Donald Lukens, was being investigated by the FBI and Securities and Exchange Commission for defrauding investors and sports figures.

Having lost trust in most everybody, Rice found himself putting $2 million in checks under the bed of a friend.

"Coming out as a college student, you really don't know anything about that lifestyle," said Rice, who is retired and invests in real estate and his film production company. "I don't think any guys are prepared."

The big names catch the attention, with reports of multi-millionaires Allen Iverson, Terrell Owens and Mike Tyson going broke. But former players and financial advisers paint a picture with common themes.

Crowder describes the pressure of the locker room culture, where some players feel the need to live — and look — like a millionaire. Cole, who works for Philadelphia-based ABACUS and has about a dozen clients in the NFL, NBA and entertainment business, says many athletes go into debt before earning income, overestimating what they'll make. Considering the short length of pro careers, maximizing an income stream can make all the difference.

"Whether you play one or 10 years in the league … one day you'll retire," Simmons said. "We think we can play forever."

Rice feels players should lean on veterans for advice and remain personally involved in their business deals and investments rather than it to manager, agent or adviser.

"I was able to amass so much money that losing money didn't destroy me," Rice said. "But I've seen it destroy some guys."

• • •

Simmons' group has two seminars a year in different locations, with a target audience of rookies and retired players. In one session, a speaker asked 220 athletes how many knew what an estate plan was.

Ten raised their hands. "How many of you have an estate plan?" she asked.

Two raised their hands.

It stunned Simmons, who thinks athletes can take control of their career, and retirement, by learning more.

"They tell you in the NFL when you sign a new contract, 60 percent of you guys are going to end up broke, divorced or homeless," Simmons said. "Those are the ones we don't hear about, we don't know about or are too embarrassed to talk about. I don't care if you make $375,000 or $5 million, it will hit you if you don't do anything."

For athletes interested in attending, contact Simmons at anthony@proathletesfranchise.com.

By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, February 18, 2012

TONIGHT

USF at Pittsburgh

When/where: 7, Peterson Events Center, Pittsburgh

TV/radio: ESPN2; 620-AM

Records: USF 16-10, 9-4 Big East; Pittsburgh 15-12, 4-10

Notable: USF won 63-51 at home on Feb. 8, starting Pitt's current three-game skid. … In the game, USF's Hugh Robertson was 7-for-7 from the field, 4-for-4 from the line and limited Ashton Gibbs to four points, 12 below his average. … A win would be USF's fourth on the road in Big East play. It had six over its first six seasons in the league.

Greg Auman, Times staff writer

By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, February 18, 2012

GAINESVILLE — The son of a former Gator football star and a local high school standout are among four players who orally committed to Florida on Saturday as part of the 2013 football class.

WR Kelvin Taylor, son of former Florida and NFL RB Fred Taylor, chose the Gators over Alabama. On his Twitter account he confirmed his decision and said "Can't wait to get on that field."

Also committing was St. Petersburg Lakewood WR Rodney Adams, who was also being recruited by FSU and Oklahoma. If his commitment holds, he will join former teammate Dante Fowler, Jr., who recently signed as part of the Gators' 2012 class. Last season, Fowler had more than 800 yards on 25 receptions.

Taylor is the state's all-time leading rusher with 9,698 yards, surpassing former Gator Emmitt Smith.

Daytona Beach Mainland LB Quinton Powel and Jacksonville Trinity Christian DB Nick Washington also chose the Gators. Oral commitments are nonbinding until signing day next year.

Times wires
Saturday, February 18, 2012

RALEIGH, N.C. — Florida State is turning North Carolina into its personal driveway.

The No. 20 Seminoles beat N.C. State 76-62 on Saturday, giving them wins against all four of the state's ACC schools in the same season for the first time.

Ian Miller scored 17 and Bernard James 12 for FSU (19-7, 10-2), which goes for the sweep Thursday at home against No. 5 Duke.

"We're not from Tobacco Road, where everyone pays attention to basketball," said Michael Snaer, whose buzzer-beating 3-pointer beat Duke on Jan. 21 and who scored 10 on Saturday. "There's an added emotion."

Miller, a native of Charlotte, N.C., finished one point shy of a career high.

