Times Staff
Thursday, March 1, 2012

International Baseball Tournament

When: Tuesday-March 18

Where: Al Lang Stadium, St. Petersburg

What: 11 games featuring six Major League spring training teams as well as teams from the Netherlands, Canada and St. Petersburg College.

Tickets: $80 reserved seating (includes all games except March 8 Canada vs. Baltimore Orioles game); $12.50 reserved or $10 general admission for individual games. Available by calling 551-3000 or 1-800-874-9005 or at www.stpeteinternationalbaseball.com

Schedule: Tuesday — Canada vs. Netherlands, 7:05; Wednesday — Canada vs. USA (St. Petersburg College), 7:05; Thursday — Netherlands vs. Detroit Tigers, 1:05; Canada vs. Baltimore Orioles, 7:05; Friday — Canada vs. USA (St. Petersburg College), 7:05; March 10 — Netherlands vs. Canada, 5:05; March 11 — Canada vs. Philadelphia Phillies, 1:05; March 12 — Netherlands vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, 1:05; March 13 — Canada vs. Toronto Blue Jays, 1:05; March 16 — Netherlands vs. Atlanta Braves, 1:05; March 18 — Netherlands vs. Tampa Bay Rays, 1:05.

Times staff
Thursday, March 1, 2012

International Baseball Tournament

When/where: Tuesday-March 18, Al Lang Stadium, St. Petersburg

What: 11 games featuring six major-league teams and teams from the Netherlands, Canada and St. Petersburg College

Tickets: $80 reserved seating (includes all games except Thursday's Canada vs. Orioles); $12.50 reserved or $10 general admission for individual games. Available by calling 551-3000 or 1-800-874-9005 or at stpeteinternationalbaseball.com

Schedule: Tuesday — Canada vs. Netherlands, 7:05; Wednesday — Canada vs. St. Petersburg College, 7:05; Thursday — Netherlands vs. Tigers, 1:05; Canada vs. Orioles, 7:05; Friday — Canada vs. St. Petersburg College, 7:05; March 10 — Netherlands vs. Canada, 5:05; March 11 — Canada vs. Phillies, 1:05; March 12 — Netherlands vs. Pirates, 1:05; March 13 — Canada vs. Blue Jays, 1:05; March 16 — Netherlands vs. Braves, 1:05; March 18 — Netherlands vs. Rays, 1:05

Times staff

By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, March 1, 2012

Philadelphia Phillies

Where: Bright House Field (601 N. Old Coachman Road, Clearwater)

Tickets: From $14-$34, available at stadium box office, at phillies.com or by calling (215) 463-1000.

Key additions: RHP Jonathan Papelbon, 1B/DH Jim Thome, RHP Chad Qualls, INF Ty Wigginton

Key losses: RHP Brad Lidge, RHP Ryan Madson, RHP Roy Oswalt

Spring storylines

Armed and ready: The "Fab Five" rotation of a year ago, hyped as potentially one of the best ever, failed to accomplish its ultimate goal. But after losing to the World Series champion Cardinals in the NLDS, the Big Three — RHP Roy Halladay and LHPs Cliff Lee and Cole Hamels — hold a key into where the Phillies finish.

Chasing Utley: The recovery of All-Star 1B Ryan Howard from left Achilles surgery will be constantly monitored throughout spring, though he may not be ready by May. But the return to form of 2B Chase Utley could be just as important. Utley, coming off the worst season of his career while dealing with a chronic knee injury, thinks he can "overcome this without a doubt."

Packing Pap: The Phillies made RHP closer Jonathan Papelbon one of the richest relievers of all time, a four-year, $50 million deal. Replacing RHP Brad Lidge and RHP Ryan Madson is no easy task, but the former Red Sox star is rejuvenated by a change in leagues — and scenery.

New York Yankees

Where: George M. Steinbrenner Field (One Steinbrenner Drive, Tampa)

Tickets: From $17-$33, available at stadium box office, via Yankees.com, ticketmaster.com and steinbrennerfield.com, or by calling Ticketmaster at (800-745-3000).

Key additions: RHP Michael Pineda, RHP Hiroki Kuroda, DH/OF Raul Ibanez

Key losses: C/DH Jorge Posada, RHP A.J. Burnett

Starting five: The Yankees reloaded their rotation, acquiring young fireballer RHP Michael Pineda from Seattle and signing veteran RHP Hiroki Kuroda. Even after trading enigmatic RHP A.J. Burnett, New York still has a surplus of starters, having to decide how to fill in the back end, with RHP Phil Hughes and RHP Freddy Garcia.

Lightning Rod: Boasting a lineup filled with middle-of-the-order type bats, the Yankees need 3B Alex Rodriguez to be the dangerous cleanup hitter he's been in the past. Rodriguez, coming off a "disappointing," injury-plagued season (16 homers, 62 RBIs in only 99 games), says he's healthy and ready, with manager Joe Giardi expecting a "big year."

Down to two: With "Core Four" members LHP Andy Pettitte and C Jorge Posada retiring in back-to-back seasons, SS Derek Jeter and closer Mariano Rivera are left to carry the torch, hoping to beat Father Time. Rivera, 42, who hinted this could be his last season, is as good as ever, and Jeter will once again be the leadoff hitter.

Toronto Blue Jays

Where: Florida Auto Exchange Stadium (373 Douglas Ave., Dunedin)

Tickets: From $15-$28 (plus $3 surcharge per order), available by phone at (727) 733-0429 or 1-888-525-5297 or at bluejays.com.

Key additions: RHP Sergio Santos, RHP Francisco Cordero, LHP Darren Oliver, INF Omar Vizquel

Key losses: RHP Jon Rauch, C Jose Molina, RHP Frank Francisco, RHP Octavio Dotel, INF John McDonald.

Leaning left: One of the few Jays position battles this spring will be in leftfield, where perpetual prospect Travis Snider and rookie Eric Thames are the main candidates. Snider has shown some power, but has been inconsistent (.248 batting average in four seasons), with Thames improving his defense last season.

In closing: Instead of a revolving door for a closer, the Jays will turn to a familiar face, Sergio Santos, a former Toronto shortstop prospect who made a rapid ascent as a reliever. Santos, 28, racked up 30 saves in 36 chances last year for the White Sox, was acquired in a winter meetings trade, and will be helped by free agent acquistition, veteran righty Francisco Cordero.

