Top 25 men: : Wayne Chism had 21 of his 26 points in the second half and No. 16 Tennessee (7-2) won, 80-68, over No. 24 Marquette (8-2) in Nashville. ... A.J. Abrams scored 27 points to lift No. 5 Texas (9-1) to an 88-72 victory over visiting Texas Southern (0-9). ... Trevor Booker had 16 points and No. 25 Clemson moved to 11-0 for the third time in four seasons with a 76-36 home win over North Florida (0-8).
Commission to consider eliminating video appeals
horse racing
The Maryland Racing Commission approved a proposal to consider eliminating the appeals process that allows the commission to overturn decisions by thoroughbred race stewards and harness race judges using videotapes of the races. Currently, owners and trainers can appeal decisions made by stewards and judges to the commission, which then reviews race tapes and listens to testimony. There were two recent instances of harness judges' decisions being overturned that prompted yesterday's discussion. A final vote is not likely until at least spring, after there has been public input. In other racing news, former commissioner Jacqui Nigh announced her resignation. She is taking a position with the Maryland Jockey Club as director of corporate business development. BILL ORDINE
Harrington chosen PGA Tour's top player
et cetera
Padraig Harrington, the fourth player to win the British Open and PGA Championship in the same season, became the first European player to win the PGA Tour Player of the Year award since it began in 1990. He presumably beat out Tiger Woods, who won four times, including the U.S. Open, in his six tournaments before season-ending knee surgery in June. The tour does not disclose vote totals.
NHL: : Alex Ovechkin scored his second goal of the game with 10.7 seconds left in overtime, and the Washington Capitals gave the host New York Islanders their seventh straight loss, 5-4. The Capitals have won four straight.
Baseball: : Shortstop Rafael Furcal was close to accepting a three-year, $30 million offer to return to the Braves, his agent, Paul Kinzer, told the AP. Furcal, 31, began his major league career with Atlanta.
More baseball: : Outfielder Raul Ibanez and the Phillies finalized a three-year, $31.5 million contract. ... Ex-Royals outfielder Joey Gathright and the Cubs agreed to a one-year, $800,000 contract. ... Left-handed pitcher Chris Capuano stayed with the Brewers, agreeing to a minor league contract after the team let him go. ... Left-hander John Bale, an ex-Oriole, and the Royals agreed to a one-year contract.
Cycling: : Lance Armstrong's comeback race will be televised in the United States. Versus, which airs the Tour de France, said it has added U.S. rights for the Tour Down Under in Australia in January. Armstrong plans to make that his first event after a three-year retirement.
Soccer: : Sigi Schmid was named the first coach of the Seattle Sounders FC, three weeks after he led the Columbus Crew to the Major League Soccer championship.
