Flyers’ win puts Canadiens closer to elimination

Avery’s loss could be final blow in Rangers’ playoff run
With the Rangers down 3-0 to the Pens and Sean Avery out, the team’s season is already all but over, Inside Hockey says.

Penguins go up 3-0 on Rangers (AP)

Evgeni Malkin looked every bit like an MVP at MSG and pushed the Pittsburgh Penguins to the brink of the Eastern Conference finals. Only hours after Malkin was announced as a Hart Trophy finalist, the second-year forward showed why. He scored two power-play goals and added an assist in the Penguins’ 5-3 victory over the New York Rangers on Tuesday night that gave Pittsburgh a 3-0 lead in the…

Popularity: 3% [?]

Ump Crawford out hospital after reaction to meds
Umpire Jerry Crawford was released after spending a night in a hospital because of a bad reaction to medicine.

Cards end April with team-record 18 wins (AP)

Rick Ankiel’s big series helped the surprising Cardinals win a franchise-record 18 games this month. Braden Looper worked six solid innings and Ankiel again supplied much of the offense with three hits and two RBIs to cap an 8-for-13 series, helping St. Louis hand Aaron Harang another tough luck loss with a 5-2 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday.

Report: Punished Braves prospect eager to return
Braves prospect Jordan Schafer says he hopes his play on the field will answer questions about his rapid rise through the minors when he returns from a 50-game suspension for using human growth hormone, according to a published report.

Yankees‘ Hughes placed on disabled list
Yankees starter Phil Hughes was placed on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday night with a strained right oblique muscle.

MlbAl-TopStories/~4/281169018″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Thomas and Mussina not done yet
Frank Thomas and Mike Mussina are in the same situation: Each is 39 and being closely watched for signs that the end has come.

MlbAl-TopStories/~4/280479526″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Giants‘ Alfonzo suspended 50 games for positive drug test
San Francisco Giants catcher Eliezer Alfonzo was suspended 50 games Wednesday for testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance, the first player penalized this year under Major League Baseball’s drug program. The 29-year-old Venezuelan was optioned to Triple-A Fresno just before opening day and is batting .306 with three homers and 14 RBI in 16 games. The suspension will start Thursday.

MlbAl-TopStories/~4/280979726″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Cox prefers Smoltz in Braves‘ rotation (AP)

Bobby Cox prefers having John Smoltz in Atlanta’s rotation. That doesn’t mean the Braves manager isn’t open to talking about having the right-hander return to the bullpen after his stint on the disabled list. Asked Wednesday whether Smoltz could go back to being a closer, Cox said: “We are always thinking about it.” In the next breath, Cox added: “I like him as a starter.” The 40-year-old Smoltz…

Nats closer Cordero to be sidelined 4-6 weeks
Nationals reliever Chad Cordero is expected to be sidelined for at least a month with a tear in a muscle below his pitching shoulder, although the team determined Wednesday he won’t need surgery. It will be Cordero’s second trip to the DL this season after missing time because of tendinitis in his throwing shoulder.

MlbAl-TopStories/~4/281064974″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Owings’ pinch-homer rallies D-backs past Astros
Visit ESPN.com for the complete story.

Popularity: 4% [?]

Sound off in our message boards

Connecticut C Thabeet to stay in college (AP)
Connecticut center Hasheem Thabeet plans to return to school for his junior season instead of entering the NBA draft. The 7-foot-3 native of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, was projected as a first-round pick in the draft. Thabeet averaged more than 10 points and almost eight rebounds a game as a sophomore, and ranked third in the nation with 147 blocked shots.

Boomer Sooners

Beyond the Arc: Oklahoma, led by Billy Tubbs’ teams from the ’80s, is No. 24 on our list of greatest college basketball programs.

Will Robinson, 96, Top Scout, Dies
Mr. Robinson broke racial barriers as a college basketball coach and discovered talented players as a scout for both professional basketball and football teams.

Sports of The Times: Play the Feud? Summitt Wants to Play the Game
Pat Summitt will not have to worry about her awkward relationship with Connecticut?s Geno Auriemma overshadowing Tuesday?s championship game.

