Sports briefs

COURTS

A-Rod's cousin asks for delay of steroid trial

Yuri Sucart, Alex Rodriguez's cousin who faces federal steroid distribution charges, has asked a judge to delay his trial by at least two months because he's been too sick to prepare. Sucart's trial is scheduled to begin Feb. 9 in Miami federal court, and prosecutors have said Rodriguez "has a prominent role" in the government's case, strongly suggesting the Yankee will be a witness just days before he reports to spring training. Sucart's motion says he had open heart surgery in August, not long after he was arrested, and developed an infection during his recovery and needed a second surgery. He has been in and out of the hospital six times since he was released in October, according to the filing, and has been hospitalized since Dec. 3. Sucart's motion also said federal prosecutors do not oppose delaying the trial. COLLEGES

Wisconsin hires Pitt's Chryst as coach

Wisconsin made it official yesterday, hiring Paul Chryst away from Pittsburgh to be its coach. The announcement ended days of speculation after the surprising departure of Gary Andersen for Oregon State. Chryst is a former Wisconsin offensive coordinator. He leaves the Panthers after going 19-19 in three seasons, returning to his hometown and alma mater. Pittsburgh then fired athletic director Steve Pederson after Chryst's abrupt departure left the Panthers searching for their fourth football coach in four years.

NHLDevils blanked by Ottawa's Anderson

Craig Anderson made 34 saves and Kyle Turris scored both goals as the visiting Ottawa Senators beat the Devils, 2-0. Anderson earned his third shutout of the season and 29th in his career. The Devils went 0-for-5 on the power play as their losing streak was extended to five . . . Loui Eriksson's goal 1:30 into overtime gave visiting Boston a 3-2 win over Minnesota. It was only the second victory for the Bruins in eight games.

NBAGrizzlies top Spurs in third OT

Marc Gasol scored 26 points, including a banked-in three-pointer as regulation expired, and Memphis overcame blowing a 23-point lead for a 117-116 triple-overtime victory over host San Antonio. Zach Randolph had 21 points and 21 rebounds for the Grizzlies (21-4), who have won six straight. North Babylon's Danny Green scored 25 points for the Spurs . . . Shelvin Mack scored a career-high 24 points and the Atlanta Hawks routed the host Cleveland Cavaliers, 127-98, for their 11th victory in 12 games . . . James Harden scored 18 of his 41 points from the free-throw line, leading Houston to a 115-111 overtime victory over host Denver . . . Gordon Hayward scored 29 points and Utah overcame 42 points from Dwyane Wade to beat Miami, 105-87. Miami has lost seven of its last eight home games . . . Chandler Parsons scored a season-high 32 points as visiting Dallas beat Detroit, 117-106. Dirk Nowitzki contributed 18 points and 10 rebounds, including seven points to help stem a late Detroit rally.

SOCCER

Lawyer who led World Cup bid probe resigns

The American lawyer who led the investigation into the 2018 and 2022 World Cup bid process resigned from the FIFA ethics committee in protest over the handling of his findings. Michael Garcia cited a "lack of leadership" at the top of FIFA in a resignation statement.

-- AP