Local Sports Headlines March 16

GB Gals Dance!

The UW Green Bay womens basketball team figured their shot at the NCAA tournament went down the drain last Friday night when they lost in the Horizon League tournament semifinals to Cleveland State in overtime.  The Vikings eventually earned the conference's automatic bid by beating Butler in the tourney final.  No Horizon team had ever received an at large bid to the dance, until now.  The Phoenix (27-4) were among the last teams called out in the Womens' selection show Monday nght, earning a number 12 seed and meeting 5th seeded Virginia in their first round game Sunday evening in Ames, Iowa. Green Bay was one of a record three mid-major at large teams, joining Fresno State and Arkansas-Little Rock.  It's the 11th NCAA appearance in school history.  Head coach Matt Bollant felt GB's non-conference wins over the likes of Wisconsin, Marquette, De Paul and Northern Iowa, along with it's 12th straight conference title, gave the committee a body of work that deserved inclusion.  Turns out he was right.  The Wisconsin Badgers also earned a bid, getting a 7 seed and slated to meet #10 Vermont in South Bend, Indiana on the opening weekend.  Marquette accepted a bid to the WNIT where they will host Eastern Illinois.

Bogut Honored

Andrew Bogut was named the NBA's Eastern Conference player of the week.  He averaged 19.3 points, 13.7 rebounds and 3.9 blocked shots a game last week as the Bucks extended their season high winning streak to 6 games.  The Bucks (36-29) have a two game lead for the 5th playoff spot in the conference as they open a three game west coast road trip Wednesday night against the Clippers in Los Angeles.

Havner Hurt In Mishap

Packers tight end Spencer Havner received multiple injuries in a motorcycle accident in California over the weekend.   Havner wasn't wearing a helmet when he crashed the bike on a cul du sac, breaking his scapula and receiving several cuts and bruises.  He's expected to make a complete recovery.  There were reports Havner was cited for DUI but police say no charging decision has been made as the investigation into the accident continues.  Havner, a converted linebacker, caught 12 passes with 4 going for touchdowns last season.

Gallardo Sharp

The Brewers beat the Cleveland Indians 5-4 in Cactus League play on Monday. Starter Yovanni Gallardo strengthed his case to be the opening day pitcher by going 4 innings, allowing one hit and one run with 5 strikeouts.  Shortstop Alcides Escobar continued his fine play this spring, going 2 for 4 with and RBI.  The successor to JJ Hardy at short is now 12 for 26 with a team high 9 runs batted in for the Brewers this spring.