Kansas 75, Memphis 68, OT: Two Minutes to a Title: Kansas Prevails
Mario Chalmers hit a 3-pointer with 2.1 seconds left to force overtime, capping a frantic rally and giving Kansas the five extra minutes it needed to win the N.C.A.A. title.

MORE ON COLLEGE BASKETBALL

Chalmers and Kansas Are Swinging on a Star
Mario Chalmers fadeaway 3-pointer that will long resonate in N.C.A.A. lore.

Women?s Tournament: For Lady Vols, Anosike Keeps Things Together
Playing her final game in a Tennessee uniform, center Nicky Anosike contributed 12 points and 8 rebounds, delivering another big performance when it mattered most.

Popularity: 3% [?]

Mavs fire Johnson after early playoff exit
The Dallas Mavericks fired coach Avery Johnson on Wednesday, the first of what’s likely to be many offseason moves after the team with the league’s highest payroll again flopped in the first round of the playoffs.NBA/~4/280973841″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Arenas out
NBA/~4/281084569″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Popularity: 2% [?]

Inside Hockey: Patience pays off for Stars
The Stars waited patiently for the power play, then pounced to edge the Sharks in OT and move within a game of sweeping the series.

Inside Hockey: Pens do it on road, too
The Rangers actually played well in their Game 3 loss to the Penguins. Problem was, it still wasn’t enough, Inside Hockey says.

Hossa helps Pens
Penguins winger Marian Hossa talks about his big game against the Rangers. Hossa chipped in with a goal and a helper in the Pens 5-3 win.

Red Wings beat ailing Avs for 3-0 lead (AP)

The usually tight and testy Colorado-Detroit matchup has never been this one-sided, on the scoreboard or in the trainer’s room. Pavel Datsyuk scored twice and Johan Franzen picked up his sixth goal of the series, putting the Red Wings on the cusp of the Western Conference finals with a 4-3 victory Tuesday night over the ailing Avalanche, who lost another star skater when leading scorer Paul…

Rangers F Avery suffers lacerated spleen (AP)

New York Rangers forward Sean Avery has been hospitalized after lacerating his spleen during a playoff loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins. In a statement Wednesday, the team said the noted agitator was taken to St. Vincent’s Medical Center after New York’s 5-3 loss Tuesday night and was admitted following a CT scan.

Blue Jackets sign D Hejda to 3-year deal (AP)
The Columbus Blue Jackets signed defenseman Jan Hejda to a three-year contract, bringing back a player who was one of their best finds a year ago. Terms of the deal announced Tuesday were not disclosed. The 29-year-old Hejda is coming off a solid season. An unrestricted free agent signed to a one-year deal last summer, he had 13 assists in 81 games and set a franchise record with a plus-20…

Red Wings make it three straight vs. Avalanche

Norstrom scores OT winner for Stars over Sharks

NHL, players to look at goalie equipment (AP)
The NHL and its players’ union have formed a group to examine the size and configuration of goalie equipment. They will meet June 11 in Toronto. The NHL representatives include Doug Risebrough of Minnesota, Garth Snow of the New York Islanders, Jim Rutherford of Carolina and Brett Hull of Dallas. Three goalies and two skaters will represent the players — Martin Brodeur of New Jersey, Rick DiPietro…

The 2008 Alternative NHL Awards
Take a bow, Jared Boll. The Forechecker takes a break from the playoff fun to present his “Alternative NHL Awards.”

Popularity: 3% [?]

Sitting down? All-Star Game tickets start at $150
Fans will pay starry prices for this year’s All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium.

Chamberlain’s father leaves hospital in Nebraska
The father of New York Yankees reliever Joba Chamberlain left the hospital after recovering from respiratory failure brought on by pneumonia.

Rockies’ Tulowitzki leaves game with quad injury
Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki left the game Tuesday night against San Francisco in the first inning with an injury.

