Saturday, December 31, 2011

Florida RT Patchan out vs. Ohio State (AP)

Florida will be without starting right tackle Matt Patchan against Ohio State in the Gator Bowl. Coach Will Muschamp says Patchan injured his upper back during practice and has been ruled out for Monday's game. Xavier Nixon, who has struggled all season and was eventually benched, likely will move back into the starting lineup against the Buckeyes.

Source: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Football News

Falling camera almost hits Iowa's McNutt (AP)

Flying cameras have been providing unique perspectives on everything from golf to college and professional football for more than a decade, becoming so commonplace that fans rarely notice the whizzing remote-controlled devices. At the Insight Bowl on Friday night, no one could miss the overhead camera when it came crashing down to the field late in the fourth quarter, nearly taking out one of the...

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Michigan's Robinson to get draft opinion (AP)

Denard Robinson said he expects to be back at Michigan next season. The dynamic quarterback, though, has filed paperwork with the NFL Draft Advisory Board to get a gauge of where he might be selected if he skips his senior season. He said he is still waiting for a response. "That is something that I am not even focused on," Robinson told reporters Friday in New Orleans.

Source: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Football News

Rutgers dedicates bowl win to LeGrand (AP)

NEW YORK - DECEMBER 30: (L-R) Jamil Merrell #92 and Jamal Merrell #37 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights celebrate a win over the Iowa State Cyclones in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium on December 30, 2011 in the Bronx Borough of New York City. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)

Rutgers coach Greg Schiano was handed the big glass trophy his Scarlet Knights earned by beating Iowa State in the Pinstripe Bowl on Friday and had just one thing to say. "Hey Big E! Hey Big E!" Schiano shouted into the microphone as he stood at midfield at Yankee Stadium and pointed toward the press box.


Source: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Football News

Son: Paterno improving, staying positive (AP)

Surrounded at home by energetic grandchildren on his 85th birthday, former Penn State coach Joe Paterno offered his family perspective about the turbulent two months during which he lost his job and learned he had lung cancer. The Hall of Fame coach wasn't dwelling on being fired over the phone following 46 seasons.

Source: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Football News

Virginia gives London raise, extension (AP)

Virginia football coach Mike London has won a two-year contract extension and a raise, increasing his annual salary to $2.1 million. News of the contract restructuring came Friday from Atlanta, where London is preparing the Cavaliers for their first bowl appearance since the 2007 season. Virginia faces Auburn in the Chick-fil-A Bowl on Saturday.

Source: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Football News

Nelson's TD pass with :11 left lifts BYU (AP)

When BYU opted for football independence, the Cougars no longer had a conference title to play for and were out of any possible BCS contention after two early losses. Things certainly change when you're out on your own. "You kind of have to be more introspective as a team to try to figure out what you can pull out of every player, see how good of a team we can become," senior...

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Miss. St. beats Wake in Music City Bowl (AP)

Wake Forest wide receiver Chris Givens has some powerful motivation when the Demon Deacons meet Mississippi State for the first game between the programs. It's not protecting Atlantic Coast Conference bragging rights over the mighty Southeastern Conference. No, this is much more personal. Mississippi State linebacker Christian Holmes is Givens' second cousin, and that means family pride is...

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Struggling Pitt searching for answers (AP)

There's a certain nastiness that comes with the job when you play basketball at Pittsburgh. Coach Jamie Dixon has built the Panthers into a Big East power on the backs of blue-collar players who aren't afraid to get their hands dirty. So far this season, those hands have been much too clean. Normally dominant in November and December, No.

Original: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Men's Hoops News

No. 25 San Diego St. rips D-III Redlands (AP)

Playing against outmanned Division III Redlands, any of the San Diego State Aztecs could have gotten the hot hand. Guard Jamaal Franklin did, and he responded with 26 points and 10 rebounds for his second career double-double to lead the No. 25 Aztecs to a 94-43 rout of the Bulldogs on Friday night. "I had a good night," Franklin said.

Original: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Men's Hoops News

No. 20 Murray State improves to 14-0 (AP)

Murray State head coach Steve Prohm talks to his team during a time out during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Eastern Illinois , Friday, Dec. 30, 2011, in Charleston, Ill.

With its national profile on the rise, No. 20 Murray State is growing accustomed to playing in front of larger crowds both at home and on the road. Eastern Illinois got a taste of that Friday night with its biggest crowd of the season -- and not all of them were there to cheer on the home team. Reserve Stacy Wilson scored 16 points to lead Murray State to an easy 73-40 win over Eastern Illinois.


Original: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Men's Hoops News

Women's Top 25 Capsules (AP)

Brittney Griner scored 20 points in 27 minutes and top-ranked Baylor finished its nonconference schedule with a 93-55 win over Mississippi Valley State. Destiny Williams had 11 points and 14 rebounds for the Bears, who reached 13-0 for the second time in the program's history. De'Kisha Fondon scored 23 for Mississippi Valley (2-8).

Source: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Women's Hoops News

No. 23 Virginia survives winless Towson (AP)

Virginia is getting close to opening its Atlantic Coast Conference schedule, and the way the Cavaliers played Friday night against winless Towson certainly won't help them once ACC competition begins. Despite shooting poorly and allowing Towson to battle them almost evenly on the boards, the No. 23 Cavs made just enough big plays down the stretch for a 57-50 victory.

Original: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Men's Hoops News

Texas Tech rallies past San Diego to go to 12-0 (AP)

Kierra Mallard scored on a putback with 7.6 seconds left, and No. 13 Texas Tech remained undefeated with a 58-57 win over San Diego on Friday night in the Surf N' Slam Classic. Casey Morris missed a jumper before Mallard grabbed the rebound, took one dribble and scored to give the Lady Raiders one of their few leads of the game.

Source: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Women's Hoops News

Denmon helps No. 8 Mizzou hold off ODU (AP)

Old Dominion head coach Blaine Taylor calls out to his team during an NCAA college basketball game against Missouri , Friday, Dec. 30, 2011, in Norfolk, Va.

Marcus Denmon saw the opening on the fast break on a previous trip downcourt. With No. 8 Missouri getting all it could handle from Old Dominion and just over a minute left, he went there again. Denmon scored 17 of his 19 points after halftime and hit the go-ahead 3-pointer with 61 seconds to play Friday night as the Tigers survived a scare with a 75-68 victory over the Monarchs.


Hat Tip To: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Men's Hoops News

Griner, No. 1 Baylor women top Miss Valley, 93-55 (AP)

Mississippi Valley State coach Nate Kilbert normally likes his chances when De'Kisha Fondon is on the mark. Against top-ranked Baylor, Fondon's sharpshooting wasn't enough to overcome the Bears' depth. Fondon scored 23 points for Mississippi Valley (2-8) in a 93-55 loss to Baylor on Friday night.

Source: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Women's Hoops News

No. 7 Duke routs W. Michigan 110-70 (AP)

Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski talks with officials during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Western Michigan in Durham, N.C., Friday, Dec. 30, 2011. Duke won 110-70.

Mike Krzyzewski told his No. 7 Duke team to pick up the pace. That wound up making everyone in the Blue Devils' backcourt look pretty good. Seth Curry scored a season-high 22 points and Austin Rivers added 20 in Duke's 110-70 rout of Western Michigan on Friday night. Quinn Cook had 16 points and eight assists, while Tyler Thornton added 12 points on four 3-pointers to help the Blue Devils...


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Hill leads No. 9 OSU women past Wisconsin, 77-61 (AP)

Wisconsin has shown it can hang with ranked teams for a half. The Badgers still haven't proven they can finish against them. For the second straight game, Wisconsin faded in the second half against a ranked team, this time losing 77-61 to No. 9 Ohio State Friday night in the Big Ten opener for both teams.

