CSU men bow out in CBI quarterfinal

Abdoulaye Thiam had 27 points and High Point beat Cleveland State, 9374, on March 25 in the quarterfinals of the CBI Tournament in Daytona Beach, Fla.

The Vikings were led by Drew Lowder, who posted 17 points and four assists. Tujautae Williams added 11 points, six rebounds and three steals for Cleveland State. Jalin Rice had 11 points.

Cleveland State finished its season 21-15 after winning two games to advance to the semifinal of the Horizon League tournament.

Thiam added five rebounds for the Panthers (26-8). Kezza Giffa scored 18 points while going 6 of 12 from the floor, including 1 for 5 from 3-point range, and 5 for 5 from the line. Juslin Bodo Bodo finished 7 of 9 from the floor to finish with 14 points, while adding nine rebounds.

WASHINGTON COACH >>

Washington has hired Utah State’s Danny Sprinkle as its men’s basketball coach. The Huskies are hoping Sprinkle’s success at smaller schools and lineage to the university can revitalize the program as it moves into the Big Ten starting next season.

VANDERBILT COACH >> Vanderbilt has hired Mark Byington away from James Madison just three days after he led the Dukes to a first-round upset of Wisconsin in the NCAA Tournament. School officials at Vanderbilt announced the hire March 25.

HIRES PAC-12 SCHOOLS SETTLE >>

Oregon State and Washington State have finalized a settlement over financial distributions with the 10 schools leaving the Pac-12. The departing schools will each have $5 million withheld for the 2024 fiscal year for a total of $50 million. The departing schools also will pay a $1.5 million “supplemental contribution” to the conference that will be used by the remaining schools to navigate an uncertain future.

NFL STEELERS QB BATTLE >>

Russell Wilson’s resume and experience give him the edge over Justin Fields.

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said Wilson is considered Pittsburgh’s starting quarterback but Fields will get a chance to compete.

“We’re not resistant to competition, but as I’ve mentioned several times of late, I just think it’s appropriate to establish positioning . ... and the term that I’ve used is Russell has pole position,” Tomlin said. “And why do I use that term? Because during this time where we are not formally working, I just think it’s beneficial. His experience in the National Football League, his process has been honed and perfected.

JETS EXPECTING RODGERS TO BE READY >>

Jets coach Robert Saleh expects Aaron Rodgers to be ready for organized team activities in the spring after the fourtime NFL MVP tore an Achilles tendon in New York’s season opener. It’s no surprise since Rodgers had already resumed throwing late last season and was considering a comeback if the Jets would’ve been in playoff contention. Saleh said he had no reaction when speculation arose that Rodgers was being considered as a running mate for Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s presidential campaign.

MLB YANKEES INJURIES

>> Yankees leadoff hitter DJ LeMahieu will start the season on the injured list because of a bruised right foot, the latest injury setback for the former batting champion.