Braves put John Smoltz on DL; shoulder surgery unlikely
Atlanta pitcher John Smoltz went on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday with an ailing right shoulder, though the Braves were told …

MlbAl-TopStories/~4/280313354″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Trade market getting ready to open for business
Are Adam Dunn and Junior on their way out of Cincy? Ken Rosenthal says it’s never too early to start sizing up the trade market.

Delgado certain he didn’t need to take curtain call
A steady rainfall and a dicey evening forecast gave Carlos Delgado a one-day respite from Mets fans and how they might react to what some in the New York media are calling “the snub.”

Rocket could have avoided mess he’s in
The Rocket could have passed on all the drama. Instead, he welcomed it. Now, Ian O’Connor says, he’s left only with regrets.

A-Rod placed on 15-day DL with strained quad
Alex Rodriguez has been placed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right quadriceps, leaving the New York Yankees without two of their most important players. Rodriguez joins injured catcher Jorge Posada on the DL. The Yankees were waiting for additional opinions on Posada’s ailing throwing shoulder before determining whether he needs surgery. A three-time AL MVP, Rodriguez was sent for an MRI exam Tuesday that revealed a Grade 2 strain.

Fantasy spin: Sabathia trade pays dividends
Has C.C. Sabathia regained his Cy Young form? He was terrible through his first four starts but had two excellent outings last …

MlbAl-TopStories/~4/280880794″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Popularity: 4% [?]

Ovechkin, Malkin, Iginla nominees for MVP
Calgary Flames right wing Jarome Iginla, Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin and Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin are the three finalists for the Hart Trophy that is awarded to the NHL’s most valuable player. Iginla, a Hart Trophy finalist for the third time, had 50 goals and 48 assists to rank third in the NHL in both categories. It was the second time he had reached the 50-goal mark, and the 98 points were a career best. Malkin and Ovechkin both are first-time Hart finalists.

Hossa helps Pens
Penguins winger Marian Hossa talks about his big game against the Rangers. Hossa chipped in with a goal and a helper in the Pens 5-3 win.

Habs have goalie controversy vs. Flyers (AP)
Carey Price’s inconsistent series could land him on Montreal’s bench. Canadiens coach Guy Carbonneau declined to announce his starting goaltender for the pivotal Game 4 against Philadelphia on Wednesday night. The Flyers lead the best-of-seven Eastern Conference semifinal series 2-1. Price was replaced by Jaroslav Halak after allowing three goals on 12 shots in a 3-2 loss Monday night.

Ovechkin, Malkin, Iginla up for Hart (AP)
Calgary Flames right wing Jarome Iginla, Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin and Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin are the three finalists for the Hart Trophy that is awarded to the NHL’s most valuable player. Iginla, a Hart Trophy finalist for the third time, had 50 goals and 48 assists to rank third in the NHL in both categories.

Ducks sign C Carter to 3-year contract (AP)
Center Ryan Carter, who appeared in 34 games for Anaheim as a rookie this past season, signed a three-year contract with the Ducks. The 24-year-old Carter had four goals and four assists, with 36 penalty minutes. He scored his first NHL goals on Feb. 8 against New Jersey goalie Martin Brodeur, with his goals less than 8 minutes apart leading Anaheim to a 2-1 win.

Norstrom scores OT winner for Stars over Sharks

Stars sign C Ott to 2-year, $2.85M deal (AP)
The Dallas Stars signed center Steve Ott to a two-year contract worth $2.85 million on Tuesday night. The 25-year-old Ott’s contract was set to expire after the season. He is signed through the 2009-10 season. The new deal was announced during Dallas’ playoff game against the San Jose Sharks. Ott scored a career-high 11 goals this season and equaled a career-best with 22 points.