Source: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Women's Hoops News

No. 3 Kentucky to host No. 4 Louisville (AP)

Kentucky coach John Calipari began a list when he was asked whether he and Louisville coach Rick Pitino are too much alike to get along. "Similarities? We've both taken three teams to the Final Four, we both got fired in the NBA and we're Italians with big noses," Calipari said Friday.

Original: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Men's Hoops News

White, Bone, No. 10 A&M women beat McNeese, 72-62 (AP)

Not long after McNeese State lost by 40 points to Texas A&M in the first round of last year's NCAA tournament, twin sisters Ashlyn and Caitlyn Baggett started pestering coach Brooks Donald Williams to schedule a game with the Aggies this season. She said it wasn't possible. But the Cowgirls had to shift some games after being invited to the preseason NIT and had an opening when the...

Source: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Women's Hoops News

Minnesota F Mbakwe has knee surgery (AP)

Minnesota star Trevor Mbakwe (em-BAHK-way) has had reconstructive surgery on his injured right knee. Coach Tubby Smith said Friday's procedure went "very well" for the senior forward, whose college career ended early when he tore the anterior cruciate ligament during Minnesota's loss to Dayton on Nov.

Credit: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Men's Hoops News

Rodgers, No. 15 G'town women top Dartmouth, 77-38 (AP)

Georgetown's Sugar Rodgers was still irked about a late missed free throw that forced her to settle for tying her career scoring high in a win over Vermont. Rodgers more than made up for it Friday night from the foul line and everywhere else on the floor, scoring a career-high 39 points as the 15th-ranked Hoyas routed Dartmouth 77-38.

Source: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Women's Hoops News

Oliver, No. 11 Rutgers women defeat GW, 75-54 (AP)

Monique Oliver tied her season high with 23 points to lead No. 11 Rutgers to a 75-54 victory over George Washington on Friday night. April Sykes added 17 points and Khadijah Rushdan had 13 for the Scarlet Knights (11-2), who begin Big East play at home against Syracuse on Tuesday. Tara Booker scored 14 of her 18 points in the second half for GW, which briefly closed the deficit to 12 points after...

Source: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Women's Hoops News

Vandy upsets No. 14 Marquette 74-57 (AP)

Things started so well for Vanderbilt, Kevin Stallings found himself looking away from the scoreboard. The Vanderbilt coach couldn't believe his team was making things so difficult for No. 14 Marquette. "I was sure that I was like in a mirage or something, just seeing things," Stallings said.

Original: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Men's Hoops News

Rutgers stuns No. 10 Florida in 2 OTs (AP)

Florida's Kenny Boynton (1) takes a shot during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Rutgers in Piscataway, N.J., Thursday, Dec. 29, 2011. Rutgers won 85-83 in double overtime. Boynton had 26 points for Florida .

Mike Rice has been waiting for his kids at Rutgers to grow up, buy into the system and start showing the talent he knew they had. They finally did against No. 10 Florida. Freshman Eli Carter scored a season-high 31 points and hit the go-ahead basket in the second overtime as Rutgers stunned the Gators 85-83 on Thursday night after rallying from deficits in regulation and the first overtime.


Original: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Men's Hoops News

Friday, December 30, 2011

Hokies K Weiss misses curfew, sent home (AP)

Virginia Tech has sent kicker Tyler Weiss home for a curfew violation in New Orleans, where the Hokies are preparing to meet Michigan in the Sugar Bowl. Virginia Tech spokesman Bryan Johnston says Weiss was booked on a bus to Roanoke, Va., after he failed to be present for a 1 a.m. bed check early Thursday.

Source: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Football News

Bowl records fall in Baylor's 67-56 win (AP)

Baylor's Terrance Ganaway , right, and Kendall Wright celebrate a touchdown during the second half of the Alamo Bowl college football game against Washington , Thursday, Dec. 29, 2011, at the Alamodome in San Antonio. Baylor pulled out a thrilling Alamo Bowl victory in the highest-scoring bowl game in history, beating Washington 67-56 in a record-smashing shootout Thursday night.

A thrilling, back-and-forth, record-shattering Alamo Bowl had barely ended when Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III already started hearing the chants. "One more year! One more year!" One more year? There's still the craziness of what happened Thursday night to get through first. Griffin wasn't dazzling in possibly his last college game -- and didn't need to be -- yet No.


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Penn State AD hopes to have coach soon (AP)

Penn State's search to replace fired coach Joe Paterno could be wrapped up in the next few weeks. Acting athletic director David Joyner said Thursday he'd like the next coach to have time to interact with recruits before high school seniors can announce their college choices starting February 1.

Source: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Football News

FSU extends Fisher's deal through 2016 (AP)

Florida State is extending football coach Jimbo Fisher's contract through the 2016 season. The school announced the one-year extension to Fisher's current contract before the kickoff of Thursday's Champs Sports Bowl against Notre Dame. Fisher signed a five-year, $13.75 million contract in February after going 10-4 during the 2010 season, his first as head coach.

Source: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Football News

Jones leads way as St. Mary's tops BYU (AP)

Rob Jones had 24 points and 15 rebounds, Matthew Dellavedova added 18 points and a career-high 12 assists and Saint Mary's used a big run coming out of halftime to beat BYU 98-82 on Thursday in the West Coast Conference opener for both teams. Stephen Holt scored a career-high 21 points and Jorden Page had 13 for the Gaels (12-2), who made 12 3-pointers and led by 22 before BYU made a brief run...

Source: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Men's Hoops News

Vandy upsets No. 14 Marquette 74-57 (AP)

Things started so well for Vanderbilt, Kevin Stallings found himself looking away from the scoreboard. The Vanderbilt coach couldn't believe his team was making things so difficult for No. 14 Marquette. "I was sure that I was like in a mirage or something, just seeing things," Stallings said.

By: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Men's Hoops News

Bearcats rally from 12 down, top Sooners (AP)

Oklahoma forward Romero Osby, right, pulls a rebound away from Cincinnati center Kelvin Gaines in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Thursday, Dec. 29, 2011, in Cincinnati. Cincinnati won 56-55.

Point guard Cashmere Wright made a driving layup with 8.8 seconds left, and Cincinnati rallied from a 12-point deficit to a 56-55 victory over Oklahoma on Thursday night. The Bearcats (10-3) trailed by 12 with 6 minutes to go, but went to a full-court press and got a three-point play and the winning layup by Wright in the closing minute at a downtown arena where Cincinnati has won its last 17...


Credit: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Men's Hoops News

USC women fall short against No. 4 Stanford (AP)

Michael Cooper is tired of Southern California coming close against the best teams in women's basketball only to lose. It happened again Thursday night, when the Trojans pressured Stanford nearly the entire game before dropping a 61-53 decision in the teams' Pac-12 opener. USC gave defending national champion Texas A&M all it could handle before losing 71-70 on Dec.

Source: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Women's Hoops News

Wroten's 26 lift Washington past Beavers (AP)

Washington coach Lorenzo Romar directs his team against Oregon State in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Thursday, Dec. 29, 2011, in Seattle. Washington won 95-80.

Tony Wroten powered Washington past Oregon State 95-80 with 26 points, nine rebounds and four assists in the Pac-12 opener for both teams Thursday night. After controlling the start of the game, things became tight toward the end for Washington (7-5, 1-0). Oregon State's Ahmad Starks cut Washington's lead to 83-80 when he hit a deep 3-pointer.


By: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Men's Hoops News

No. 4 Stanford beats USC 61-53 in women's game (AP)

Stanford coach Tara VanDerveer yells to her team in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Southern California in Los Angeles, Thursday, Dec. 29, 2011. Stanford won 61-53.

