Minnesota Sports Briefs: Morneau arrives for spring training

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FT. MEYERS, Fla. - There were smiles in Fort Myers, Florida yesterday, as star Twins player Justin Morneau arrived for the first time this year at spring training headquarters.

Morneau told reporters he would talk with them later today. Other players have said Morneau has told them he is feeling good and excited about being in camp. Major League Baseball medical officials will have to clear Morneau to play after his offseason surgery and continue bouts with concussion symptoms. It is believed the approval is a foregone conclusion and that Morneau will start working out soon, maybe as soon as today.

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Ohio State star women's basketball player Samantha Prahalis exploded for a school-record 42 points to go with six rebounds, four assists and three steals as eighth-ranked Ohio State routed Minnesota 81-56 last night in Columbus. Minneapolis native Tayler Hill added 16 points for Ohio State, which bounced back from Monday's loss at Penn State. Minnesota freshman Rachel Banham of Lakeville netted 18 points for Minnesota, which had its two-game winning streak snapped. The Gophers are at Penn State on Sunday.

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The Minnesota Golden Gophers wrap up this week's play on Sunday afternoon as they host 24th-ranked Indiana at Williams Arena in Minneapolis. The Gophers suffered a 66-61 setback to eighth-ranked Michigan State on Wednesday to fall to 5-10 in the Big Ten. They have dropped four straight to slide to 17-11 overall. Minnesota upset Indiana earlier this season in Bloomington.

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Here are results from Thursday's quarterfinal games in the MIAC women's basketball playoffs:

Concordia-Moorhead 55, Bethel 50 (final)

Saint Mary's 55, St. Olaf 52 (final)

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The Minnesota Timberwolves are off the rest of the week for the All-Star Break. They depart on a four-game road trip starting Tuesday against the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center. Minnesota has won four of its last five games and is coming off a 100-98 victory versus Utah on Wednesday to head into the break at 17-and-17 on the season. Forward Derrick Williams will participate in the Slam Dunk Contest tomorrow, while rookie Ricky Rubio and Williams will play in tonight's "Rising Stars Challenge."

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The NFL Combine continues in Indianapolis. Players were measured and performed medical examinations along with psychological testing on Thursday. Today's schedule includes a NFLPA meeting and PK/ST workout. The annual event allows NFL hopefuls to be evaluated by talent scouts and team personnel through a series of on-field drills, physicals and personal interviews. More than 300 top prospects are expected to be on hand for this year's event, which runs through next Tuesday at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Vikings hold the No. 3 pick in April's NFL Draft.

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