"Being from North Carolina, it's a big thing (to sweep) Tobacco Road," he said. "I'm loving it."

The Seminoles held the Wolfpack (18-9, 7-5) to 29 percent shooting, forced 17 turnovers and led by double digits for the entire second half. They remain tied with North Carolina atop the ACC and a half-game ahead of Duke, which plays Boston College tonight.

"We have to accept the fact that if you want to play in the greatest show on Earth, then you better toughen up and you better man up, pal," N.C. State coach Mark Gottfried said. "Teams that get to play in March are mentally tough enough to withstand most things. We're not there."

Wolfpack legends tossed: Tom Gugliotta and Chris Corchiani, whose numbers are retired by N.C. State, were ejected from their seats behind the scorer's table with about 6½ minutes left. Corchiani tweeted that the official, Karl Hess, "didn't like fact Googs and I told him he was having a bad day, inconsistent, and telling the truth." Hess declined comment.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, February 18, 2012

ST. PETERSBURG — Jose Molina doesn't know, either.

The Rays' 36-year-old free-agent addition is in line to be the frontline catcher for the first time in his 12-season big-league career, and he has the same question everyone else has, uncertain of how many games he can play.

"Nobody knows," Molina said. "I'm not thinking about catching 50 games, I'm thinking about catching 100, 120, 140, whatever it takes. I know that will probably be hard, but if I don't put my head into that goal, then when it comes up I'll be lost."

Molina's most active season was 2008, when he started 81 games, and played in 97, for the Yankees. In the past three seasons, he has averaged 46 starts, but with only inexperienced potential partners (Jose Lobaton, Robinson Chirinos), the Rays are banking on more.

Molina said he welcomes the challenge and is getting good counsel, training during the winter with younger brother Yadier, the Cardinals' three-time All-Star.

"I've never played every day," Jose Molina said. "But for sure I'll tell you something, I'll be ready. The way I worked out this year and I trained with my little brother and I was asking a lot of questions regarding what he's been able to do to catch every day, and that helps a lot."

CROWD CONTROL: The crowd formed early for Saturday's FanFest at Tropicana Field, with the Rays estimating a total of 25,000, up several thousand from last year.

Principal owner Stuart Sternberg, who flew in from New York Saturday morning for the event, was pleased with the turnout. "What could be better than this; I'm smiling ear to ear," he said. "These are always great and each one you can say is better than the last, but there's a real sense of optimism."

The event raised about $100,000 for the Rays Baseball and ALS foundations.

Times wires
Saturday, February 18, 2012

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Florida made itself right at home in Bud Walton Arena.

Erving Walker scored a career-high 31 as the No. 14 Gators handed Arkansas its first home loss this season, 98-68.

The Gators (21-6, 9-3 SEC) shot a season-high 58.3 percent from the field, making 13 of 23 3-pointers. And it was the fourth win in five road games for Florida, which started the season 0-4 on the road.

Walker scored 18 in the first half on 6 of 7 shooting. The senior, who was 2 of 18 on 3-pointers in his previous four games, hit all four of his attempts during the half.

Walker scored 11 in a row at one point. He opened the stretch with a drive to the basket and followed with three consecutive 3-pointers that helped Florida lead 30-13.

"This is a tough place to play," said Walker, whose previous career high was 27 points two years ago against Arkansas. "We just wanted to come in and grab control early and not let the crowd get into it."

Florida made 9 of 14 3-pointers in taking a 53-27 halftime lead.

"It was a perfect storm," Florida coach Billy Donovan said. "We shot the ball very, very well."

The Razorbacks (17-10, 5-7) entered 17-0 at home this season. But they suffered their worst loss at Bud Walton Arena since it opened in 1993.

"Talk about tough days at the office," Arkansas coach Mike Anderson said. "That was a tough day at the office."

The previous worst loss was 73-51 to Auburn in 2009. That team was coached by John Pelphrey, who was fired after last season and now is a Florida assistant.

"This is a big win for us, and we did it for Coach Pel," said Bradley Beal, who scored 21. "We just wanted to make a statement … for him."