Old school: Omar Vizquel, 45, broke into the big leagues before 3B Brett Lawrie was born, but he could be playing alongside him if he makes the team. Vizquel, signed to a minor league deal, is competing for the utility infielder spot, but said this will likely be h is last season.

Joe Smith, Times staff writer

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, March 1, 2012

TAMPA — Lightning coach Guy Boucher was so sick with the flu during Tuesday's game with the Canadiens, he brought a bucket with him behind the bench ... just in case.

Defenseman Brendan Mikkelson threw up so violently this week, "I thought I was going to break a rib."

So rampant was the flu running through the team, defenseman Eric Brewer on Tuesday wore a surgical mask to all pregame meetings.

"I would have worn it on the ice," he said, "but I think it would have melted on my face."

Given the general close quarters (in locker rooms and on planes) NHL teams are Petri Dishes to begin with. But never, Lightning players and coaches said, had they experienced such a fast-moving and wicked bug.

Eleven in the organization were stricken: five players, three coaches, general manager Steve Yzerman and his two assistants.

"That's probably one of the worst I've seen," right wing Teddy Purcell said. "I couldn't even pass a bathroom. I couldn't even take a sip of water. Hopefully, that's the first and last of the year."

Mikkelson and center Nate Thompson were so sick they missed Tuesday's game. Both expect to be fine tonight against the Rangers at the Tampa Bay Times Forum, and head athletic trainer Tommy Mulligan said the outbreak seems to have subsided.

Boucher, though, still was fighting the bug Thursday and did not attend practice.

The common denominator in all cases, Mulligan said, was being on Sunday night's flight home from Newark, N.J., after the 4-3 victory over the Devils.

Food poisoning from the in-flight meals was ruled out because it took 24 to 36 hours for symptoms to manifest.

To minimize the spread, affected personnel were kept away from the rink, hand washing was stressed as was the use of individual water bottles and towels. Wednesday's practice was cancelled and the team scrubbed the weight room.

It also used in the locker room and players' lounge a machine that is supposed to clean the air and reduce bacteria and viruses on all hard surfaces.

"You try not to touch the other guys too much," said defenseman Mike Commodore, who did not join the team until Tuesday after he was acquired from the Red Wings and is flu-free. "Not much shaking hands or patting on the back. They have those sheets around here to wash your hands; use soap and hope for the best."

What happened to assistant coach Marty Raymond wasn't the worst, but it wasn't pleasant.

Sent home before Tuesday's morning skate, Raymond didn't get far before he pulled into a parking lot to throw up.

"There was no way that was staying in," he said. "I got out of the car and found a spot."

"I couldn't even move," Thompson said of his flu, which on a scale of 1-to-10 — with 10 being the worst — he called a 10.

"It's happened on every team I've been on in juniors, the minors, whatever. It's just the way it is. We're around each other every day. It's hard not to pass it on to each other. It's one of those things; you can't stop it, you can only hope to contain it."

STAMKOS HONORED: Lightning center Steven Stamkos was named the NHL's third star for February behind Coyotes goaltender Mike Smith and Senators defenseman Erik Karlsson. Stamkos had league-bests of 11 goals and 22 points.

MINOR MOVE: Forward Mike Angelidis was reassigned to AHL Norfolk.

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

Terry Tomalin, Times Outdoors-Fitness Editor
Thursday, March 1, 2012

TAMPA — The 9.3-mile run along Bayshore Boulevard can be fast and easy, or slow and hard.

"It all depends on the weather," said defending Gasparilla Distance Classic champion Jeremy Criscione. "It the wind is blowing, it can be brutal."

The Distance Classic, now in its 35th year, has a reputation for being a road racer's dream. The course is straight up and back along one of Tampa Bay's most scenic drives. There are no hills, turns or other obstacles to confuse and confound a runner.

"The heat can be a problem," said Criscione, 24, who ran for the Florida Gators. "It is especially tough on runners who come in from other areas."

Criscione hopes to just stay with the leaders for the first few miles, a strategy that served him well last year when he pulled away from Andrew Letherby at the 6-mile mark, then ran unchallenged to win in 46 minutes, 22 seconds.

But Criscione said that anything can happen on race day. "You just have to get out there and see how it feels," he said. "I'm coming off the Olympic Trials. I ran my first marathon. I don't know what my fitness level will be until I start running."

Criscione, who ran cross country, indoor and outdoor track during his years in Gainesville, suffered from a host of injuries before last year's victory. "I am feeling good," he said. "I hope to run faster than last year."

Bill Rodgers, a former Olympian and winner of both the Boston and New York marathons, set the inaugural course record of 44 minutes, 29 seconds in 1978.

"This has always been a fast course," said the 64-year-old, who plans to compete this year. "But these days I am more around the 69-minute mark."

Rodgers said he will start Saturday's race with eight runners who have raced in all 34 of the past Gasparilla Distance Classics: Stuart Carrier, Ken Clark, Lewis Harris, Rob Mason, Gus Mejia, George McConnell, Mike Shaver and Tom Singletary.

"I came down to show my support for these guys," he said. "That is an amazing feat, running a race 34 times. Now that is dedication."

Rodgers, who won 22 marathons during his career, said he is amazed how his sport has changed in 35 years.

"There are more women and kids running than ever before," he said. "It seems like every major city has a major road race. Participation numbers are exploding. It is great to see."

But Rodgers won't be the only celebrity runner at this year's event. Joan Benoit Samuelson, who began her career running track in high school in the town of Cape Elizabeth, Maine, and then went on to win the Boston Marathon in 1979 and then again in 1983 (breaking the world record), will be in the women's field. But Samuelson is probably best known for the gold medal she won in the first women's marathon at the Los Angeles Olympics one year later.

Criscione and other top runners (like Ryan Ripley, Lee Stephens and James Osborne) who live in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Polk, Hernando, Manatee or Sarasota counties on a full-time basis are eligible for the local prize purse, which will be awarded to the top five finishers. First place is worth $2,000.

Top local women to watch include Christa Stephens, Sara Petrick, Kristin Proach Tenaglia and Briana Whaley, who is recovering from an injury.

By Terry Tomalin, Times Outdoors-Fitness Editor
Thursday, March 1, 2012

TAMPA — The 9.3-mile run along Bayshore Boulevard can be fast and easy, or slow and hard.

