Referee gets death threats after Kentucky loss; police investigate

Referee John Higgins of Omaha, Nebraska, reported he received death threats after Kentucky’s loss to North Carolina in the NCAA Tournament, a Nebraska law enforcement official said.

Higgins’ roofing company reportedly received about 3,000 harassing emails and an unknown number of phone calls, some including death threats. An Omaha police spokesman said officers are providing extra attention to Higgins’ business and residence.

■ MARYLAND: Junior guard Melo Trimble, a three-time All-Big Ten pick, is forgoing his final year of eligibility to enter the NBA Draft and will sign with an agent.

■ OBIT: Wayne Duke, a driving force behind the expansion of the NCAA Tournament during his 18 years as Big Ten commissioner, died Wednesday at 88.

■ MASSACHUSETTS: Matt McCall, 35, who spent the past two season coaching at Chattanooga, was hired as the Minutemen’s coach.

■ SEATTLE: Jim Hayford, 49, left Eastern Washington after six seasons to coach the Redhawks.

■ EASTERN WASHINGTON: Eight-year assistant Shantay Legans was promoted to head coach.

■ MIAMI (OHIO): Purdue assistant Jack Owens was hired as head coach.