Red Wings beat ailing Avs for 3-0 lead (AP)

The usually tight and testy Colorado-Detroit matchup has never been this one-sided, on the scoreboard or in the trainer’s room. Pavel Datsyuk scored twice and Johan Franzen picked up his sixth goal of the series, putting the Red Wings on the cusp of the Western Conference finals with a 4-3 victory Tuesday night over the ailing Avalanche, who lost another star skater when leading scorer Paul…

Norstrom’s OT goal gives Stars 3-0 lead (AP)

Mattias Norstrom was the most unlikely scorer on the ice for the Dallas Stars. Still, he took a whack at the puck. And it went in the net. Norstrom’s goal 4:37 into overtime Tuesday night gave the Stars a 2-1 victory over the San Jose Sharks and a 3-0 lead in the Western Conference semifinal series. “I tried to get it on net, it went off a stick.

Inside Hockey: Pens do it on road, too
The Rangers actually played well in their Game 3 loss to the Penguins. Problem was, it still wasn’t enough, Inside Hockey says.

Popularity: 4% [?]

Celtics‘ Pierce, Wizards‘ Stevenson fined by league
Boston Celtics forward Paul Pierce and Washington Wizards guard DeShawn Stevenson were each fined $25,000 by the NBA for making “menacing gestures” in playoff games this weekend.

Brown returns to Carolina as coach of Bobcats
Larry Brown has returned to coaching in the NBA, returning back to North Carolina to lead the Charlotte Bobcats.

Magic’s Turkoglu is NBA’s most improved player
Hedo Turkoglu, whose 19 points, five rebounds and five assists per game helped the Orlando Magic win their first division title in 12 years, was selected as the NBA’s most improved player Monday.

Lakers Take 3-0 Series Lead Over Nuggets
Kobe Bryant scored 22 points and the Los Angeles Lakers took a 3-0 lead in their first-round series, routing the flustered Nuggets 102-84 on Saturday.

NBA to explore ‘unlikely’ changes to playoff format
After another season of great imbalance between teams in the West and East, NBA officials are pledging to consider changes to the playoff format — ranging from small to radical — that could be implemented in time for next season’s playoffs.

Magic Can End 12-Year Stretch of Playoff Series Failures
In the ORLANDO SENTINEL, Brian Schmitz writes “they can truly exorcise the past — so long, Shaq — and embrace the future — hello, Dunkin’ Dwight — all at once now. The Orlando Magic can end a 12-year stretch of playoff series failures on Monday at Amway Arena and begin a new path in earnest toward contention. Or they can do it the hard way, going back through customs. After defeating the Toronto Raptors 106-94 on Saturday at Air Canada Centre to seize a commanding 3-1 playoff series lead, Dwight Howard and the Magic need one more victory to advance to the second round for the first time since the 1995-96 season.”

Bobcats fire coach Vincent after just one season
The Charlotte Bobcats have fired coach Sam Vincent.

Dwight Howard’s 20-20 Game Leads Magic Past Raptors
Dwight Howard had 25 points and 22 rebounds, and Jameer Nelson scored 24 points, and the Orlando Magic defeated the Toronto Raptors 114-100 Sunday in the opener of their first-round series.

Sam Vincent Relieved of Head Coaching Duties
Charlotte Bobcats Managing Member of Basketball Operations Michael Jordan announced Saturday that Sam Vincent has been relieved of his head coaching duties. The decision was made after Vincent met with Jordan following the season. The search for his replacement will begin immediately.

McMenamin: Denver-LA Lakers Game 2 Blog
Kobe Bryant put his head down and drove straight for the basket, bringing J.R. Smith along for the ride the same way a car speeding down the highway picks up an unexpected passenger in the form of a squashed insect on the windshield.

Popularity: 3% [?]

Sitting down? All-Star Game tickets start at $150
Fans will pay starry prices for this year’s All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium.

Nats reliever Cordero heading to DL with strain
Nationals reliever Chad Cordero is headed back to the DL with a strained muscle.

Popularity: 3% [?]

Ducks sign C Ryan Carter to 3-year deal (AP)
Center Ryan Carter, who appeared in 34 games for Anaheim as a rookie this past season, signed a three-year contract with the Ducks. The 24-year-old Carter had four goals and four assists, with 36 penalty minutes. He scored his first NHL goals on Feb. 8 against New Jersey goalie Martin Brodeur, with his goals less than 8 minutes apart leading Anaheim to a 2-1 win.