"It all depends on the weather," said defending Gasparilla Distance Classic champion Jeremy Criscione. "If the wind is blowing, it can be brutal."

The Distance Classic, now in its 35th year, has a reputation for being a road racer's dream. The course is straight up and back along one of Tampa Bay's most scenic drives. There are no hills, turns or other obstacles to confuse and confound a runner.

"The heat can be a problem," said Criscione, 24, who ran for the Florida Gators and is now pursuing a master's degree in construction management. "It is especially tough on runners who come in from other areas."

The Bartow native hopes to just stay with the leaders for the first few miles, a strategy that served him well last year when he pulled away from Andrew Letherby at the 6-mile mark, then ran unchallenged to win in 46 minutes, 22 seconds.

But Criscione said that anything can happen on race day. "You just have to get out there and see how it feels," he said. "I'm coming off the Olympic Trials. I ran my first marathon. I don't know what my fitness level will be until I start running."

Criscione, who ran cross country, indoor and outdoor track during his years in Gainesville, suffered from a host of injuries before last year's victory.

"I am feeling good," he said. "I hope to run faster than last year."

Bill Rodgers, a former Olympian and winner of the Boston and New York marathons, set the inaugural course record of 44 minutes, 29 seconds in 1978.

"This has always been a fast course," said Rodgers, 64, who plans to compete this year. "But these days I am more around the 69-minute mark."

Rodgers said he will start Saturday's race with eight runners who have raced in all 34 Gasparilla Distance Classics: Stuart Carrier, Ken Clark, Lewis Harris, Rob Mason, Gus Mejia, George McConnell, Mike Shaver and Tom Singletary.

"I came down to show my support for these guys," he said. "That is an amazing feat, running a race 34 times."

Rodgers, who won 22 marathons during his career, said he is amazed how his sport has changed in 35 years.

"There are more women and kids running than ever before," he said. "It seems like every major city has a major road race. Participation numbers are exploding. It is great to see."

Joan Benoit Samuelson, who began her career running track in high school in the town of Cape Elizabeth, Maine, and then went on to win the Boston Marathon in 1979 and 1983 (breaking the world record), will be in the women's field. Samuelson is probably best known for the gold medal she won in the first women's marathon at the Los Angeles Olympics in 1984.

Criscione and other top runners (like Ryan Ripley, Lee Stephens and James Osborne) who live in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Polk, Hernando, Manatee or Sarasota counties on a full-time basis are eligible for the local prize purse, which will be awarded to the top five finishers. First place is worth $2,000.

Top local women to watch include Christa Stephens, Sara Petrick, Kristin Proach Tenaglia and Briana Whaley, who is recovering from an injury.

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, March 1, 2012

The Tampa Bay Lightning announced that it signed AHL Norfolk's leading scorer, Cory Conacher, to a two-year, two-way contract.

Conacher had 30 goals, including 13 on the power play, and 64 points in 57 games for the Admirals.

Here is the official release from the team:

TAMPA BAY – The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed forward Cory Conacher to a two-year, two-way contract today, Vice President and General Manager Steve Yzerman announced.

Conacher, 5-foot-8, 180 pounds, has played in 57 games with the Norfolk Admirals this season, recording 30 goals, 13 power-play goals, 26 power-play points and 64 points. He leads the Admirals in goals, power-play goals, power-play points, points, and ranks second for assists with 34. Conacher is also tied for the AHL lead for PPGs, is second for goals and is tied for third in points. He was recently selected as a starter for the 2012 AHL All-Star Classic, where he had two goals and three points.

A native of Burlington, Ontario, Conacher has played in 64 career AHL games with Norfolk, the Milwaukee Admirals and the Rochester Americans, notching 34 goals and 70 points. He has played in seven career Calder Cup Playoff Games.

Conacher, an undrafted free agent, played four years at Canisus College prior to joining the professional ranks. He is the school's all-time leader in goals with 62, game-winning goals with 12 and points with 147. He signed a one-year, AHL contract with the Admirals on July 5, 2011.

By Terry Tomalin, Times Outdoors-Fitness Editor
Thursday, March 1, 2012

Clouds covered the normally blue Florida sky, and the wind had kicked up a chop that would have kept most sensible folks at home.

But Steve Jarrett and his buddies in the North Tampa Bass Club had driven all the way to Lake Kissimmee for their regular, monthly tournament and, by golly, they was going to catch a fish.

"We really look forward to these events," Jarrett said. "A little competition makes fishing all that much more fun."

Like many freshwater anglers, the 54-year-old U.S. Air Force veteran from Valrico had watched his share of fishing shows and read every bass fishing magazine he could find. He knew that he was good, but how good? Now that was the question.

"So I went on the Internet and googled Tampa Bay area bass clubs," he said. "I found these guys and have been fishing with them ever since."

That was six years ago. Today, Jarrett is the club president. But that doesn't mean his fellow anglers give him any slack, especially on tournament day. The competition is fierce, especially on a lake such as Kissimmee, which consistently ranks as one of the state's best.

'Tis the season

Florida has nearly 2 million anglers and more world records than any other state or country. But while the saltwater fishing has become one of the mainstays of the state's tourism industry, it was Florida's 7,700 lakes that first put it on the world sportfishing map.

The state's first serious anglers, wealthy sportsman from the Northeast and Midwest, came for Florida's fabled largemouth bass that grow bigger and fatter than any other species of bass, primarily because of the state's year-round growing season.

This much-lauded bucketmouth, Micropterus salmoides floridanus, was originally found only on the Florida peninsula, but in recent decades, this species has been introduced in Texas, California and as far away as Japan.

Females live longer than males and are more likely to reach trophy size, which is generally considered to be 10 pounds or larger. The state record is 17 pounds, 4 ounces, and though heavier bass have been documented, they were not certified, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website.

March is usually peak time for bass fishing in Central Florida, but an unusually mild winter has triggered an early spawn.

"We started seeing bass on the beds in January," Jarrett said. "We are right in the middle of the breeding season."

Top lakes

Jarrett and his bass club picked Lake Kissimmee, just east of Lake Wales, for a reason. The catch rate (fish per hour) is usually better here than on most Florida lakes.

This Central Florida hotspot is actually the largest section of five distinct bodies of water on the legendary Kissimmee River. The lake covers more than 35,000 acres, so an angler can spend years fishing this body of water and never get bored.