Stanford cruised through the start of the season, building a 9-1 record with wins against ranked Tennessee and Texas. Things weren't quite so easy in the No. 4 Cardinal's Pac-12 opener. Nnemkadi Ogwumike had 19 points and 15 rebounds, Toni Kokenis added 15 and Stanford pulled away over the final 10 minutes to beat Southern California 61-53 Thursday night.


Source: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Women's Hoops News

No. 17 Kansas overwhelms Howard by 55 (AP)

Actress Olivia Wilde looks at the scoreboard during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game between Kansas and Howard in Lawrence, Kan., Thursday, Dec. 29, 2011. Wilde, who appears on TV's

Tyshawn Taylor grabbed the opening tip, took a couple dribbles across midcourt and heaved a pass ahead to Jeff Withey, who was fouled while slamming home a rim-rattling dunk. Kansas needed all of 5 seconds to set the tone against overmatched, undersized Howard. Taylor finished with 13 points and five assists, Connor Teahan also had 13 points and the No.


Hat Tip To: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Men's Hoops News

No. 13 Texas Tech women stay undefeated (AP)

Shauntal Nobles scored a career-high 14 points to help No. 13 Texas Tech remain undefeated with an 81-63 win over Cal State Bakersfield in the Surf N' Slam Classic on Thursday night. Texas Tech (11-0) is off to its best start since winning 15 straight to open the 2004-05 season. The Lady Raiders are one of six undefeated Division I teams.

Source: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Women's Hoops News

Rutgers stuns No. 10 Florida in 2 OTs (AP)

Florida's Kenny Boynton (1) takes a shot during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Rutgers in Piscataway, N.J., Thursday, Dec. 29, 2011. Rutgers won 85-83 in double overtime. Boynton had 26 points for Florida .

Mike Rice has been waiting for his kids at Rutgers to grow up, buy into the system and start showing the talent he knew they had. They finally did against No. 10 Florida. Freshman Eli Carter scored a season-high 31 points and hit the go-ahead basket in the second overtime as Rutgers stunned the Gators 85-83 on Thursday night after rallying from deficits in regulation and the first overtime.


By: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Men's Hoops News

No. 18 Green Bay women top UIC 80-63 (AP)

Green Bay remained unbeaten and extended its Horizon League winning streak to 27 games with a wire-to-wire win over Illinois-Chicago. None of that, however, means coach Matt Bollant was happy afterward. No. 18 Green Bay started its trek toward a Division I-best 14th consecutive regular-season conference championship with an 80-63 victory Thursday night.

Source: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Women's Hoops News

Hardaway's 26 help Michigan top Penn St. (AP)

Michigan forward Jordan Morgan, left, watches guard Zack Novak, bottom, try to draw a charge from Penn State guard Jermaine Marshall in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Thursday, Dec. 29, 2011, at Crisler Arena in Ann Arbor, Mich. Michigan won 71-53.

On any other night, Michigan coach John Beilein wouldn't be pleased with Tim Hardaway Jr. missing six of his seven 3-point attempts. Beilein didn't seem to mind on Thursday night. Hardaway hit 10 of 11 shots from inside the arc and scored 26 points to lead the No. 18 Wolverines over Penn State 71-53 in the Big Ten opener for both teams.


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Hayes and Dolson lead UConn women past Fairfield (AP)

Fairfield coach Joe Frager watches his team during the second half of their 93-40 loss to Connecticut in an NCAA college basketball game in Storrs, Conn., on Thursday, Dec. 29, 2011.

After slumping the last few games, Stefanie Dolson finally put together a solid outing. Dolson scored 22 points making 11 of her 13 shots to lead No. 2 Connecticut to a 93-40 win over Fairfield on Thursday night. She had scored just 24 points total in her previous four games. "She's been struggling a little bit," Auriemma said.


Source: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Women's Hoops News

Stanford reserve G Harris out for season (AP)

Junior guard Gabriel Harris will miss the remainder of the season for Stanford after having surgery to repair his injured right knee. Stanford coach Johnny Dawkins made the announcement Thursday night before the Cardinal's Pac-12 opener against UCLA. Additional details on Harris' injury were not immediately announced.

Original: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Men's Hoops News

UConn women too much for Fairfield (AP)

Fairfield entered its game against Connecticut as the top defensive team in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference. However, the Stags hadn't played a team anywhere near as good as the second-ranked Huskies. Fairfield couldn't handle the upgrade in competition, falling 93-40 to UConn on Thursday night.

Source: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Women's Hoops News

No. 19 Delaware women lose to No. 5 Maryland 85-76 (AP)

There were no sad faces, no tears and no excuses by No. 19 Delaware after its first loss of the season. Instead, the Blue Hens were decidedly upbeat about their performance Thursday night because they gave fifth-ranked Maryland all it could handle before falling 85-76 in the final of the Terrapin Classic.

Source: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Women's Hoops News

Zeller's big night helps UNC rout Elon (AP)

North Carolina 's Dexter Strickland (1), Harrison Barnes (40), John Henson (31), Reggie Bullock (35) and Tyler Zeller (44) reactn after they scored 100 points against Elon during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Chapel Hill, N.C., Thursday, Dec. 29, 2011. North Carolina won 100-62.

North Carolina headed into Christmas with one of its best performances of the season. The fifth-ranked Tar Heels didn't want to squander that progress by coming out of the holiday looking flat and unfocused. Instead, they put together a dominating first-half run to blow out Elon early and extend their home winning streak.


Origin: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Men's Hoops News

No. 24 Harvard cruises past BC 67-46 (AP)

Harvard coach Tommy Amaker yells to his team in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Boston College in Boston, Thursday, Dec. 29, 2011. Harvard won 67-46.

Harvard coach Tommy Amaker joked about the high shooting standard he's set for Laurent Rivard. He certainly lived up to the challenge against Boston College. Rivard scored 18 points on 7-of-12 shooting to lead No. 24 Harvard to a 67-46 win over Boston College on Thursday night. "We like to tease him that he's the second-best shooter in the city," Amaker said.


Origin: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Men's Hoops News

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Defensive coordinator leaves Texas Tech (AP)

Texas Tech defensive coordinator Chad Glasgow is leaving after one season with the Red Raiders. Football spokesman Blayne Beal said Thursday than Glasgow and Texas Tech "have reached a mutual agreement" that he would not remain. He declined further comment. The Red Raiders finished the season ranked 115th in total defense.

Source: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Football News

Oregon player performs Heimlich maneuver (AP)

An Oregon football player helped a choking diner during the traditional Beef Bowl, which brings the teams playing in the Rose Bowl to Lawry's in Beverly Hills for prime rib. City News Service says Paul Diamond began choking a bit while eating Wednesday. Oregon guard Mark Asper performed the Heimlich maneuver on Diamond, helping him cough the meat up.

Source: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Football News

Ash leads Texas over Cal in Holiday Bowl (AP)

California wide receiver Marvin Jones (1) is upended in the second half against Texas during the Holiday Bowl NCAA college football game Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2011, in San Diego. Texas beat California 21-10.

The next time Texas coach Mack Brown sees Joey Harrington, the memory shouldn't be quite so painful. David Ash added his name to the list of quarterbacks who've caught a touchdown pass in the Holiday Bowl and he also threw for one score to lead Texas to a 21-10 victory against California on Wednesday night.