Malkin, Crosby give Penguins 3-0 lead

Penguins’ minor leaguer caught streaking (AP)
The captain of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins was charged with indecent exposure after a police officer saw him running naked on a downtown street early Sunday, and a teammate was arrested for public drunkenness. Nathan Smith told the officer he acted on a bet. Officials said Smith, a center for the AHL team, was charged with misdemeanor counts of indecent exposure, open lewdness and disorderly…

Ovechkin, Malkin, Iginla up for Hart (AP)
Calgary Flames right wing Jarome Iginla, Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin and Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin are the three finalists for the Hart Trophy that is awarded to the NHL’s most valuable player. Iginla, a Hart Trophy finalist for the third time, had 50 goals and 48 assists to rank third in the NHL in both categories.

Popularity: 4% [?]

Courting voters: Obama plays hoops with UNC
Barack Obama played basketball with players from North Carolina on Tuesday.

UCLA PG Collison to return (AP)
UCLA point guard Darren Collison will return to the Bruins for his senior season. Collison had been projected as a probable first-round pick in the NBA draft, but chose not to follow teammates Kevin Love, Russell Westbrook and Luc Richard Mbah-a-Moute, who all declared themselves eligible for the draft earlier this month.

UConn’s 7-3 center Thabeet to remain in college
Hasheem Thabeet, Connecticut’s 7-foot-3 center, says he will return to school for his junior season.

Ben Hansbrough to transfer to Notre Dame (AP)
Ben Hansbrough, who helped Mississippi State advance to the second round of the NCAA tournament last month, is transferring to Notre Dame. The 6-foot-3 guard started 28 of Mississippi State’s 34 games and was fourth on the team with a 10.5 scoring average. Hansbrough is the younger brother of AP Player of the Year Tyler Hansbrough, a forward for North Carolina.

Dawkins introduced as Stanford coach (AP)

Johnny Dawkins did the whole meet-and-greet thing on Stanford’s campus Monday, two days after becoming the Cardinal’s new men’s basketball coach. The 44-year-old Dawkins, a longtime assistant coach at Duke under Hall of Fame coach Mike Krzyzewski, was formally introduced by the school. He replaces reigning Pac-10 Coach of the Year Trent Johnson, who led Stanford to the regional semifinals of the…

Popularity: 4% [?]

NBA to explore ‘unlikely’ changes to playoff format
After another season of great imbalance between teams in the West and East, NBA officials are pledging to consider changes to the playoff format — ranging from small to radical — that could be implemented in time for next season’s playoffs.

Bobcats fire coach Vincent after just one season
The Charlotte Bobcats have fired coach Sam Vincent.

Mavs’ Howard admits offseason marijuana use
Dallas Mavericks forward Josh Howard openly discussed his offseason marijuana use on Dallas’ ESPN Radio affiliate.

U.S. gold quest to start against China
The United States men’s basketball team will face host China in its first game at the Beijing Olympics

Johnson showing star qualities for surprising Hawks
The Hawks have evened their series with the top-seeded Celtics. In the process, Joe Johnson has emerged, Mike Kahn says.NBA/~4/279875632″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Brown returns to Carolina as coach of Bobcats
Larry Brown has returned to coaching in the NBA, returning back to North Carolina to lead the Charlotte Bobcats.

Great Scott: Hornets’ boss named NBA’s top coach
Byron Scott has been voted NBA Coach of the Year after leading the New Orleans Hornets to their first playoff appearance in four years.

Riley sheds head coach title, will remain Heat prez
It looks like suffering through a 15-67 season is enough to move Pat Riley off the bench and back into the front office. According to multiple media reports, the future Hall of Famer is expected to step down as the Heat’s head coach.

Popularity: 2% [?]