By Tom Jones, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, February 18, 2012

Rays manager Joe Maddon, the American League's reigning manager of the year, just signed a contract extension through 2015. Lightning coach Guy Boucher is considered one of the sharp young minds in the game. The Bucs just turned a new page by hiring coach Greg Schiano. So this seems like a good time to look at the history of Tampa Bay coaches and rank them from best to worst. In all, the Bucs, Rays and Lightning have had 19 coaches/managers, not counting one-time Lightning interim coach Rick Paterson, who coached only six games. So here is one opinion of how the coaches in Tampa Bay sports history stack up against one another.

1. Joe Maddon, Rays (2006-present)

Two coaches have won championships with Tampa Bay teams, but Maddon is not one of them. So why does he top the list? What Maddon has done with the Rays is nothing short of remarkable and, truly, one of the most incredible stories in modern sports history. That's not hyperbole. Let's not forget just how pathetic the Rays were before Maddon. In the eight seasons before he arrived, the Rays were 167 games below .500. Since Maddon, the Rays are 18 games above .500. Despite being handcuffed by a meager payroll in, arguably, the toughest division in all of sports against two of baseball's biggest spenders, Maddon has made the postseason three of the past four seasons and went to a World Series. In those four seasons, the Rays are 88 games above .500. Frankly, this pick was easy.

2. John Tortorella, Lightning (2001-08)

Coaches are successful if they do one of two things: turn around a sad-sack franchise; or win a championship. Tortorella did both. When he took over for a fired Steve Ludzik midway through the 2000-01 season, the Lightning was a mess. Two years later, Tortorella had changed the culture and had the Lightning in the playoffs. A year after that, it won a Stanley Cup. Had it not been for the NHL lockout, the Lightning might have won back-to-back Cups. In six full seasons, Torts led the Bolts to four postseason appearances.

3. Jon Gruden, Bucs (2002-08)

Jon Gruden or Tony Dungy? That always will be the burning sports question in Tampa Bay. Do you prefer the guy who turned around a lost franchise, but couldn't win it all? Or would you rather have the "closer,'' the coach who inherited a great team, took it all the way then left it in shambles? Everyone says that Gruden won a Super Bowl with Dungy's players. Well, Dungy couldn't win it all with Dungy's players. Gruden didn't do much other than win a Super Bowl, but in this case, the Super Bowl is the trump card.

4. Tony Dungy, Bucs (1996-2001)

Dungy took over a team that had 14 consecutive losing seasons and by his second year had it in the playoffs — the first of four playoff appearances in his six seasons. Yes, his stint was more consistent than Gruden's. And, if we're talking about having dinner or holding our wallets for an hour, Dungy is our choice. He's a heck of a coach, no doubt about it. But his 2-4 postseason record with the Bucs keeps him out of the top three.

5. John McKay, Bucs (1976-1984)

If this list were based on personality, McKay would be at the top. Somehow he maintained his sanity through 26 losses in a row and ended up taking the expansion Bucs to three postseason appearances in a four-year stretch from 1979 to 1982. In 1979 the Bucs were a victory away from the Super Bowl in only their fourth season.

6. Guy Boucher, Lightning (2010-present)

Boucher is just finishing up a disappointing second season, so you might wonder why he is so high on this list. Well, Boucher's high ranking is more a testament to just how little other Tampa Bay coaches accomplished. That's not to take anything away from Boucher. After all, he did have the Lightning within a game of the Stanley Cup final a year ago, and he has a winning record, something very few Tampa Bay coaches have.

7. Terry Crisp, Lightning (1992-97)

Helped sell hockey in Tampa Bay and did lead the Bolts to their first-ever playoff appearance back in 1996 — a thrilling six-game series against the Flyers.

8. Lou Piniella, Rays (2003-05)

Here's where the list starts to get hard because no one left had an overall winning record or a postseason appearance in Tampa Bay. You're better off working backward from worst to next-worst because it's hard to make positive arguments for who is left. Piniella gets this spot for giving the Rays some credibility, as well as developing young stars such as Carl Crawford and Rocco Baldelli.

9. Sam Wyche, Bucs (1992-95)

His best year was his last when he was only 7-9, and that was after a start of 5-dash-2. He doesn't necessarily get credit for this, but the Bucs did draft Derrick Brooks, Warren Sapp and John Lynch on his watch. Put it this way: The Bucs were just bad during Wyche's tenure. They weren't a total embarrassment.