Source: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Football News

Toledo beats Air Force in wild finish (AP)

WASHINGTON , DC - DECEMBER 28: Jerome Jones #88 of the Toledo Rockets and head coach Matt Campbell celebrate after the Rockets defeated the Air Force Falcons 42-41 to win the Military Bowl at RFK Stadium on December 28, 2011 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Even the youngest head coach in the country knows not to expect the conventional from Air Force. After all, the Falcons had already scored three fourth-down touchdowns, including the one that had just made the Military Bowl a one-point game with 52 seconds to play. So 32-year-old Matt Campbell, leading Toledo for the first time, wasn't surprised when Air Force lined up to kick the extra point...


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Terry Bowden introduced as Akron coach (AP)

Terry Bowden believes he is returning to Division I football after a 13 years away not just older but wiser. The 54-year-old former Auburn coach was introduced Wednesday as the 27th coach at Akron. Bowden's job is to restore a program with a rich tradition, state-of-the-art stadium, but a woeful record in recent years.

Source: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Football News

Stanback's 9 3s power UNLV to 124-75 win (AP)

LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 28: Head coach Corliss Williamson of the Central Arkansas Bears watches his team take on the UNLV Rebels at the Thomas & Mack Center December 28, 2011 in Las Vegas, Nevada. UNLV won 124-75. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Chace Stanback wasn't on the court when the game started, but he soon made his presence felt. Stanback, who was late to Monday's practice and had to come off the bench as a disciplinary measure on Wednesday night, was 9 of 11 from 3-point range and scored 29 points in 23 minutes to lead No. 19 UNLV to a 124-75 win over Central Arkansas.


By: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Men's Hoops News

No. 3 Kentucky romps, Louisville next (AP)

Kentucky head coach John Calipari shouts instructions to his team during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Lamar in Lexington, Ky., Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2011.

Kentucky coach John Calipari had some problems with his third-ranked Wildcats' 86-64 victory over Lamar on Wednesday night, their last game before facing No. 4 Louisville. The Wildcats (12-1) started strong and never struggled to beat Lamar, and they also benefited from sophomore Terrence Jones' return after missing two games with a dislocated pinky on his left -- shooting -- hand.


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No. 6 Kentucky women fall 70-58 to Middle Tenn. (AP)

Kentucky coach Matthew Mitchell tried a lineup tweak starting Samantha Drake and Samarie Walker to go bigger inside, hoping to get a jump early on Middle Tennessee and prep for the Wildcats' Southeastern Conference schedule. Blame the weeklong holiday break or credit Middle Tennessee, the change didn't work out Wednesday night.

Source: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Women's Hoops News

Baylor 13-0 after escaping vs. Miss. St. (AP)

DALLAS, TX - DECEMBER 28: Head coach Scott Drew of the Baylor Bears during play against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at American Airlines Center on December 28, 2011 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

With one big play, Pierre Jackson made up for a series of mistakes to keep No. 6 Baylor undefeated. Jackson drove for a layup with 28 seconds left to give the Bears a 54-52 victory over No. 15 Mississippi State, which had won 11 straight. "A lot of players wouldn't have the guts to take the last shot or make the last play," Baylor coach Scott Drew said.


By: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Men's Hoops News

Middle Tennessee women upset No. 6 Kentucky 70-58 (AP)

The Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders got sick of coming close to big wins only to blow leads late. This time, they closed out a tough opponent. Icelyn Elie scored 23 points and Ebony Rowe added 21 while grabbing 12 rebounds as Middle Tennessee upset sixth-ranked Kentucky 70-58 Wednesday night matching the biggest win in program history over a ranked team.

Source: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Women's Hoops News

Minus Calhoun, No. 6 UConn holds on (AP)

Connecticut center Alex Oriakhi (34) shoots over South Florida forward Toarlyn Fitzpatrick (32) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Wednesday Dec. 28, 2011, in Tampa, Fla. UConn defeated South Florida 60-57.

No. 9 Connecticut got a much-needed spark from Jeremy Lamb, who made sure the Huskies found a way to hold off South Florida in its Big East opener without suspended coach Jim Calhoun. Lamb scored 16 of his 23 points in the second half and had a jumper and three free throws over the final 1:46 to help the Huskies (11-1, 1-0) beat the Bulls 60-57 on Wednesday night for their sixth consecutive...


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Old Dominion routed 90-37 by No. 7 Tennessee (AP)

As an aspiring young coach, Karen Barefoot wrote to Tennessee coach Pat Summitt seeking advice on how to succeed in the profession. As the new head coach at Old Dominion, Barefoot now has the daunting task of returning the once proud program to where it can compete with the likes of the Lady Volunteers.

Source: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Women's Hoops News

Michigan State hands Indiana first loss (AP)

Michigan State coach Tom Izzo gives instructions during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Indiana , Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2011, in East Lansing, Mich. Michigan State won 80-65.

Michigan State coach Tom Izzo loved the fight of his team and knew his 16th-ranked Spartans beat No. 13 Indiana by landing the last knockout punch Wednesday night. Keith Appling scored a career-high 25 points and sparked a 20-0 second-half surge to help the Spartans hand the Hoosiers their first loss of the season, 80-65.


Origin: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Men's Hoops News

No. 12 Miami women beat Holy Cross 89-49 (AP)

Riquna Williams scored 18 points to lead No. 12 Miami to an 89-49 win over Holy Cross in the first round of the Miami Holiday Classic on Wednesday night. In their first game since a 25-point loss at No. 15 Georgetown on Dec. 21, the Hurricanes broke the game open with an 18-2 run midway through the first half.

Source: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Women's Hoops News

Missouri State upsets No. 21 Creighton (AP)

Creighton coach Greg McDermott watches the last minutes of their NCAA college basketball game Wednesday Dec 28, 2011 against Missouri State in Omaha, Neb

The face of No. 21 Creighton disappeared when the Bluejays needed him most. National scoring leader Doug McDermott scored just one of his 19 points in the last 10 minutes and was outplayed by Kyle Weems in Missouri State's 77-65 upset Wednesday night. Weems scored 25 of his career-high 31 points in the second half and Anthony Downing had a career-high 26 points in his first start for the...


Hat Tip To: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Men's Hoops News

Women's Top 25 Capsules (AP)

Devereaux Peters scored 19 points and No. 3 Notre Dame opened with a 27-0 run, going on to beat Longwood 92-26 on Wednesday. Skylar Diggins added 11 points and 10 assists, Natalie Novosel also scored 11 points and Fraderica Miller had 10 for the Fighting Irish (12-1), who converted 33 Longwood turnovers into 42 points.

Source: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Women's Hoops News

No. 1 Orange cruise in Big East opener (AP)

Seton Hall head coach Kevin Willard instructs his players against Syracuse during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Syracuse, N.Y., Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2011. Syracuse won 75-49.

A year ago as a raw freshman with little stamina, Fab Melo watched most of Seton Hall's stunning triumph over then-No. 9 Syracuse from the bench. On Wednesday night, that was a distant memory. Melo had a career-high 12 points and school-record 10 blocks and top-ranked Syracuse stifled Seton Hall at every turn in a 75-49 victory in the Big East opener for both teams.


Credit: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Men's Hoops News

No. 7 Tennessee routs Old Dominion 90-37 (AP)

Old Dominion head coach Karen Barefoot directs her team in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Tennessee on Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2011, in Knoxville, Tenn. Tennessee won 90-37.

With an ugly loss behind them and an overmatched opponent in front of them, the seventh-ranked Tennessee Lady Volunteers turned their attention back to the basics. The Lady Vols spent their practices since last week's 17-point loss at No. 4 Stanford focused on regaining the defensive excellence that coach Pat Summitt expects of them.