Braves put John Smoltz on DL; shoulder surgery unlikely
Atlanta pitcher John Smoltz went on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday with an ailing right shoulder, though the Braves were told …

MlbAl-TopStories/~4/280313354″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

MLB probing player ID theft, drug use (AP)

Major League Baseball’s new investigative unit is at work on several probes that could lead to discipline while also dealing with the burgeoning business of player identity theft. The department of investigations, established in January at the recommendation of former Senate majority leader George Mitchell, already uncovered evidence that Jordan Schafer, the top prospect in the Atlanta Braves‘…

Beltre’s 9th-inning HR rallies Mariners (AP)

Adrian Beltre hit a tiebreaking three-run homer in Seattle’s five-run ninth inning, and the Mariners beat the Cleveland Indians 7-2 on Tuesday night. Jose Lopez singled to start the ninth off Rafael Betancourt (1-1) and took second on a soft single by Raul Ibanez. Beltre then hit an 0-1 pitch the opposite way to right for his fifth homer and a 5-2 lead.

O’s snap Rays’ 6-game win streak (AP)

Garrett Olson took a shutout into the seventh inning, and the Baltimore Orioles ended the Tampa Bay Rays’ six-game winning streak with a 7-4 victory Tuesday night in a surprising duel for first place in the AL East. Aubrey Huff homered and Melvin Mora had two RBIs for the Orioles, who broke a tie atop the division with Tampa Bay.

Smoltz on DL with shoulder problem
Atlanta pitcher John Smoltz went on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday with an ailing right shoulder, though the Braves were told he can get over the problem without surgery. Smoltz was examined in Birmingham, Ala., by Dr. James Andrews, who diagnosed a severely inflamed biceps tendon and inflammation of the rotator cuff in the right shoulder. The 40-year-old pitcher went on the DL retroactive to Monday.

Athletics rout Angels, move into first place in AL West
Frank Thomas tripled for the first time in six years, Daric Barton hit a three-run homer and the Oakland Athletics took over …

MlbAl-TopStories/~4/279863003″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Thomas and Mussina not done yet
Frank Thomas and Mike Mussina are in the same situation: Each is 39 and being closely watched for signs that the end has come.

MlbAl-TopStories/~4/280453355″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Smoltz goes on DL with shoulder problem (AP)

Atlanta pitcher John Smoltz went on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday with an ailing right shoulder, though the Braves were told he can get over the problem without surgery. Smoltz was examined in Birmingham, Ala., by Dr. James Andrews, who diagnosed a severely inflamed biceps tendon and inflammation of the rotator cuff in the right shoulder.

Popularity: 4% [?]

Rangers back home looking to tie Pens (AP)
The dark clouds that dumped drenching rain on the New York Rangers upon their return home from a disappointing trip to Pittsburgh were merely symbolic. No one candy-coated the situation they face, trailing 2-0 in the Eastern Conference semifinal series against the second-seeded Penguins after an empty and frustrating road trip to the Steel City.

Inside Hockey: Flyers helps out Biron
Marty Biron turned away 32 shots in Game 3, but it was the Flyers’ quick-strike offense that did in the Habs, Inside Hockey says.

The 2008 Alternative NHL Awards
Take a bow, Jared Boll. The Forechecker takes a break from the playoff fun to present his “Alternative NHL Awards.”

Popularity: 3% [?]

Trade market getting ready to open for business
Are Adam Dunn and Junior on their way out of Cincy? Ken Rosenthal says it’s never too early to start sizing up the trade market.

Arroyo gets first win of ‘08

Nelson: Cameron ready to come back
Mike Cameron was suspended for 25 games, but it felt like so much longer.

Clemens-McCready report could impact McNamee case
The legal team for former trainer Brian McNamee said Monday that Roger Clemens’ decade-long relationship with a country music star could be used to discredit the pitcher’s defamation suit against McNamee.

MlbAl-TopStories/~4/280104140″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Yanks salvage series split with Indians

For youngsters, long-term deals have risks, rewards
The practice of signing young, unproven players to long-term contracts represents risk vs. reward for players. It’s risk vs. cost certainty for clubs. And it’s risk vs. trust for agents.