10. Larry Rothschild, Rays (1998-2001)

An expansion manager with a goofball owner, Rothschild never had a chance, really. In his three full seasons, the Rays won 62, 69 and 69 games.

11. Raheem Morris, Bucs (2009-11)

Hey, he did have that out-of-nowhere 10-6 season. Too bad he was a combined 7-25 the other two seasons.

12. Rick Tocchet, Lightning (2008-10)

It's unfair to be too hard on Tocchet seeing as how he had a couple of nut-job owners and a clueless GM (Brian Lawton). Tocchet does get credit for helping guide Steven Stamkos through his first two NHL seasons.

13. Ray Perkins, Bucs (1987-90)

Here's the line on Perkins: 4-11, 5-11, 5-11, 5-8 (fired). Quite frankly, you wonder how he survived as long as he did.

14. Jacques Demers, Lightning (1997-99)

He had little to work with, and he did very little with it. Demers is one of the all-time nice guys, but his .291 winning percentage is the worst in Lightning history.

15. Hal McRae, Rays (2001-02)

Two awful campaigns, including 106 losses in 2002 — the worst season in franchise history. Gone was the passionate telephone-throwing McRae from the Royals. Here, he seemed beaten down and simply amused by just how bad the Rays were.

16. Steve Ludzik, Lightning (1999-2001)

Won 31 of 121 games and was fired midway through his second season. One of the oddest ducks to ever work his way through Tampa Bay.

17. Leeman Bennett, Bucs (1985-86)

Back-to-back 2-14 seasons. And there's this nugget, kids: Jimmy Raye, just hired to be the Bucs senior adviser on offense, was Bennett's offensive coordinator.

18. Richard Williamson, Bucs (1990-91)

Once asked if he spelled MRI correctly. No wonder the Bucs went 4-15 in his 19 games as a head coach.

19. Barry Melrose, Lightning (2008)

No doubt about it, the worst coach in Tampa Bay history. His Lightning career lasted all of 16 games. His parting shot out the door was questioning Stamkos. Even if our list had included one-time Lightning interim coach Rick Paterson, who never won a game, Melrose would have come in last.

tom jones' two cents

Times wires
Saturday, February 18, 2012

BOXING

KLITSCHKO RETAINS HEAVYWEIGHT BELT

MUNICH — Vitali Klitschko unanimously outpointed British challenger Dereck Chisora on Saturday to keep the World Boxing Council heavyweight title.

Chaos broke out when Chisora got into a brawl with former WBA champion David Haye at the post-match news conference.

Chisora had little support from the sellout crowd of 12,500 after he slapped Klitschko (44-2) at the weigh-in Friday, then spat in the 40-year-old's face as the champion's record was being called out.

Chisora (15-3), a 28-year-old Briton, was fined an undisclosed amount by the WBC for his slap.

COLLEGES

UF football lands four for Class of 2013

The son of a former Gator football star and a local high school standout are among four players who orally committed to Florida's 2013 football class. Belle Glade Glades Day RB Kelvin Taylor, son of former Florida and NFL RB Fred Taylor, chose the Gators over Alabama. Also committing was Lakewood WR Rodney Adams, who was also being recruited by FSU and Oklahoma. Taylor is the state's all-time leading rusher with 9,698 yards, surpassing former Gator Emmitt Smith. Daytona Beach Mainland LB Quinton Powel and Jacksonville Trinity Christian DB Nick Washington also chose UF.

TENNIS

Azarenka guts it out, to face Stosur today

No. 1 Victoria Azarenka, hobbled with an ankle injury, still beat Agenieszka Radwanska 6-2, 6-4 to reach today's Qatar Open final in Doha. The Australian Open champ next faces U.S. Open champ and Tampa resident Sam Stosur, who advanced when Marion Bartoli retired with a right calf injury after losing the first set 6-3.

ABN AMRO: Top seed Roger Federer reached the final in Rotterdam, Netherlands, with a 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory over Nikolay Davydenko. Today Federer faces No. 3 seed Juan Martin del Potro, a 6-3, 6-1 winner over No. 2 Tomas Berdych.