Source: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Women's Hoops News

No. 17 Georgia women rout Furman (AP)

Anne Marie Armstrong scored 19 points and led short-handed No. 17 Georgia to an 83-58 win over Furman on Wednesday night. For the second straight game, Georgia (11-2) played without starting point guard Jasmine James, who sprained her right knee Dec. 20 in a win over Montana State. Jasmine Hassell scored 15 points, Erika Ford 14 and Meredith Mitchell 12 for Georgia.

Source: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Women's Hoops News

Hoyas end Louisville's home streak at 20 (AP)

LOUISVILLE , KY - DECEMBER 28: Greg Whittington #2 of the Georgetown Hoyas shoots the ball during the Big East conference game against the Louisville Cardinals at KFC YUM! Center on December 28, 2011 in Louisville, Kentucky . (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Georgetown is more concerned with accumulating wins than making statements with 10 freshmen and sophomores on the roster. Sophomore Markel Starks and freshman Otto Porter made sure the Hoyas did both. Starks scored 16 of his career-high 20 points in the second half and Porter came up clutch late as No.


Via: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Men's Hoops News

Buford has career-high 28, Buckeyes roll (AP)

Northwestern coach Billy Carmody yells instructions to his players during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Ohio State , Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2011, in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State won 87-54.

Northwestern coach Bill Carmody was in mid-thought when he suddenly said of Ohio State's William Buford, "I don't know if you'd call it his team but ... he's a senior, right?" Told that Buford was, indeed, the second-ranked Buckeyes' only senior, Carmody muttered, "Thank God." Buford had career-highs of 28 points and five 3-pointers as Ohio State showed off...


Hat Tip To: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Men's Hoops News

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Pac-12, Big Ten reach scheduling deal (AP)

The Big Ten and Pac-12 are set to announce a long-term scheduling agreement between the two rich and powerful conferences for all sports. In football, the 12-team leagues are aiming to create a 12-game inter-conference schedule by the 2017 season. Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott and Big 12 Commissioner Jim Delany were scheduled to hold a teleconference at 4 p.m.

Source: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Football News

Missouri in SEC East, Texas A&M in West (AP)

Missouri and Texas A&M will play their first Southeastern Conference games at home on Sept. 8, and Alabama will visit LSU in a rematch of the Bowl Championship Series national championship on Nov. 3. The SEC released its first 14-team schedule on Wednesday with new members Missouri and Texas A&M as part of the conference.

Source: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Football News

Alamo Bowl may be finale for QB Griffin (AP)

Since winning the Heisman Trophy, Robert Griffin III is often shadowed by a bodyguard of sorts to dissuade autograph seekers, and this week tucked his dreadlocks under a hat in hopes of strolling through Sea World incognito. "I got a lot of double-takes," the Baylor quarterback said. "If you can get a double-take, you can walk far enough away to where they'll be discouraged to...

Source: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Football News

NC State holds off Cards in Belk Bowl (AP)

CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 27: Victor Anderson #20 of the Louisville Cardinals checks on teammate Teddy Bridgewater #5 of the Louisville Cardinals after a hard hit during their game against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Bank of America Stadium on December 27, 2011 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

North Carolina State coach Tom O'Brien took a lot of heat when he decided to part ways with star quarterback Russell Wilson and go with unproven junior Mike Glennon as his starter. It all worked out on Tuesday night in the Belk Bowl, with Glennon throwing for 264 yards and three touchdowns to lead N.C.


Source: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Football News

Purdue holds on to win Pizza Bowl 37-32 (AP)

Purdue's Akeem Shavers , left, avoids Western Michigan 's Johnnie Simon on a 14-yard run in the fourth quarter of the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl college football game Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2011, in Detroit. Purdue defeated Western Michigan 37-32.

Purdue quarterback Caleb TerBush took the final snap, sprinted to the sideline and handed the football to coach Danny Hope. "It's a moment that we've been waiting for the last three years," Hope said. Perhaps empowered by getting a contract extension recently, Hope made the gutsy decision to go for two onside kicks in the first half and both gambles paid off for the Boilermakers...


Source: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Football News

Cal faces Texas 7 years after Rose snub (AP)

Even though he's won a Super Bowl, it still irks Aaron Rodgers that he and the California Golden Bears were bumped from the Rose Bowl seven years ago by Mack Brown and the Texas Longhorns. The Longhorns went on to beat Michigan in Pasadena. Relegated to the Holiday Bowl, Cal played like a jilted team and was overrun by Texas Tech in Rodgers' final game.

Source: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Football News

Big East lawsuit vs. WVU not dismissed (AP)

A Rhode Island judge on Tuesday denied a request by West Virginia University to dismiss a lawsuit filed by the Big East Conference over the university's bid to make a quick exit for the Big 12. Providence County Superior Court Judge Michael Silverstein rejected all of the university's arguments for dismissal.

Source: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Football News

Concussed PSU QB McGloin not practicing (AP)

Penn State interim coach Tom Bradley stood in the Texas sunshine on a crisp day watching his team streaming onto the field. Away from home, preparing for a bowl game, the focus is on football and the final game of what has been a season of turmoil. "Let's talk football, it's great to finally talk football," Bradley said Tuesday.

Source: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Football News

Pac-12, Big Ten reach scheduling deal (AP)

The Big Ten and Pac-12 are set to announce a long-term scheduling agreement between the two rich and powerful conferences for all sports. In football, the 12-team leagues are aiming to create a 12-game inter-conference schedule by the 2017 season. Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott and Big 12 Commissioner Jim Delany were scheduled to hold a teleconference at 4 p.m.

Source: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Men's Hoops News

Top-ranked Syracuse ready for Seton Hall (AP)

A year ago Seton Hall entered the Carrier Dome with a losing record and stunned the hometown faithful with a flurry of 3-pointers in a 22-point victory over Syracuse. The teams meet again Wednesday night under the Teflon roof in their Big East opener, and it's no surprise the unbeaten Orange, the top-ranked team in the nation, are a bit wary.

Via: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Men's Hoops News

No. 11 Wisconsin stifles Nebraska 64-40 (AP)

Nebraska's scouting report apparently didn't put much emphasis on Ryan Evans. Other Big Ten teams probably won't make the same mistake. Evans scored a career-high 22 points and No. 11 Wisconsin defeated injury-plagued Nebraska 64-40 in the Cornhuskers' inaugural Big Ten game Tuesday night.

Origin: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Men's Hoops News

Irish top No. 22 Pitt in Big East opener (AP)

Pittsburgh guard Ashton Gibbs walks off the court following their 72-59 loss to Notre Dame in an NCAA college basketball game, Tuesday Dec. 27, 2011, in South Bend, Ind. Gibbs had 12 points.

Notre Dame coach Mike Brey called his team's victory over Pittsburgh on Tuesday night one of the most fun games he has coached since coming to South Bend. Alex Dragicevich hit four 3-pointers and scored a career-high 22 points to lead the Fighting Irish to a 72-59 win over the No. 22 Panthers in the Big East opener for both teams.


Hat Tip To: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Men's Hoops News

Illini hold off Gophers in double OT (AP)

Illinois coach Bruce Weber shouts during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Minnesota in Champaign, Ill., Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2011. Illinois won 81-72 in double overtime.

Brandon Paul scored a breakaway dunk that put Illinois ahead in double overtime Tuesday night and Meyers Leonard hit the layup that sealed the 81-72 victory over Minnesota. Paul swiped the ball from Ralph Sampson III for the dunk that gave the Illini (12-2, 1-0 Big Ten) a three-point cushion at 73-70.


Via: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Men's Hoops News

Virginia 11-1 for first time in 11 years (AP)

Virginia guard Paul Jesperson is covered up by Maryland-Eastern Shore guard Percy Woods (12) and forward Mark Robertson (31) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2011, in Charlottesville, Va. Virginia won 69-42.