MlbAl-TopStories/~4/279793966″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Giants send struggling Zito to bullpen
Barry Zito was demoted to the bullpen Monday by the San Francisco Giants, who hope the former ace can correct his problems by working in relief. Zito, who only 16 months ago signed a $126 million, seven-year contract with the Giants to lead their rotation, was informed of the move in a meeting with manager Bruce Bochy. The left-hander has lost his first six starts this season and has a 7.

Tribe ironman Sizemore sits for 2nd straight game
Grady Sizemore missed his second straight game with a sprained right ankle on Monday.

Popularity: 2% [?]

ESPN.com has launched many new men’s basketball widgets that offer scores, stats, and news

Visit the ESPN Widget Center.

Obama hoops it up with North Carolina players

For all his basketball skills, Barack Obama was out of his league. The Democratic presidential candidate played hoops with the University of North Carolina team on Tuesday, a Final Four squad that cut the 46-year-old some slack.

MORE ON COLLEGE BASKETBALL

UCLA’s Shipp to enter NBA draft (AP)
UCLA’s Josh Shipp will enter the NBA draft, but the junior won’t hire an agent, leaving him the option of returning to play for the Bruins. Shipp averaged 12.2 points and 3.2 rebounds during UCLA’s run to its third consecutive Final Four. The Bruins lost to Memphis in the national semifinals. “After speaking with my family and with coach (Ben) Howland, I think I should test the NBA waters to get…

Sound off in our message boards

Connecticut C Thabeet to stay in college (AP)
Connecticut center Hasheem Thabeet plans to return to school for his junior season instead of entering the NBA draft. The 7-foot-3 native of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, was projected as a first-round pick in the draft. Thabeet averaged more than 10 points and almost eight rebounds a game as a sophomore, and ranked third in the nation with 147 blocked shots.

Texas guards Augustin, Abrams declare for draft
Texas sophomore point guard D.J. Augustin will declare for the NBA draft and forgo his final two seasons of eligibility.

Calipari, Memphis agree on extension, pay raise
Memphis coach John Calipari signed a contract extension through the 2012-13 season that includes an annual raise of $500,000 and a $5 million bonus if he stays through the end of the contract.

Popularity: 2% [?]

Hollinger: Biggest surprises in playoffs so far
John Hollinger takes a look at the biggest surprises in the playoffs so far.

Robinson, first black D-I basketball coach, dies
Basketball pioneer Will Robinson has died at 96.

U.S. gold quest to start against China
The United States men’s basketball team will face host China in its first game at the Beijing Olympics

Popularity: 2% [?]

Avs-Wings missing the magic — and the hate
The Avs-Wings rivalry from 1996-2002 was something to behold. What we’re seeing now is just a hollow imitation, Spector says.

Inside Hockey: Flyers helps out Biron
Marty Biron turned away 32 shots in Game 3, but it was the Flyers’ quick-strike offense that did in the Habs, Inside Hockey says.

Rangers back home looking to tie Pens (AP)
The dark clouds that dumped drenching rain on the New York Rangers upon their return home from a disappointing trip to Pittsburgh were merely symbolic. No one candy-coated the situation they face, trailing 2-0 in the Eastern Conference semifinal series against the second-seeded Penguins after an empty and frustrating road trip to the Steel City.

Botched interference calls affecting playoff outcomes
Interference and crease crashing are out of control in this year’s playoffs, and Al Strachan says NHL rulemakers have to take a stand.

Stars leave San Jose with 2-0 lead (AP)
As strange as it sounds, the Dallas Stars might have preferred staying on the West Coast even though they are coming home with a 2-0 series lead. It’s San Jose that instead really needed to escape the Shark Tank. What about home-ice advantage? Well, there doesn’t seem to be any whenever the Sharks and Stars play, whether in the regular season or the playoffs.

Ovechkin joins Russia at worlds (AP)
Alex Ovechkin joined the Russian squad in advance of the world hockey championships and was awaiting insurance before he will be allowed to practice or play. The Russian Ice Hockey Federation will be responsible for insuring Ovechkin and the $124-million, 13-year contract he signed with the Washington Capitals earlier this year.