ET CETERA

SKIING: Lindsey Vonn clinched her fifth consecutive World Cup downhill title by placing third in Russia. German rival and friend Maria Hoefl-Riesch won the event.

TAMPA BAY DOWNS: Great Attack overtook Western Prospector in the final yards to win the $75,000 Turf Dash in Oldsmar. Ridden by Jeffrey Sanchez, Great Attack ($6.80) ran 5 furlongs in 55.93 seconds. Private Jet was third.

DERBY LANE: Gottcha Gold, Kentucky Grace, Se's Chewie and Tmc's Pistol won first-round qualifiers in the $64,000 Sprint Classic in St. Petersburg. Qualifying resumes Wednesday night.

Times' Antonya English and Don Jensen, Times wires

Times wires
Saturday, February 18, 2012

LOS ANGELES — One shot clipped an ash tree for Phil Mickelson. Another landed behind a Bottle Brush, blocking his path to the 10th green at Riviera. On another hole, Mickelson had to thread a 9-iron through the limbs of five eucalyptus trees.

So when he walked to the gallery to find his tee shot on the 15th hole and saw a man flat on his back, Mickelson assumed the worst — "It wouldn't be the first time, so I thought for sure I took him out," Mickelson said.

Instead, the spectator was being still because the ball was inside the hem of his shorts.

Despite all of these adventures, Mickelson shot 1-under 70 Saturday to share the lead with PGA champion Keegan Bradley in the Northern Trust Open.

"This was a great round for me because I did not play well, and I shot 1-under par and I'm atop the leaderboard," Mickelson said.

Bradley took only five putts over the last five holes, including a 10-footer for par on the last hole for 66 and his best chance at a win since he captured the PGA Championship in August.

What made the par so meaningful was getting a chance to play with Mickelson, whom he considers a mentor.

"He's a very competitive guy, but he's very helpful at the same time," Bradley said. "But he's going to try to beat me (today), and I'm going to have to try to do the same."

The leaders were at 7-under 206, one shot ahead of Pat Perez (70), Jonathan Byrd (69) and Bryce Molder (66).

LPGA: Ai Miyazato shot 7-under 65 to take a one-stroke lead over top-ranked Yani Tseng after the third round of the LPGA Thailand in Chonburi. Miyazato was at 14-under 202 total. Second-round leader Karrie Webb (71) and Jiyai Shin (68) were two strokes back. Seminole's Brittany Lincicome (72) was at 212.

PERRY SETS MARK: Kenny Perry shot 10-under 62 and set the tour's 36-hole scoring record at 18-under 126 in the second round of the ACE Group Classic in Naples. "It's a neat accomplishment," Perry said. "It's just amazing I can make 20 birdies in 36 holes. That's just phenomenal." Tom Lehman was second, four shots back.

wright wins: Australia's Lindsey Wright birdied the par-5 18th for 4-under 68 and a one-stroke victory in the New Zealand Women's Open, an event sanctioned by the Ladies European Tour and Australian Ladies Professional Golf. Lydia Ko, 14, shot 74 to tie for 17th. Tampa's Cindy LaCrosse tied for 28th at 1-under 215.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, February 18, 2012

ST. PETERSBURG — Rays officials started early in the offseason poring over dozens, even hundreds, of possible combinations to address their primary goal of bolstering their offense without diminishing their defense. As they clicked through screens on their Lenovo laptops and swiped their iPads looking at lists of free agents and trade candidates, projecting the impact on their roster and weighing the cost of acquisition, the one thing they felt pretty sure about was that they couldn't add the players they needed without giving up others they wanted to keep.

But as they prepare for Monday's opening of their 15th spring training, they were able to do precisely that, making an unexpected splurge (relatively speaking) to sign free agents Carlos Peña and Luke Scott for more than $13 million and not trading from their stable of starting pitchers.

"That was one of those scenarios at the beginning of the offseason that we kinda threw to the side as fairly unrealistic," executive vice president Andrew Friedman said. "It was unlikely."

The difference was a decision made — months earlier, it turns out — by principal owner Stuart Sternberg to expand the payroll if needed, the resulting increase of more than 50 percent pushing the opening day total to around $65 million.