Mike Scott watched most of the first half because of foul trouble and couldn't have liked what he saw. He made up for it quickly once the second half got going. The senior forward scored 10 of his 17 points during a 12-point spurt early in the second half and No. 23 Virginia beat Maryland-Eastern Shore 69-42 on Tuesday night.


Via: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Men's Hoops News

Healthy Buckeyes set for Big Ten opener (AP)

Ohio State's players know it would be quite an accomplishment to win a third straight Big Ten title. They also know just how hard it is to win one. The second-ranked Buckeyes (12-1) begin conference play on Wednesday night when they host Northwestern (10-2) in a difficult test at Value City Arena.

Via: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Men's Hoops News

Big East lawsuit vs. WVU not dismissed (AP)

A Rhode Island judge on Tuesday denied a request by West Virginia University to dismiss a lawsuit filed by the Big East Conference over the university's bid to make a quick exit for the Big 12. Providence County Superior Court Judge Michael Silverstein rejected all of the university's arguments for dismissal.

By: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Men's Hoops News

No. 5 Maryland women rout Lafayette 84-36 (AP)

Brene Moseley scored 12 points and No. 5 Maryland remained unbeaten after a 84-36 rout of Lafayette on Wednesday in the first-round of the Terrapin Classic. The Terps (12-0) will play the winner between No. 19 Delaware and East Carolina in the championship game on Thursday. Alyssa Thomas scored 11 points and Tianna Hawkins had her sixth double-double of the season with 10 points and 13 rebounds for...

Source: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Women's Hoops News

F Kidd-Gilchrist back with Kentucky (AP)

Kentucky forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist has returned to the team after going home to New Jersey during the holiday break to visit his hospitalized mother. Cindy Richardson, who was admitted last week for an undisclosed illness, has been released. Kidd-Gilchrist played in Kentucky's 87-63 win last Wednesday against Loyola (Md.) after he learned Richardson had been hospitalized.

Credit: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Men's Hoops News

Pitino: I won't coach past 2016-17 (AP)

Rick Pitino said Tuesday that he won't coach past the 2016-2017 season when his current contract ends at Louisville. "When you're 59, you're realistic that you don't have a whole lot of years left," Pitino said at a news conference before the No. 4 Cardinals play Georgetown on Wednesday.

Source: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Men's Hoops News

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Nebraska OL Rodriguez to miss bowl (AP)

Offensive lineman Andrew Rodriguez of No. 21 Nebraska has been ruled out of the Capital One Bowl against No. 10 South Carolina because of a sprained foot. Coach Bo Pelini said Tuesday that the left guard didn't make the trip with the team but could be at the bowl site late in the week. Rodriguez has missed the last three games.

Source: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Football News

Concussed PSU QB McGloin not practicing (AP)

Penn State has opened its bowl preparations without quarterback Matt McGloin in uniform. McGloin was in street clothes Tuesday when the Nittany Lions started practice at a Dallas-area high school. Before Christmas, he hit his head during a locker-room scuffle with receiver Curtis Drake. He went into seizure and sustained a concussion.

Source: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Football News

Mizzou downs UNC in Independence Bowl (AP)

North Carolina interim football coach Everett Withers calls out as his team plays Missouri in the third quarter of the Independence Bowl college football game in Shreveport, La., Monday, Dec. 26, 2011.

James Franklin's hard running and timely passing led Missouri to an easy win in its final game as a member of the Big 12. It also gives the Tigers plenty of hope heading into their new home in the Southeastern Conference. Franklin ran for two touchdowns and threw for another, and the Tigers easily beat North Carolina 41-24 in the Independence Bowl on Monday night.


Source: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Football News

Griffin: I sometimes have bodyguards (AP)

Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III is getting help in dealing with his new fame. The Baylor quarterback confirmed Monday that he's sometimes shadowed by security since being honored earlier this month as the nation's best player. Griffin said he understands that "people are going to want a piece of you when you're doing great things." He added it was a good problem to...

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W. Michigan meets Purdue in Pizza Bowl (AP)

Western Michigan coach Bill Cubit was thrilled after he found out his team would be playing in a bowl close to home. The Broncos don't even have to leave the state to play in the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl on Tuesday against Purdue at Detroit's Ford Field. "It's a perfect situation for us as a university," Cubit said.

Source: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Football News

Glennon leads NC State vs. Louisville (AP)

When North Carolina State coach Tom O'Brien parted ways with quarterback Russell Wilson in the spring there were plenty of concerns about the Wolfpack's offense. Replacement Mike Glennon has taken care of that, and then some. Glennon has flourished as a junior this season. He threw for 2,790 yards and 28 touchdowns and led N.C.

Source: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Football News

Prohm has No. 20 Murray State unbeaten (AP)

Murray State players are on a mission: Prove hiring coach Steve Prohm was the right move. So far, so good. No. 20 Murray State is one of six undefeated Division I men's basketball teams -- joining Syracuse, Louisville, Baylor, Missouri and Indiana. The Racers, out of the Ohio Valley Conference, are off to their best start in 75 years at 13-0.

By: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Men's Hoops News

Monday, December 26, 2011

Missouri, UNC meet in Independence Bowl (AP)

Big changes are coming for the football programs at Missouri and North Carolina. Before they happen, there's one more football game to play. The Tigers and Tar Heels meet on Monday in the Independence Bowl, and both teams have become quite experienced at juggling questions about their long-term future with the upcoming matchup.

Source: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Football News

Syracuse remains atop AP rankings (AP)

Laurent Rivard has helped put the Harvard Crimson into the AP men's basketball top 25 for the first time.

With Syracuse No. 1 for a third straight week, the top seven teams remain the same in The Associated Press' Top 25. The Orange received 54 first-place votes from the 65-member national media poll on Monday. Ohio State, Kentucky, Louisville, North Carolina, Baylor and Duke held their places from last week.


Origin: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Men's Hoops News

Prohm has No. 22 Murray State unbeaten (AP)

Murray State players are on a mission: Prove hiring coach Steve Prohm was the right move. So far, so good. No. 22 Murray State is one of six undefeated Division I men's basketball teams -- joining Syracuse, Louisville, Baylor, Missouri and Indiana. The Racers, out of the Ohio Valley Conference, are off to their best start in 75 years at 13-0.

By: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Men's Hoops News

Smith, Dieng key Louisville's 12-0 start (AP)

Rick Pitino says No. 4 Louisville isn't playing good basketball. The Cardinals have had to rally to win in their last three games, most recently against Western Kentucky. But if everyone on Pitino's squad was performing like sophomores Gorgui Dieng and Russ Smith, the coach's outlook might be more positive heading into a stretch that includes a Big East Conference opener against No.

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McGruder powers K-State to tourney title (AP)

Long Beach State forward Eugene Phelps, left, blocks the path of Kansas State guard Angel Rodriguez (13) in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game on Sunday, Dec. 25, 2011, in Honolulu.

Rodney McGruder scored a career-best 28 points and Kansas State used a big first-half run to beat Long Beach State 77-60 on Sunday and win the Diamond Head Classic. McGruder finished 10 of 11 from the field, including 2 of 3 from 3-point range. He also went 6 of 7 from the line. Will Spradling added 17 points for the Wildcats (10-1).


Hat Tip To: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Men's Hoops News

UTEP tops Auburn for 3rd place in Hawaii (AP)

Auburn's Frankie Sullivan (23) guards UTEP forward Julian Washburn (10) in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game on Sunday, Dec. 25, 2011, in Honolulu. UTEP defeated Auburn 83-76.

