NIT introducing new features

Next month’s NIT games will use experimental rules that include an extended 3-point line, a wider free-throw lane and 10-minute quarters instead of 20-minute halves.

The NCAA announced the changes Tuesday.

The 3-point arc will move to roughly 22 feet, which is used by FIBA for international competition. The lane will expand from 12 feet to the NBA’s 16 feet.

Also, the shot clock will reset to 20 seconds after offensive rebounds instead of the full 30 seconds.

The NCAA says in its release that officials will review whether widened lanes “reduce physicality and create more driving opportunities,” as well as the impact of the rule changes on “the pace and flow of the game.”

The NIT begins March 13 and ends March 29 in New York’s Madison Square Garden.

NFL

BEARS FILL OUT COACHING STAFF » The Chicago Bears hired former Minnesota Vikings coach Brad Childress as an offensive consultant and finalized new coach Matt Nagy’s staff.

Childress coached the Vikings from 200610 and worked alongside Nagy as a member of Andy Reid’s staff in Kansas City from 201317. Childress announced his retirement after the season. But the lure of working with Nagy apparently was strong.

The Bears said Tuesday that Dave Ragone will return as quarterbacks coach, Charles London will coach running backs and Mike Furrey will coach receivers.

CROUCH INTO COACHING » Eric Crouch is getting back into football, this time as a coach.

Midland University announced Tuesday the 2001 Heisman Trophy winner at Nebraska has been hired as an assistant in charge of running backs and special teams.

The 1,400-student school 30 miles from Omaha is coached by Jeff Jamrog, a former Nebraska player who was the Cornhuskers’ defensive line coach when Crouch was a player.

“I’ve got a passion for the game. I love being around the team and players,” Crouch said

MLB

LINCECUM TO RANGERS?» Two-time NL Cy Young Award winner Tim Lincecum is deep in negotiations with the Texas Rangers on a one-year contract, a person with direct knowledge of the discussions said.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity Tuesday because no deal had been reached. The 33-year-old Lincecum pitched in a showcase for major league teams, executives and scouts earlier this month near his hometown of Seattle.

The Freak appears ready to mount another big league comeback.

Boxing

NO DRAW THIS TIME » Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin do not intend to draw again. The Mexican superstar and the Kazakh middleweight kingpin faced off Tuesday night before a lively crowd in downtown Los Angeles as they formally announced their rematch for May 5.

Alvarez (49-1-2, 34 KOs) and Golovkin (370-1, 33 KOs) both still feel they won their first meeting last September. But one of the most entertaining fights of 2017 ended in a split draw, with one curious proAlvarez scorecard overshadowing the excitement of the event.