Red Wings up 2-0 heading to Colorado (AP)
Peter Forsberg didn’t come back just to sit out a series against the Red Wings. Still, the Colorado Avalanche forward is taking the cautious route as he recovers from a groin injury. When asked if he’d play in Game 3 on Tuesday night, Forsberg simply answered, “We’ll see.” He’s frustrated by the fact he had to watch both of Colorado’s losses in Detroit.

Flyers withstand Habs’ rally for 2-1 series lead

Popularity: 2% [?]

In the Memphis Locker Room, Disbelief After a Meltdown
It was a somber scene after the N.C.A.A. title game as the Tigers? struggled to digest their loss.

Popularity: 2% [?]

Pirates release struggling RHP Morris (AP)
Matt Morris, the veteran right-hander added by the Pittsburgh Pirates late last season to stabilize a young rotation, was released Sunday after failing to pitch past the second inning in his latest start. Morris fell to 0-4 with a 9.67 ERA after giving up six runs, three earned, and six hits in 1 2-3 innings during an 8-4 loss to the Phillies on Saturday night.

Yanks’ Posada goes on DL for first time (AP)
The New York Yankees took the field Monday missing a familiar face: Jorge Posada, the club’s proud catcher and one of its leaders, was in Alabama getting his injured right shoulder examined. Posada was placed on the 15-day disabled list for the first time in his career, ending a remarkable run of durability at baseball’s most physically demanding position.

Weaver pitches Angels past Tigers
Torii Hunter hit an RBI triple in the fourth inning and added a two-run double in a four-run sixth to help chase Justin Verlander, lifting the Los Angeles Angels to a 6-2 win over the Detroit Tigers on Sunday night.

MlbAl-TopStories/~4/279763451″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Report: Clemens had affair with singer (AP)

Roger Clemens had a decade-long relationship with country star Mindy McCready that began when she was a 15-year-old aspiring singer and the pitcher was a Boston Red Sox ace, the Daily News reported. “I cannot refute anything in the story,” McCready told the newspaper in a story posted on its Web site Monday night.

Yanks salvage series split with Indians

Rays sweep Red Sox on shutout by Shields
James Shields threw a two-hitter for his first career shutout, Evan Longoria homered and the Tampa Bay Rays beat Josh Beckett and the Boston Red Sox 3-0 to complete a three-game sweep.

MlbAl-TopStories/~4/279500445″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Reds‘ top Cards, Arroyo earns first win (AP)

In an effort to stop getting hit so much, Bronson Arroyo hit the pool. Arroyo worked six solid innings, his best start of the year, in the Cincinnati Reds‘ 4-3 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday night. He believes adding an early morning swim to his routine has restored the zip to his fastball.

Mussina ties Hubbell on career wins list (AP)

Their record is barely above average, one of their superstars is still limping around and their everyday catcher is on the disabled list. The New York Yankees aren’t themselves. But at least they’re headed home. Mike Mussina earned his 253rd win, tying Hall of Famer Carl Hubbell on the career list, and the Yankees concluded an extended odyssey on the road by making the most of their five hits in a…

Rangers 3B Blalock out at least 3 weeks (AP)
Texas Rangers third baseman Hank Blalock has a small tear in his left hamstring and will be out at least three weeks. Blalock had an MRI on Monday, followed by an injection. The two-time All-Star hurt himself running out a double Friday night and hasn’t played since. The Rangers, who were off Monday, will put Blalock on the 15-day disabled list before they resume their six-game homestand against…

Haren pitches Diamondbacks by Astros 5-3 (AP)

Dan Haren’s flu is gone and he’s back at full strength. Haren pitched into the eighth inning and hit an RBI double, leading the Arizona Diamondbacks past the Houston Astros 5-3 on Monday night. “That’s definitely the best stuff I’ve had all year,” he said. Acquired from Oakland in a big trade during the offseason, Haren (4-1) scattered five hits over a season-high 7 2-3 innings.

Popularity: 4% [?]