John Bohannon tied his career high with 20 points and grabbed nine rebounds to lead UTEP to an 83-76 victory over Auburn on Sunday in the third-place game of the Diamond Head Classic. The 6-foot-10 center was one of five players in double figures for the Miners (6-6). Michael Perez scored 18 points, Jacques Streeter added 12 and Gabriel McCulley and Cedrick Lang had 10 apiece.


By: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Men's Hoops News

Baylor still No. 1 in AP women's basketball poll (AP)

Baylor is still the unanimous choice as the No. 1 team in The Associated Press women's college basketball poll as the first five teams remained unchanged. The Lady Bears received all 40 first-place votes Monday for the fourth straight week after blowing out McNeese State in its only game. UConn remains second, with Notre Dame, Stanford and Maryland following.

Source: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Women's Hoops News

Johnson's 27 lift Hawaii past Clemson (AP)

Clemson guard Tanner Smith (5) defends Hawaii guard Zane Johnson (3) in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Sunday, Dec. 25, 2011, in Honolulu. Hawaii defeated Clemson 75-68.

Zane Johnson made six 3-pointers and finished with 27 points as Hawaii beat Clemson 75-68 on Sunday in the fifth-place game of the Diamond Head Classic. Vander Joaquim added 14 points and 10 rebounds for Hawaii (7-5). Andre Young scored 14 points to lead the Tigers (7-6). Johnson finished 8 of 14 from the field, with four of his 3-pointers coming over the first 13 minutes of the second half.


Original: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Men's Hoops News

The Women's Top Twenty Five (PA SportsTicker)

The top 25 teams in the The Associated Press' women's college basketball poll, with first-place votes in parentheses, records through Dec. 25, total points based on 25 points for a first-place vote through one point for a 25th-place vote and previous ranking:

Source: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Women's Hoops News

No. 14 Xavier halts 3-game losing streak (AP)

Mark Lyons and No. 14 Xavier snapped a three-game losing streak with a victory over Southern Illinois in the Diamond Head Classic.

Tu Holloway was feeling the Christmas spirit. Sporting green and white shoes with red laces, Holloway poured in 21 points to lead No. 14 Xavier to a 87-77 victory over Southern Illinois on Sunday in the seventh-place game of the Diamond Head Classic. Before a sparse, morning crowd on Christmas Day, the Musketeers snapped a three-game skid, winning for the first time since Dec.


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Sunday, December 25, 2011

No. 22 Southern Miss wins Hawaii Bowl (AP)

Members of the Southern Mississippi football team hold up the Hawaii Bowl trophy celebrating their win over Nevada after an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, in Honolulu. Southern Miss defeated Nevada 24-17 to win the 2011 Sheraton Hawaii Bowl.

Austin Davis made the plays when it counted to send Southern Mississippi coach Larry Fedora out a winner. Davis threw two touchdowns, including a 4-yarder late in the game, and No. 22 Southern Miss earned a school-record 12th victory by holding off Nevada 24-17 in the Hawaii Bowl on Saturday night. "It wasn't his best game, but he did enough to help us win this football game," said...


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Virginia F Johnson plans to transfer (AP)

Virginia men's head basketball coach Tony Bennett says redshirt freshman forward James Johnson is planning to transfer and leave the Cavaliers' program. Bennett says he met with Johnson on Saturday. He is the fourth member of Bennett's first recruiting class to leave the program in the past year, joining Billy Baron, Will Regan and KT Harrell, who announced his intention to transfer on...

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Saturday, December 24, 2011

Purdue extends coach Hope through 2016 (AP)

Purdue has extended head football coach Danny Hope's contract for two additional years, through Dec. 31, 2016, the school announced Friday. Details are being finalized and will be available once completed. Purdue athletic director Morgan Burke said in a statement that the Hope has done a good job of developing players on and off the field.

Source: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Football News

Orange Bowl scraps cigar sponsorship (AP)

Orange Bowl officials said Friday they've scrapped a planned sponsorship deal with Camacho Cigars. Larry Wahl, an Orange Bowl spokesman, said in an email that after mutual review, it was determined that it would not be appropriate to go forward with the sponsorship. The planned sponsorship called for a large presence at several game-day events, including lounges where fans could light up.

Source: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Football News

No. 22 So. Miss. faces Nevada in Hawaii (AP)

As if being 5,500 miles from Hattiesburg and having Waikiki beach as a backyard wasn't enough, Conference USA champion Southern Mississippi had to deal with even more distractions. The 22nd-ranked Golden Eagles (11-2) face Western Athletic Conference runner-up Nevada (7-5) in the Hawaii Bowl on Saturday in what will be the final game under coach Larry Fedora.

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Xavier loses third straight since brawl (AP)

Xavier coach Chris Mack summed up the No. 14 Musketeers' latest post-brawl loss in a hurry. "This was as disappointing a game for as long as I've been around," Mack said. Hawaii relegated the reeling Musketeers to the seventh-place game in the Diamond Head Classic, rallying for an 84-82 overtime victory Friday night in the consolation semifinals.

By: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Men's Hoops News

No. 6 Baylor beats WVU in OT, now 12-0 (AP)

Baylor's Pierre Jackson (55) and West Virginia 's Gary Browne (14) react after Baylor defeated West Virginia 83-81 in overtime of an NCAA college basketball game, Friday, Dec. 23, 2011, in Las Vegas.

Pierre Jackson made the most of his return to his hometown. Jackson scored eight consecutive points during regulation and overtime to lift No. 6 Baylor to an 83-81 victory over West Virginia on Friday night in the Las Vegas Classic championship game. Jackson finished with 23 points while Brady Heslip added 19 and Quincy Acy had 15.


Via: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Men's Hoops News

Wagner stuns No. 15 Pittsburgh 59-54 (AP)

Pittsburgh's Cameron Wright, right, Ashton Gibbs, center, J.J. Moore, left, and Nasir Robinson, top, shake hands with Wagner players after losing their second NCAA college basketball game of the season on Friday, Dec. 23, 2011, in Pittsburgh. Wagner upset Pittsburgh 59-54.

When Danny Hurley took over at Wagner a year ago, he pledged to turn the woeful Seahawks around with a mixture of toughness and grit, qualities that are synonymous with the family name. Consider his rebuilding project well ahead of schedule. Latif Rivers scored all 18 of his points in the second half -- including six free throws in the final minute -- to lead the Seahawks to a stunning 59-54...


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No. 4 Louisville rallies, stays unbeaten (AP)

RETRANSMISSION FOR ALTERNATE CROP - Western Kentucky 's Derrick Gordon, left, struggles for control of the ball with defensive pressure from Louisville's Gorgui Dieng during the second half of their NCAA college basketball game on Friday, Dec. 23, 2011 in Louisville, Ky. Louisville defeated Western Kentucky 70-60.

No. 4 Louisville is finding a way to remain unbeaten thanks to Russ Smith. "I don't have to tell you guys we didn't play good basketball tonight," coach Rick Pitino said following his Cardinals' 70-60 victory over Western Kentucky on Friday night. "But we haven't been playing good basketball the last three games." Louisville (12-0) trailed the Hilltoppers (4-9) by...


Source: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Men's Hoops News

No. 13 Wisconsin shows no rust in rout (AP)

Mississippi Valley State head coach Sean Woods directs his team during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Wisconsin , Friday, Dec. 23, 2011, in Madison, Wis. Wisconsin won 79-45.

Wisconsin has been doing a better job lately of getting to the free throw line. Nothing this season has come close to Friday's performance against Mississippi Valley State. Jordan Taylor scored 17 points to lead the 13th-ranked Badgers to a 79-45 victory in which they took 44 free throws, 23 more than their previous season-high.


