By KEVIN McNAMARA, The Providence Journal

INDIANAPOLIS - Ever wonder how the NCAA's men's basketball committee weighs the differences between a hotshot, mid-major power (hello, Butler) and a good team from a great league (Marquette)?

Ever question why Duke or North Carolina always seem to play tournament games in Charlotte or Greensboro?

Maybe it's because we've covered too many NIT games that no one wants to play. Maybe it's because we've covered enough NCAA Tournament games to appreciate the best event in sports. Maybe we see too many games and know too many players and coaches who'd experience the pinnacle of their athletic careers if they were fortunate enough to play in just one NCAA Tournament.

It's not the home cooking, the perennial sellout crowds or even the sight of family and friends.

For much of this season, David Ortiz has avoided the media and opposing pitchers' best offerings with equal skill. Before Sunday's 5-3 loss at Tampa Bay, the slumping Boston Red Sox slugger ended his silence and openly spoke about his struggles.

Even with his team in first place and in the midst of a major league-best 11-game winning streak before falling to the Indians here Tuesday night, it's easy for Boston manager Terry Francona to worry. After all, that's what he's paid to do.

The last time Nick Green stepped into Fenway Park before this month was back in 2006 as a member of the hated New York Yankees.

The deserved cheers had finally dimmed to a mere rumble and exhausted Celtics fans had danced their way outside when a bit of reality set in for the defending NBA champions on Monday night.

BOSTON -- In a game filled with improbable moments, the Boston Red Sox' biggest hero was as unlikely as anyone. Jed Lowrie began this season playing 53 games in Class AAA Pawtucket and continued his dream rookie season in the majors by driving in the run that clinched Boston's A.L. Division Series Wednesday night at Fenway Park.

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- After hearing so much about the absence of Josh Beckett, the Boston Red Sox' confidence in left-hander Jon Lester was rewarded in spades Wednesday night.

Early in his career, Antonio McDyess knew all about being an NBA star.McDyess was a major force with the Denver Nuggets and was seen as one of basketball's rising young talents. A knee injury in 2002 ended those dreams.