Another popular destination for bass club members and other tournament anglers is Lake Tohopekaliga, or Lake Toho for short, which is just south of Orlando in Kissimmee. It is a frequent stop for the pro bass tours.

In 2001, this lake made international news when tournament pro Dean Rojas set a Bass Anglers Sportsman Society record by weighing and releasing 108 pounds, 12 ounces of bass during one tournament. During the four days of fishing, anglers caught and released 21 bass that weighed 10 pounds or more.

But one of the best bass lakes in Florida is located right here: Palm Harbor's 2,500-acre Lake Tarpon has consistently ranked among the state's best despite its suburban setting.

Catch of a lifetime

When Jarrett saw the weather report last Saturday, he didn't think he'd be fishing, let alone catching.

"It was really stormy," he said.

Still, he hit the water before dawn, and at first light he started working his buzz bait over a patch of hydrilla in 4 feet of water. At 7:15 a.m., he felt a bump, then the distinctive strike of a big largemouth bass.

The fish weighed in at 8 pounds, 12 ounces, helping him to victory in the tournament. It was also a new entry in Jarrett's own record book.

"It was my personal best … the largest bass I ever caught," he said. "I'll remember that fish as long as I live."

By Terry Tomalin, Times Outdoors-Fitness Editor
Thursday, March 1, 2012

Making news

Local sailors on Podium at Laser Regatta

More than 150 of the world's top small-boat sailors, many of whom have already qualified for the upcoming 2012 Summer Olympics in England, gathered in Clearwater last month for the Laser Midwinters East Regatta.

Sailors representing 14 countries competed in 14-foot sailboats that were broken down into three classes based on sail size. Marit Bouwmeester of the Netherlands took the gold while Clearwater's Paige Railey won the silver in Laser Radial Fleet. Liam McCarthy from St. Petersburg won gold in the 4.7 fleet, while David Wright from Toronto won gold in the standard rig fleet.

More Sailing

Dinghies racers on area waters

Still more sailboat racing takes place in the bay area when the Clearwater Sailing Center hosts the Team FOR Invitational Regatta for Optimist sailors on Saturday and Sunday Sailors and spectator boats will launch from the Bellair Causeway Boat Ramp and racing begins about 10:30 a.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. Sunday.

Optimist dinghies, commonly called "Optis," were first designed and built in Clearwater in 1947 by local boat builder Clark Mills. The small, relatively inexpensive sailboats were originally made for children as the nautical equivalent of a soap box derby car. Optimist prams are now raced by sailors ages 8 to 15 in more than 100 countries.

Fishing

Icon remembered through tourney

Mel Berman, the longtime local radio host and angler, died two years ago this month, but anglers can pay homage to this fishing icon on March 10 by entering the Captain Mel Trout & Redfish Classic. Last year's inaugural tournament drew more than 150 anglers. The captains' meeting is 5:30 p.m. March 9 at the Fat Cat Tavern in Clearwater, with fishing the next day. Tournament boundaries include all "Pinellas County waters," and fishing will be strictly photo and release. This is an "all lure" and "all amateur" event. To learn more, go to capmel.com.

Books

Adventure writer dishes up stories

Terry Tomalin, Outdoors-Fitness Editor for the Tampa Bay Times, will talk about his book Everyday Adventures at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Mirror Lake Library, 280 Fifth Street North in downtown St. Petersburg. The Friends of Mirror Lake Library will hold a reception in the Library's Community Room before the talk from 5:30 to 6 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. For information, call (727) 893-7268.

Solunar chart

AM PM

minor major minor major

3/2 12:20 6:25 12:35 6:50

3/3 1:05 7:10 1:20 7:40

3/4 1:55 8:00 2:10 8:25

3/5 2:40 8:45 2:55 9:15

3/6 3:30 9:35 3:45 10:00

3/7 4:15 10:20 4:30 10:45

3/8 5:00 11:10 5:20 11:35

Terry Tomalin can be reached at ttomalin@tampabay.com or (727) 893-8808.

By Dave Mistretta, Times Correspondent
Thursday, March 1, 2012

Spring is near: We caught three tripletails within 3 miles of the beach. Schools of threadfin herring have arrived. And water temps have hit 70 degrees. Migratory fish are on the way.

Giant mackerel: With all the bait we have seen this week, kingfish could arrive in a matter of days. Anglers will be able to target sharks, cobia, tuna and snapper as well.

Tripletails: These strange-looking fish are strong and delicious to eat. They have two anal fins that resemble tail fins. They hang around any kind of floating structure. Watch around stone crab buoys and toss in a small live shrimp.

Dave Mistretta captains the Jaws Too out of Indian Rocks Beach. Call (727) 439-2628 or visit jawstoo.com.

By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, March 1, 2012

TAMPA — By winning six of its past seven games, USF has convinced many basketball experts that the Bulls belong in the NCAA Tournament, but heading into the regular-season finale at home Saturday against West Virginia, the Bulls are also motivated by lingering doubters.

"I still think every now and then it's like no one wants us to get in. It's like we're the unsexy girl out there that nobody likes," coach Stan Heath said. "We've got to keep kicking the door, because you just don't know. You don't want to leave anything to chance."

USF (19-11, 12-5 Big East) already has the reassurance that no team in Big East history has won 12 conference games and missed the NCAA cut, but a 13th win, against another bubble team in West Virginia, could remove more doubt and also take the Bulls out of a possible play-in first round in Dayton just to get to the round of 64.

Heath said Wednesday's 58-51 win at No. 19 Louisville won over a lot of critics. At the midway point of the Big East season, he had said it would take 12 Big East wins for him to know USF should be in. Now, he said the natural volatility of the bubble makes him focused on what he can control, which is winning his next game.

"In these situations right now, every 24 hours, things change," Heath said. "You just have to keep winning, keep your nose to the ground, keep plugging away. It's nice to hear that maybe we're getting a little bit more (endorsements), but things change if you don't take care of business."

BIG CROWD: USF is working to make Saturday's game at the Tampa Bay Times Forum an impressive turnout for the home finale, advertising $10 tickets and offering free "MADNESS" T-shirts with all seats in the lower bowl. The Bulls drew a season-high 6,784 for Sunday's win against Cincinnati. West Virginia typically brings plenty of its fans as well.