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UNLV tops Cal, improves to 8-0 at home (AP)

LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 23: Carlos Lopez #11 of the UNLV Rebels drives against David Kravish #45 of the California Golden Bears during their game at the Thomas & Mack Center December 23, 2011 in Las Vegas, Nevada. UNLV won 85-68. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

UNLV keeps having statement games. First, it was beating then-No. 1 North Carolina last month. Last Saturday, UNLV beat then-No. 19 Illinois in Chicago. On Friday, the 21st-ranked Rebels defeated California 85-68 in front of 15,188 at the Thomas & Mack Center. Anthony Marshall had 22 points and nine rebounds to lead UNLV (13-2).


Original: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Men's Hoops News

K-State reaches Diamond Head title game (AP)

UTEP forward Cedrick Lang (31) looks on as Kansas State guard Angel Rodriguez dribbles the basketball past him in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game on Friday, Dec. 23, 2011, in Honolulu. Kansas State defeated UTEP 78-70.

Angel Rodriguez scored 11 of his 16 points in the second half and Kansas State used a late rally to beat UTEP 78-70 in the semifinals of the Diamond Head Classic Friday. Jamar Samuels had 10 points and 12 rebounds for the Wildcats (9-1), who took their biggest lead at 47-32 on Thomas Gipson's field goal a minute into the second half.


Source: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Men's Hoops News

No. 9 Mizzou tops No. 25 Illinois 78-74 (AP)

Missouri's Steve Moore, center, reaches for a rebound along side teammate Matt Pressey, right, and Illinois' D.J. Richardson during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Thursday, Dec. 22, 2011, in St. Louis. Missouri won 78-74.

Not much bragging for Missouri after this one. Phil Pressey had 18 points, five assists and two steals, and the ninth-ranked Tigers held off a second-half charge by No. 25 Illinois for a 78-74 victory in the annual Braggin' Rights game on Thursday night. "There's a fine line when you have an athletic team that is good in transition," coach Frank Haith said.


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Drummond: I wouldn't accept scholarship (AP)

Connecticut freshman Andre Drummond had heard all the chatter about how he was taking the scholarship of his friend and teammate Michael Bradley just to spend a year in school before heading to the NBA. The 6-foot-10 center says he didn't want that to happen. "I mean I played against Mike when I was 16 years old, and he worked real hard to get that scholarship," Drummond said after...

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No. 18 Wis-Green Bay women beat Wisconsin 65-49 (AP)

Senior Julie Wojta scored a career-high 29 points to help No.18 Wisconsin-Green Bay defeat Wisconsin 65-49 Friday night. Green Bay (10-0) trailed 34-28 at halftime, but took control when Wojta hit back-to-back baskets to spark a 13-2 run that started with 12:36 remaining and ended with the Phoenix taking a 53-43 lead.

Source: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Women's Hoops News

No. 1 Orange 13-0, Big East play awaits (AP)

Syracuse's James Southerland shoots to score against Tulane during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Syracuse, N.Y., Thursday, Dec. 22, 2011. Syracuse won 80-61.

Tulane was executing its game plan just as coach Ed Conroy had mapped it out. The Green Wave was within three points of top-ranked Syracuse late in the first half, and then in the blink of an eye any chance at a major upset disappeared. James Southerland and Brandon Triche each hit a pair of 3-pointers to key a 19-point surge that included five straight makes from beyond the arc in the final 5:43...


Origin: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Men's Hoops News

Friday, December 23, 2011

Moore caps Boise career with 50th win (AP)

LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 22: Recording artist Craig Campbell sings the American national anthem before the Boise State Broncos and the Arizona State Sun Devils played in the MAACO Bowl Las Vegas at Sam Boyd Stadium December 22, 2011 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Boise State won 56-24. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

The MAACO Bowl Las Vegas might not have been the capper No. 8 Boise State quarterback Kellen Moore wanted for his college career, but the NCAA's winningest passer got to end his run the way he wanted -- with one more win. "You got to finish things off," Moore said after leading the Broncos (12-1) to an easy 56-24 win over Arizona State on Thursday night.


Source: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Football News

Texas A&M OL Villavisencio dies in crash (AP)

Texas A&M senior offensive lineman Joseph Villavisencio has been killed in a car accident, according to the university. Witness reports say that Villavisencio swerved to avoid a buzzard and veered head-on into the path of an 18-wheeler near the town of Normangee about 40 miles from College Station, on Thursday.

Source: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Football News

Huskers promote Papuchis to run defense (AP)

John Papuchis was promoted to defensive coordinator at Nebraska on Thursday and Rick Kaczenski of Big Ten division rival Iowa was hired as the new defensive line coach. Coach Bo Pelini announced the moves Thursday, more than two weeks after former coordinator Carl Pelini was hired as head coach at Florida Atlantic.

Source: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Football News

Pitt hires Wisconsin's Chryst as coach (AP)

No proclamations. No promises of Big East titles, or ACC ones for that matter. No preaching about commitment or the virtues of a gimmicky if effective offense. Paul Chryst doesn't do self-promotion. All he does is coach football. Good thing, because after a year of turmoil, Pittsburgh needs that more than ever.

Source: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Football News

Penn St. 'deliberate' in coaching search (AP)

Penn State may still be without a replacement for fired coach Joe Paterno by the time the Nittany Lions play in the TicketCity Bowl on Jan. 2 The six-person search committee is taking a "very deliberate and measured approach to the process in order to identify the coach that best fits the requirements of the position," acting athletic director Dave Joyner said Thursday in a written...

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USC QB Barkley to return for senior year (AP)

Matt Barkley passed for 80 TDs and 9,054 yards in three seasons.

Southern California quarterback Matt Barkley believed he was prepared to play in the NFL and the draft prognosticators agreed with him. He had skillfully guided the program through two years of NCAA sanctions, put up big numbers to add his name to the list of great Trojans quarterbacks. Barkley just wasn't ready to leave.


Source: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Football News

Huskers clear C Caputo after DUI arrest (AP)

Nebraska coach Bo Pelini says center Mike Caputo will play in the Capital One Bowl against South Carolina despite his arrest on suspicion of drunken driving. The senior from Omaha pleaded guilty on Thursday to reckless driving in Lancaster County Court and was fined $100. Caputo was arrested on Dec. 11 in Lincoln after police found him slumped behind the wheel of a running vehicle in a parking lot.

Source: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Football News

QBs Crist, Heaps transferring to Kansas (AP)

Kansas coach Charlie Weis landed a pair of high-profile quarterbacks Thursday. Former top recruit Dayne Crist announced on Twitter that he would join the Jayhawks for his senior season after a checkered career at Notre Dame, shortly before news broke that BYU quarterback Jake Heaps was also transferring to Kansas.

Source: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Football News

Maine extends coach Woodward's contract (AP)

Maine has extended basketball coach Ted Woodward's contract through the 2015 season. The school announced the extension Thursday, saying Woodward was rewarded for the progress the team has made on the court in the past two seasons and for his high graduation rate. Woodward, in his eighth season as the Black Bears' head coach, has a 97-125 record, including a 5-4 mark this season.

Via: Yahoo! Sports - NCAA Men's Hoops News

Holloway returns, but Xavier loses again (AP)

Xavier center Kenny Frease tries to get around Long Beach State forward Eugene Phelps during the second half of the NCAA college basketball game at the Stan Sheriff Center Thursday, Dec. 22, 2011 in Honolulu.

With a couple of No. 14 Xavier's top weapons still missing, Long Beach State knew who it needed to stop. Freshman Michael Caffey scored a career-high 14 points and Long Beach State defeated short-handed Xavier 68-58 in the opening round of the Diamond Head Classic on Thursday night. "We pulled it off," said Caffey, one of five players in double figures for the 49ers (6-5), who handed...


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