It was an investment in optimism: In the team, and in the fans.

"We reacted to what the market had to offer," Sternberg said. "It was clear after last season that to give the 2012 Rays the best chance to succeed, we somehow needed more in the lineup. We had an opportunity to acquire two players who have the ability to make a significant difference.

"Though the payroll number is too high for our means, I was tremendously heartened by the Scarborough numbers (showing the Rays are the area's most popular sports team) and I have faith this could be the year we have some breakthrough at the gate."

The offseason unfolded typically slowly, the Rays — forced to seek below-market deals — tending to do most of their business in January. By New Year's, their only moves were to trade for reliever Burke Badenhop and launch a total catching makeover: letting Kelly Shoppach become a free agent, trading John Jaso, signing veteran Jose Molina. A planned fourth step, adding a proven partner for Molina, remains their one major shortcoming, leaving inexperienced Jose Lobaton and Robinson Chirinos to share time.

By mid January, after signing Fernando Rodney to deepen their bullpen, they were poised for action, targeting a first baseman and a DH, the leading scenario that they'd sign one and trade for the other.

One of Friedman's biggest challenges is judging the timing of the market — how long to look and when to leap. Another is making sure the moves fit together, and within the framework of their existing roster.

Though several young frontline starters had been traded by other teams, the Rays hadn't found the right deal for Wade Davis or Jeff Niemann, leading them back to the free-agent market. And knowing incumbents Casey Kotchman and Johnny Damon were still on the market provided some fallback.

Hearing Scott, courted by a dozen teams after being let go by Baltimore, was ready to make a decision, the Rays — linked earlier in the offseason to Josh Willingham, Carlos Beltran and Coco Crisp — went in strong, signing him for $5 million (plus a $1 million buyout/$6 million option).

Sternberg said he had decided amid the frustration of the first-round playoff loss to Texas "that if the opportunity existed we would outspend our means for offense."

He, Friedman and team president Matt Silverman talk, text and email frequently and have regular Monday morning conference calls. But Friedman said he didn't know until they moved on Scott that it would be possible to fill both spots with free agents, so it may be that they just wanted to make sure there wasn't another way.

"We didn't really proceed down that road until January as we went through and exhausted all options," Friedman said, "and went through what we felt like was in the best interest of the organization in both the short term and the long term."

On the first day of free agency, Friedman had called Peña, who starred for the Rays before leaving in the post-2010 exodus (in which the payroll was cut from $73 million to $42 million), to express interest in a reunion. Peña was eager to return, but both sides agreed to see how things played out over the coming months.

With Peña still on the market in late January, and concern that the Tigers, who just lost Victor Martinez to a season-ending knee injury, were prowling, the Rays offered more than they'd planned. Peña, who made $10.125 million with the Rays in 2010 and $10 million with the Cubs last year, took less than expected. And for $7.25 million, they had a deal.

The Rays got the power boost they sought, and with the subsequent signing of Jeff Keppinger (for another $1.525 million), they completed what they feel overall — with a full year from Desmond Jennings, Evan Longoria healthy, more production (one way or another) from shortstop and catcher — will be a significant upgrade to the offense that scored the fewest runs (707) in the AL East.

Doing so without trading Davis or Niemann made it even better. At the least it gives the Rays a trade chip in the event of a spring injury, or a decision to upgrade at catcher or shortstop. But Friedman said the surplus, despite the potential for awkwardness in using the odd man out in relief, could prove extremely valuable, as they've needed at least seven starting pitchers each of the past four seasons.

"With razor-thin margins in this division, maintaining depth and having guys that can pitch successfully in the American League East to start as many of your 162 games as you possibly can is imperative for us to have success," Friedman said.

"I don't know how, or what's going to happen, but I do know we're going to use more than five starting pitchers this year. It might not be the cleanest fit on opening day, but we have to take a long-term view of 162 games. And we feel like we're a much better team with that depth than without it."

Marc Topkin can be reached at topkin@tampabay.com.

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, February 18, 2012

TAMPA — In the end there was no list.

D Pavel Kubina, who with a limited no-trade clause in his contract, could have indicated five teams to which he would have accepted a trade, simply agreed Saturday to be traded to the Flyers.