AWAKE ON THE BUBBLE: At Thursday afternoon's practice, Heath had not yet slept since the Louisville game. The Bulls were held up several hours due to mechanical issues for their flight home and arrived on campus about 4:15 a.m. Then Heath drove to Lakeland for a morning tipoff and watched his younger son Josh help lead Tampa Prep to a state title.

"It's been an extreme high, a whirlwind," Heath said. "We've got to put our attention on West Virginia. … There's a lot of things going on. We really have to turn things back to what we need to be doing in front of us."

By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, March 1, 2012

Good cause

Rays LHP David Price is raising money to support the Big Brothers, Big Sisters organization, encouraging fans to join his Bowl for Kids' Sake fundraising team. Top fundraisers can win a chance to meet Price at a VIP party. Join his fundraising team by going to bbbsfl.org or call Amy Hollington at (813) 769-3636.

Hustle award

INF Jeff Keppinger ripped a drive off LHP Alex Torres to the warning track in left-center, then stretched it into a triple, an aggressiveness the Rays preach. "I loved it," manager Joe Maddon said. "We're not worried about making the first or third out at third base, we want to get to third base with less than two outs as often as possible. That's the mind-set we want to create."

Who is this Ray?

He has lived with Type 1 diabetes since he was 10, and hosted a sports camp for 100 young diabetes patients this past February with USF Diabetes Center.

The dish

Today's full-squad workout starts about 9 a.m. at the Charlotte Sports Park (2300 El Jobean Road ) and lasts until 10:30 a.m. Admission and parking are free. Driving time from the bay area is 1½-2 hours. Suggested route: Interstate 75 South to Toledo Blade Road, go west 6½ miles to El Jobean Road (State Road 776), go right 2 miles, complex is on the left. For details, call (941) 235-5025.

Heads-up

The workout ends earlier as the Rays will hold their Charity Golf Classic at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club in Bradenton.

On deck

Saturday at Twins, 1:05. Rays — LHP David Price. Twins — RHP Carl Pavano

Sunday vs. Twins, 1:05. Rays — RHP Jeremy Hellickson. Twins — TBA

Exhibition schedule

Rays tickets: $9/$12-$27, available at box office, via raysbaseball.com and Ticketmaster

Info: Toll-free 1-888-326-7297

All games 1:05 unless noted

March

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 Trop

* Value game, $2 off

Who is this answer:

OF Sam Fuld

Joe Smith, Times staff writer

Bragging rights, part I

LHP Cesar Ramos, who roomed with 3B Evan Longoria while at Long Beach State, hadn't faced him since they both played there. That is, until Thursday, when Ramos, left, struck out Longoria swinging in an intrasquad game. "It was kind of fun," Ramos said. "He didn't look too happy after that at-bat. I guess in pro ball, he's 0-for-1 against me. I'm sure it won't be the last. I got bragging rights for one at-bat."

Bragging rights, part II

Bullpen C Scott Cursi said there were no side bets made with video coordinator Chris "Chico" Fernandez over Thursday's intrasquad game, when "Cursi's Crushers" beat "Chico's Shiners" 2-1. "I'll tell you what, Chico did a lot of chirping late in the game," Cursi quipped. "Talking the guys up."

Times wires
Thursday, March 1, 2012

PALM BEACH GARDENS — Davis Love made a hole-in-one and tied the course record at PGA National with 6-under 64, giving him a two-shot lead after Thursday's first round of the Honda Classic.

Play was suspended due to darkness with two players, Colt Knost and Bobby Gates, needing to play their final hole.

Love, 47, hasn't won since Disney in November 2008 and last led after the first round at Bay Hill in March 2010.

He began Thursday with four pars until the par-3 No. 5. Off the tee, he hit a 5-iron that rolled toward the flag and in. Love capped his day by hitting a 5-iron to 18 feet for birdie and a bunker shot to tap-in range for birdie.

Nine others have shot 64 at PGA National, most recently Graeme McDowell last year.

"If I had not birdied the last two holes, it still would have been a good start," Love said. "It's fun to tie the course record."

Rory McIlroy was among eight who shot 66. He needs to win the tournament to become the No. 1-ranked player in the world.

He birdied the last two holes of the back nine, made the turn and picked up another birdie on the par-4 No. 2 by playing short of the bunkers and firing his approach into a breeze to about 18 feet. His final birdie came on the par-3 No. 7, when caddie J.P. Fitzgerald talked him into a hard 6-iron that stopped 12 feet short of the cup.

"It was pretty stress-free out there," McIlroy said. "I hit quite a few fairways and a lot of greens and gave myself a lot of chances."

Tiger Woods needs a good round just to make the cut. Playing in windier conditions in the afternoon, he had two bogeys and failed to convert an up-and-down on the par-5 No. 18. He shot 1-over 71, right on the cut line.

"I didn't get a whole lot out of my round," said Woods, who missed only three greens but took 34 putts. "I hit the ball a lot better than I scored."

GASPARILLA INVITATIONAL: Tampa's Doug LaCrosse (73-70-71—214) rallied to win by two over Jack Hall, Randy Lewis and Tampa's Paul Royak at the Palma Ceia Golf & Country Club. Tampa's Kim Schwenke (218) finished fifth overall and won the senior division.

Times wires
Thursday, March 1, 2012

TAMPA — The Yankees open spring training play at 1 p.m. today with an exhibition against USF at Steinbrenner Field.

Any Yankees scheduled to play Saturday in Clearwater against the Phillies will get only one at-bat today, while the other starters should get two at-bats.

Yankees manager Joe Girardi said he plans to use seven pitchers today: Adam Warren, Brett Marshall, Dan Burawa, Juan Cedeno, Graham Stoneburner, Ryan Pope and Kevin Whelan.

Early East vs. East? Girardi said he was okay with a proposed new rule that a team can play another club from its own division in the Division Series, even if it that opens the door for the Yankees to potentially play the Red Sox or Rays.

"I don't have a problem with that, because it's by record," he told MLB.com. "That's why I'm a big proponent of a balanced schedule. It just, to me, makes everything seem a little bit more right in my mind."

Miscellany: 2B Robinson Cano rejoined the team after being absent for three days due to the death of his grandmother. He won't play today. … Non-roster RHP Manny Delcarmen will miss four or five days because of a right lat muscle injury.

Phillies: Victorino eyes five-year deal

CLEARWATER — OF Shane Victorino, set to become a free agent after the season, said this week he would like to get a deal done soon and might be open to a hometown discount to avoid free agency and get five years, MLB.com reported.

