Tennessee women's coach Pat Summitt said she feels really good about Candace Parker's chances of playing against Louisiana State in a Final Four matchup this weekend.
Still, Summitt is taking few chances of further injuring her two-time All-American or wearing out any of her other players before then. The Lady Vols were off yesterday and planned only a light practice for today before traveling to Tampa, Fla.
Parker dislocated her left shoulder in Tennessee's 53-45 win over Texas A&M; in the Oklahoma City Regional final Tuesday night.
Summitt said she talked with Parker and team trainer Jenny Moshak yesterday and thinks Parker will be ready to play by Sunday.
George Mason -- Jim Larranaga, who took the Patriots men to the Final Four two years ago, signed a three-year extension to remain coach, turning down an offer to move to his alma mater, Providence. The deal is on top of an extension Larranaga signed shortly after the Patriots' Final Four appearance. He is now under contract to the school through the 2014-15 season. George Mason lost to Notre Dame in the first round of the NCAA tournament this season.
College Basketball Invitational -- Jeremy Crouch scored 20 points to help the host Bradley men force a deciding third game in the inaugural event with a 83-74 victory over Tulsa. Game 3 of the best-of-three series will be tomorrow night at Tulsa.
Kentucky -- Freshman forward Patrick Patterson might need four to six months to heal from surgery on his injured left ankle. Patterson averaged 16.4 points and 7.7 rebounds in 25 games.
Kent State -- Geno Ford, an assistant during much of the school's 10-year run of 20-win seasons, was named men's coach. He takes over for Jim Christian, who resigned last week and is heading to Texas Christian. Ford, 33, signed a four-year contract with an option for a fifth year.
Ball State -- Tracy Roller resigned as women's coach , citing personal reasons. Roller missed much of last season while recovering from mononucleosis and an inner-ear infection. Roller guided the Cardinals to a 118-73 record in seven years.
Nebraska -- Men's coach Doc Sadler received a two-year contract extension after leading the Cornhuskers in their first 20-win season in nine years. Sadler's contract will run through the 2013-14 season.