The Lightning received a conditional second-round draft pick for either 2012 or '13, a 2013 fourth-round pick and minor-league LW Jon Kalinski, who will be assigned to AHL Norfolk.

If the second-round pick is for 2012 (at the discretion of the Panthers, who originally owned the pick), Tampa Bay will have four second-rounders at the June draft, and that would give GM Steve Yzerman plenty of options.

"It gives us more flexibility," Yzerman said. "We have more tradeable assets. It also gives us more flexibility at the draft either to move up or move back. It's really draft-day decisions."

It was the second trade in three days for Yzerman who on Thursday sent C Dominic Moore to the Sharks.

No other moves seem imminent. Yzerman even said he will evaluate how the team plays during the eight days leading to the Feb. 27 trade deadline before deciding his next move.

Not that he all of a sudden will become a buyer because Tampa Bay, with two straight wins, is keeping itself on the fringes of the playoff race. But he might decide to keep his assets and let the season play out.

"Let's put it this way," Yzerman said, "I'm not going to go out and start trading these seconds to get back a defenseman. I'm not going to do that. But if this group continues to win and play, I'll let them keep going.

"But I'm not going turn around and go and trade a pick for an unrestricted free agent to help us get in the playoffs now. That would be going around in circles."

News of the trade broke about four hours before it became official as final paperwork had to come from Kubina. The Flyers threw in Kalinski because it had to shed a contract to get to the 50-contract limit.

Not that Yzerman minded. Kalinski, 24, is a "worker," he said, who can kill penalties. He has played 22 NHL games with the Flyers and this season had nine goals, 12 points in 40 games for AHL Adirondack.

OHLUND SURGERY: D Mattias Ohlund, who has not played this season because of two bum knees, will have surgery on his left knee Thursday in an attempt to save his career.

The surgery will be performed by Anthony Miniaci, a well-known orthopedic surgeon at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio.

"It's been so long and it hasn't been getting better and almost getting worse the last little while, so I'm looking forward to getting it done," Ohlund said.

The rehab, Ohlund said, will be measured in months.

Ohlund, 35, who has four years and $11.75 million left on his contract, had surgery over the summer to clean out what the team called loose bodies, but hasn't skated since mid November and lately has been limping more noticeably.

ODDS AND ENDS: Dwayne Roloson's 45 saves in Thursday's 6-5 overtime win were tied for fourth most by a goalie of 40-plus years since 1976-77. … D Marc-Andre Bergeron (back) has missed 15 of the past 16 games.

Damian Cristodero can be reached at cristodero@tampabay.com.

Times wires
Saturday, February 18, 2012

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Jordan Morgan had 11 points and 11 rebounds, playing All-American Jared Sullinger to a virtual stalemate as No. 17 Michigan beat No. 6 Ohio State 56-51 on Saturday.

The result left the teams tied for second in the Big Ten, a half-game behind Michigan State, which plays at Purdue today.

The Wolverines (20-7, 10-4) moved to 15-0 at home by ending a six-game skid to their archrival.

Sullinger scored 14 on 6-for-14 shooting for the Buckeyes (22-5, 10-4).

Michigan led by 10 in the second half before three consecutive baskets by Sullinger made it 42-38.

But the Buckeyes couldn't get closer than three from there.

Clemson falls to 0-56 all time at Chapel Hill

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Harrison Barnes scored 24 as No. 8 North Carolina beat Clemson 74-52. The Tar Heels (23-4, 10-2 ACC) are 56-0 at home against Clemson, an NCAA record for consecutive home wins against one opponent.

Clemson cut it to 47-41 on Tanner Smith's 3-pointer and layup in transition. But the Tigers went scoreless on their next four possessions, including three turnovers.

No. 1 Kentucky 77, Miss. 62: Terrence Jones had 15 points and 11 rebounds for the Wildcats (26-1, 11-0 SEC) in their 50th consecutive home win. It was his first double double after recording 13 last season as a freshman.

No. 3 Missouri 72, Texas A&M 61: Kim English scored 21 for the visiting Tigers (25-2, 12-2 Big 12). The Aggies cut a 13-point deficit to five with 1:22 left then forced a turnover. But David Loubeau was called for a charge, and Marcus Denmon followed with a 3-pointer.