"If it's a significant difference, I have to weigh my options more than anything," Victorino said. "I won't say I won't take a hometown discount, but I also will say I want to maximize my opportunity with not only what I've accomplished as an individual but as part of a team."

He said negotiations might continue during the year: "I'd like five years, yeah. Why wouldn't I? I signed for three (on his last deal). Why wouldn't I want the next one to be longer?"

Wise move: RHP Jose Contreras, who had elbow surgery in September, threw live batting practice without any apparent issues. He also moved his Ford F-750 truck that had been parked beyond the rightfield fence. On Wednesday, OF Domonic Brown bounced a homer off the roof and set off the alarm.

Jays: Us vs. Us in free game today

DUNEDIN — The Blue Jays play a six-inning intrasquad game at noon today at the Bobby Mattick Training Center, featuring pitchers Ricky Romero against Brandon Morrow. Today's game, a tuneup for Saturday's exhibition opener against the Pirates, is open to the public. Other pitchers scheduled to throw include: Jason Frasor, Chad Jenkins, Drew Hutchison, and Nelson Figueroa.

Thursday, March 1, 2012

JUPITER — The Cardinals made certain another big star did not get away.

Four-time Gold Glove catcher Yadier Molina agreed to a five-year, $75 million contract Thursday that kicks in next season and will keep him in St. Louis through the 2017 season. The deal makes Molina, long known for his defense and with a much-improved bat, the second-highest paid catcher in the majors.

"When you have the best catcher in the game, you have to sign him," teammate Carlos Beltran said.

The total price tag could easily top $90 million over seven seasons with Molina due to make $7 million this year and a mutual, $15 million option for 2018. The deal trails only the Twins' Joe Mauer (eight years, $184 million) among catchers.

"I'm happy to be a Cardinal for 5-6 more years," said Molina, 29, who hit .305 in 2011 with 14 homers and 65 RBIs, and added 12 RBIs during the World Series title run. "I'm looking to like six more championships."

Molina's brother Jose, 36, also a catcher, joined the Rays this offseason.

Varitek says Goodbye: Catcher Jason Varitek spent 15 seasons as the stoic center of the Red Sox, with an icy stare that never blinked and an iron jaw that never quivered. The toughness and tenacity gave way in Fort Myers where the captain announced his retirement.

"My teammates are what I'm going to miss most," said Varitek, the 39-year-old's voice shaking and his eyes welling. "The hardest thing to do is to walk away from your teammates and what they've meant to you over the years."

He caught four no-hitters, played in three All-Star games, won two championship rings and had one memorable run-in with Yankees star Alex Rodriguez that will endear him to Boston sports fans forever.

Braun's attorney Fires back: Ryan Braun's lawyer criticized the urine collector's statement, saying the Brewers outfielder and NL MVP "was properly vindicated."

"Ryan Braun presented a winning defense in the forum that counted," attorney David Cornwell said. "The collector's attempt to re-litigate his conduct is inappropriate, and his efforts will only be persuasive to those who do not understand the evidence or the rules."

Braun escaped a 50-game suspension when his positive test was overturned by an arbitrator. The Brewers legal team argued that Dino Laurenzi Jr. did not follow the procedures specified in baseball's drug agreement. Laurenzi has defended his actions, saying he never tampered with the urine sample.

Surgery for Burnett: Pirates right-hander A.J. Burnett, 35, will have surgery today to repair the fractured right orbital bone from a failed bunt attempt that caromed off his bat and into his face. There is no timetable for his return.

Santana tosses: Mets left-hander Johan Santana, who had left shoulder surgery, threw 43 pitches of live batting practice with no reports of trouble.

Indians: Outfielder Grady Sizemore is expected to miss 8-12 weeks after a "minimally invasive" lower-back procedure.

Times staff, wires
Thursday, March 1, 2012

NFL

Bucs hire more coaches

The Bucs have hired three more coaches, including the fifth and sixth from Rutgers.

Ben McDaniels, recently hired as Columbia's offensive coordinator, joined the Bucs, possibly as quarterbacks coach. Columbia announced the move Thursday, indicating only that McDaniels would become an offensive assistant in Tampa. McDaniels, younger brother of Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, served as his brother's quarterbacks coach in Denver.

Phil Galiano becomes assistant special teams coach. He was special teams coordinator at Rutgers under Greg Schiano, who left the school in January to become the Bucs' head coach. Also joining the Piscataway, N.J., exodus is graduate assistant Andrew Janocko, who will become the Bucs' offensive quality control coach.

EAGLES: The team placed the franchise tag on WR DeSean Jackson. He gets about $9.4 million under a one-year deal if the sides can't agree on a long-term deal.

Bengals: WR Jerome Simpson pleaded guilty to a drug-related felony. Prosecutors will recommend 60 days in jail, but a judge will sentence him next month. In September, police in the Cincinnati suburb of Covington, Ky., intercepted a package containing 2.5 pounds of marijuana being shipped to his home.

Raiders: S Tyvon Branch was designated the franchise player, guaranteeing him a one-year deal worth about $6.2 million.

Steelers: WR Mike Wallace will not be franchised, allowing him to become a restricted free agent, ESPN.com reported.

Vikings: The team and Gov. Mark Dayton unveiled plans for a $975 million stadium to be built near the Metrodome and open in 2016.

Et cetera

Tennis: Novak Djokovic beat Janko Tipsarevic 6-1, 7-6 (8-6) in the quarterfinals of the Dubai Championships in the United Arab Emirates. He faces Andy Murray. Roger Federer faces Juan Martin del Potro in the other semi. … No. 4 seed Andy Roddick, ranked 30th in the world, reached his second quarterfinal of the year with a 6-4, 7-5 win over Denis Istomin at the Delray Beach Championship in South Florida.

America's Cup: NBC reached a deal to air the first two races of the final in September 2013 in San Francisco, the first time the event will be on network TV since 1992. The remaining races will air on NBC Sports Network.

Boxing: Women at this summer's Olympics will be allowed to wear a skirt or shorts under an amendment to amateur rules. Over the past year, the world's governing body faced criticism for encouraging women to wear skirts during matches. President Wu Ching-Kuo said fans and officials claimed they couldn't tell women from men, particularly on television, because they wore the same headgear.

Track: Michael Rodgers, the 2009 U.S. champion in the 100 meters, accepted a nine-month ban after testing positive for a banned stimulant. Rodgers, who tested positive in July, will be eligible for the Olympics.

Times staff, wires

By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, March 1, 2012

. up next

Big East women's tournament

When/where: Today-Tuesday; XL Center, Hartford, Conn.

Today: Syracuse vs. Providence, noon; USF vs. Pittsburgh, 2; Villanova vs. Seton Hall, 6; Cincinnati vs. Marquette, 8

Saturday: West Virginia vs. Syracuse-Providence winner, noon; DePaul vs. USF-Pittsburgh winner, 2:30; Louisville vs. Villanova-Seton Hall winner, 6; Rutgers vs. Cincinnati-Marquette winner, 8

TV: Sunday — top four seeds vs. Saturday's winners, noon, 2, 6 and 8; Monday — semifinals, 6 and 8 p.m., ESPNU; Tuesday — final, 7 ESPN

The favorite: Notre Dame won the regular-season title behind star Skylar Diggins and are an unusual top seed after Connecticut's perennial dominance.

The dark horse: Can Connecticut be that dark a horse in Hartford? The Huskies have been more mortal than in past years, but it's safe to think it should be a Notre Dame-UConn finale on Tuesday, with an NCAA No. 1 seed possibly on the line.

Looking at USF: The ninth-seeded Bulls did well to go 8-8 without leading scorer Andrea Smith all season; they should cruise past 0-16 Pitt and then face a DePaul team they beat in the regular season. From there, it would be top-seeded Notre Dame, though the Hartford crowd would likely pull for the underdog Bulls, who played close with the Fighting Irish last week in South Bend.

Wynne honored: USF's Jasmine Wynne was named the conference's most improved player and Diggins and DePaul's Anna Martin were unanimous all-conference selections.

Greg Auman, Times staff writer

Times wires
Thursday, March 1, 2012

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — Ian Miller said he hadn't made a winning buzzer-beater since high school.

When he shot from the right wing in the final second Thursday night, he didn't need to look.

"When it left my hand, I knew it was good," the sophomore said about the 3-pointer with a hand in his face and 0.8 seconds left that gave No. 22 Florida State a stunning 63-60 comeback victory over No. 24 Virginia.

Just after Seminoles center Bernard James was ejected for kicking Joe Harris as they both lay on the court, FSU, trailing by 11 with 4:30 left, closed with a 16-2 run.

Miller matched his career high with 18 points, 15 in the second half. On the final play, he dribbled time off the clock until darting from near midcourt on the left side to the right wing with Virginia guard Sammy Zeglinski just far enough behind to allow Miller to set, step back and shoot.

"He smacked my left hand and everything, but I was locked in," Miller said after scoring nine in the game-ending run. "By then it was too late."

"I'm still trying to comprehend it," Zeglinski said. "I'm still in shock."

It was Miller's fifth 3-pointer and the seventh for the Seminoles (20-9, 11-4 ACC), who won their seventh straight in the series and spoiled Senior Night for Mike Scott.

Scott scored 28, his career high in an ACC game, for the Cavaliers (21-8, 8-7), who lost for the first time in 18 games this season when scoring 60. Virginia played with only seven scholarship players available due to injuries.

Michael Snaer and Xavier Gibson added 12 points each for FSU, and Snaer said a turning point that looked like it might help Virginia mightily wound up driving the comeback.

After a Cavaliers turnover, the 'Noles tried a deep pass downcourt. Harris gave chase and ran into James, sending both to the floor, with Harris on top of James' foot. James pulled his out and kicked Harris, and the crowd went wild.

After watching the replay and consulting, officials ejected James, and Scott made two free throws for the flagrant foul, making it 56-47. He then drew a fifth foul on former Clearwater High standout Okaro White and made two free throws for a 58-47 lead with 4:33 left.

Virginia made only two free throws from that point.

"It was like, 'It's on now,' " Snaer said. "They messed up. They shouldn't have ever threw BJ out of the game. That was the mistake they made. The fans were like, 'Yes. BJ's gone. We can attack them.' No, because we just get even more mad, We just get even more fuel.

"We're a fuel team. We're an angry team, and when we're angry, we can hurt you."

Deividas Dulkys, whose only field goal of the game was a 3-pointer that tied it with 1:49 left, said: "We have a lot of fight in us.''

"We just gave that … away," Scott said. "That was our last chance to play one of the top teams in the ACC. That was our last chance to beat one of the best teams."

Times wires
Thursday, March 1, 2012

Up next | Races on major circuits

Sprint Cup

What: Subway Fresh Fit 500

When/where: Today, practice (Speed, 2:30-4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.); Saturday, qualifying (Speed, 2:30 p.m.); Sunday, race (Ch. 13, 3 p.m.); Avondale, Ariz.

Fast facts: The Phoenix International Raceway track was repaved and reconfigured after last year's fall race. … Penske Racing will switch from Dodge to Ford in NASCAR beginning in 2013, a move the team believes will help Roger Penske finally win a Sprint Cup championship. Penske said his drivers will compete with Ford Fusions in Sprint Cup and Ford Mustangs in Nationwide. Penske's IndyCar team is using Chevrolets this season. Ford does not compete in open-wheel. … Penske said he had no issue with driver Brad Keselow­ski using Twitter during the Daytona 500. "Brad is a creative, young guy," Penske said. "I take my hat off to him, and I think the … followers he picked up liked it. And to me, our sponsors were excited about it." Keselow­ski began tweeting during the two-hour red flag in Monday's race. He had his cell phone in the pocket of his fire suit at the start of the race. NASCAR said Keselowski can keep his cell phone and all drivers are encouraged to use social media.

Standings: 1. Matt Kenseth, 47; 2. Dale Earnhardt Jr., 42; 2. Greg Biffle, 42; 2. Denny Hamlin, 42; 5. Jeff Burton, 40; 6. Paul Menard, 39; 7. Kevin Harvick, 37; 8. Carl Edwards, 36; 9. Joey Logano, 36; 10. Mark Martin, 35; 11. Clint Bowyer 33; 11. Martin Truex, 33.

Nationwide

What: Bashas' Supermarkets 200

When/where: Today, practice (Speed, 1-2:30 p.m. and 4 p.m.); Saturday, qualifying (Speed, 1-2:30 p.m.), race (ESPN2, 4:30 p.m.); Avondale, Ariz.