No. 4 Kan. 83, Texas Tech 50: Eight players scored at least nine for the host Jayhawks (22-5, 12-2 Big 12), who led 44-22 at halftime.

Kan. St. 57, No. 9 Baylor 56: Angel Rodriguez had 15 points and six assists for the visiting Wildcats. The freshman traveled on a breakaway with 13 seconds left. Quincy Miller, surrounded by defenders, then missed an inside shot for the Bears (22-5, 9-5 Big 12).

No. 10 G'town 63, Providence 53: The visiting Hoyas shut down Providence for the second time this season. In a 49-40 loss on Dec. 31, the Friars made 13 of 51 shots. Saturday, it made 14 of 54. Hollis Thompson scored seven of his 13 during a 13-3 run that put Georgetown (20-5, 10-4 Big East) up 49-35.

N. Mexico 65, No. 11 UNLV 45: Drew Gordon had 27 points and 20 rebounds for the host Lobos, who won 77-67 at No. 13 San Diego State on Thursday. Gordon scored eight during a 16-1 run that put the Lobos up 52-37. UNLV (22-6, 6-4 Mountain West) has lost three of four.

No. 12 Marquette 79, UConn 64: Jae Crowder had 29 points and 12 rebounds for the visiting Golden Eagles (22-5, 11-3 Big East). Down 48-44, UConn's Ryan Boatright got a technical for taunting. Darius Johnson-Odom made both free throws, and Crowder followed with a 3-pointer.

Air Force 58, No. 13 San Diego St. 56: The visiting Aztecs (20-6, 6-4 Mountain West) lost their third straight for the first time since 2008. They played without Jamaal Franklin, their leading scorer and rebounder (sprained left ankle), and they lost starting forward Garrett Green, who turned his right ankle eight minutes into the second half.

No. 16 Murray St. 65, No. 21 St. Mary's 51: Isaiah Canaan scored 17 of his 23 in the second half for the host Racers. Murray State (26-1) took a 10-2 lead and never trailed. Saint Mary's (23-5) has lost three of four.

No. 19 L'ville 90, DePaul 82 OT: The visiting Cardinals rallied from a 17-point first-half deficit. The Blue Demons tied it on Charles McKinney's basket with 2.2 seconds left. But with the score 79-79, Russ Smith hit consecutive baskets for Louisville (21-6, 9-5 Big East).

No. 22 Virginia 71, Maryland 44: Mike Scott scored 25, including seven in a row during a 16-0 second-half run, for the host Cavaliers (20-6, 7-5 ACC).

No. 23 N.D. 74, Villanova 70 OT: The visiting Irish (19-8, 11-3 Big East) rallied from a 20-point first-half deficit. They were 9 of 12 on 3-pointers after halftime. Jerian Grant and Pat Connaughton made ones on consecutive possessions in overtime.

No. 24 Wichita St. 91, Davidson 74: Joe Ragland scored 30 for the visiting Shockers on 11 of 14 shooting (3 of 4 3-pointers). Up 39-38 at halftime, Wichita State (24-4) made 20 of 25 second-half shots.

San Fran. 66, No. 24 Gonzaga 65: Rashad Green's leaner with 3.3 seconds left lifted the host Dons. The Bulldogs (21-5, 11-3) trail Saint Mary's by a game in the West Coast Conference with two games left.

State

Miami 74, Wake 56: Durand Scott, who hyperextended his left knee Wednesday against North Carolina, scored 18 for the host Hurricanes (16-9, 7-5 ACC).

UCF 64, E. Carolina 55: A.J. Rompza and Marcus Jordan made 3-pointers during a 10-0 run that put the host Knights (19-7, 8-4 C-USA) up 45-35.

Bethune-Cookman 70, S.C. St. 59: Anthony Breeze scored 20 for the visiting Wildcats (13-14, 9-3 MEAC).

Savannah St. 76, FAMU 57: Rashad Hassan scored 23 and Deric Rudolph 20 to help down the visiting Rattlers (7-19, 5-7).

Barry 68, Eckerd 66: Justin McCoy's 3-pointer with 3.3 seconds left downed the host Tritons (18-6, 10-4 Sunshine State).