Fast facts: Kyle Busch had eight victories in 20 starts last season to push his series-record total to 51.

Standings: 1. Elliott Sadler, 42; 2. Cole Whitt, 40; 3. Austin Dillon, 39; 4. Tayler Malsam, 38; 5. Trevor Bayne, 34.

NHRA

Next: Gatornationals, March 8-11, Auto Plus Raceway at Gainesville.

Standings: Top Fuel — 1. Spencer Massey, 119; 2. Antron Brown, 95. Funny Car — 1. John Force, 114. 2. Mike Neff, 95. Pro Stock — 1. Greg Anderson, 114; 2. Jeg Coughlin, 91.

Trucks

Next: Kroger 250, March 31, Martinsville (Va.) Speedway

Standings: 1. John King, 47; 2. Timothy Peters, 42; 3. Justin Lofton, 41; 4. Jason White, 40; 5. Todd Bodine, 38.

IndyCar

News: Rubens Barrichello is bringing his Formula One experience to IndyCar, and the veteran Brazilian driver can't wait to start his rookie season. After 19 years and a record 325 races in F1, the 39-year-old has joined KV Racing Technology on a one-year contract. He will make his series debut at the IRL season opener, March 25 at the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. "I'm loving the idea I'm going to be a rookie," he said. "That makes me young, and I'm loving that." Barrichello drove for Williams in F1 last season but lost his spot to countryman Bruno Senna.

Thursday, March 1, 2012

ORLANDO — Kevin Durant scored 38, including 18 in the fourth quarter, and Russell Westbrook added 29 points and 10 rebounds as the Thunder erased a 14-point deficit and beat the Magic 105-102 Thursday.

"That's one of the best, if not the best, offensive duo in the NBA," Magic forward Ryan Anderson said.

"Our fourth-quarter defense was pathetic," Magic coach Stan Van Gundy said after his team allowed the Thunder to shoot 67 percent in the fourth. "If we had one good defensive possession in the fourth quarter, I missed it."

The Magic had a chance to tie in the final seconds, but Jason Richardson's 3-pointer bounced off the backboard at the buzzer.

The Thunder's win was its seventh straight, matching a streak from earlier in the season.

Dwight Howard scored 33 and had nine rebounds to lead all five Magic starters in double figures.

Remembering Wilt: Fifty years ago tonight, the Philadelphia Warriors' Wilt Chamberlain scored a record 100 points in a game against the Knicks in Hershey, Pa. Gary Pomerantz, author of the book Wilt, 1962: The Night of 100 Points and the Dawn of a New Era, told New York's Newsday that night still reverberates. Chamberlain died in 1999. "Wilt was like a meteor exploding into the NBA. He transformed the game." When other players in that game still were taking two-handed set shots, Chamberlain "took basketball's feet off the floor," Pomerantz said. So, is there anyone playing today who can replicate the feat? "If anybody can do it right now it would be Kevin Durant, because he can score at will," said Mavs forward Sam Perkins.

Around the league: Heat forward Chris Bosh left the team because of a death in his family. It was not yet certain whether he will miss Sunday's game against the Lakers. … The city of Sacramento released the financing plan for a new arena, setting the stage for Tuesday's City Council vote that will decide whether the Kings stay. The nonbinding term sheet estimates the final price tag at $391 million.

Thunder 105, Magic 102

OKLAHOMA CITY (105): Durant 12-21 9-9 38, Ibaka 2-5 0-0 4, Perkins 2-4 0-0 4, Westbrook 11-21 7-10 29, Cook 2-4 2-4 6, Harden 5-8 3-4 13, Mohammed 0-2 0-0 0, Ivey 2-4 0-0 6, Collison 1-1 0-0 2, Jackson 1-4 0-0 3. Totals 38-74 21-27 105.

ORLANDO (102): Turkoglu 4-6 2-3 11, Anderson 6-12 0-0 15, Howard 14-20 5-8 33, Nelson 6-14 1-2 15, J.Richardson 5-14 3-4 16, Davis 1-8 2-2 4, Clark 1-2 0-0 2, Duhon 2-2 0-0 4, Redick 1-6 0-0 2, Liggins 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 40-84 13-19 102.

Oklahoma City 20 30 20 35— 105

Orlando 23 30 28 21— 102

3-Point Goals—Okl. City 8-18 (Durant 5-8, Ivey 2-4, Jackson 1-2, Cook 0-1, Harden 0-3), Orlando 9-25 (Anderson 3-7, J.Richardson 3-8, Nelson 2-6, Turkoglu 1-2, Redick 0-2). Fouled Out—None. Rebounds—Okl. City 41 (Perkins 11), Orlando 51 (Howard 9). Assists—Okl. City 19 (Westbrook 10), Orlando 24 (Nelson 9). Total Fouls—Okl. City 14, Orlando 19. A—18,846.

Suns 104, Wolves 95

MINNESOTA (95): Johnson 6-12 0-0 12, Love 8-25 6-6 23, Pekovic 6-12 2-2 14, Rubio 3-7 7-7 13, Ridnour 5-9 5-5 15, Webster 3-6 3-4 9, Williams 2-10 2-6 6, Beasley 1-5 1-2 3. Totals 34-86 26-32 95.

PHOENIX (104): Hill 8-12 4-4 20, Frye 5-10 2-2 14, Gortat 6-10 5-5 17, Nash 6-13 0-0 13, Dudley 6-11 0-0 12, Morris 2-6 0-0 4, Brown 6-11 0-0 12, Telfair 2-3 1-4 5, Warrick 1-2 1-2 3, Lopez 0-1 4-4 4. Totals 42-79 17-21 104.

Minnesota 23 28 23 21— 95

Phoenix 22 24 31 27— 104

3-Point Goals—Minnesota 1-13 (Love 1-5, Johnson 0-1, Ridnour 0-1, Williams 0-2, Beasley 0-2, Rubio 0-2), Phoenix 3-8 (Frye 2-3, Nash 1-3, Dudley 0-1, Brown 0-1). Fouled Out—None. Rebounds—Minnesota 47 (Love 10), Phoenix 52 (Nash 8). Assists—Minnesota 14 (Ridnour 8), Phoenix 27 (Nash 17). Total Fouls—Minnesota 20, Phoenix 27. Technicals—Phoenix defensive three second. A—15,071.