SPORTS BRIEFLY

Defense leads Bighorns over Flash

OREM, Utah - Double-doubles from Patrick O'Bryant and Bobby Simmons coupled with a strong defensive effort by Reno led the Bighorns to a 91-81 win over the Utah Flash on Saturday night in the UCCU Events Center.

O'Bryant finished with

16 points and season-high-tying 17 rebounds, while Simmons chipped in with his second double-double in as many nights, scoring

13 points and grabbing

12 boards. The win gave Reno (29-16) a new franchise record for wins in a season and a weekend sweep over the Flash (25-18). It also gave the 'Horns the season series over Utah, six games to four.

With just five regular season games remaining, Reno has clinched a playoff berth for the second-consecutive season. The Bighorns travel to Sioux Falls, S.D., Friday and Saturday to take on the Sioux

Playoff ticket packages are on sale now, and can be purchased by calling (775) 284-2622 or visiting RenoBighorns.com.

Vitali Klitschko KOs Solis in 1st round

COLOGNE, Germany (AP) - Vitali Klitschko knocked out Odlanier Solis in the first round to retain his WBC heavyweight title on Saturday.

Klitschko connected with a right to Solis' head that dropped the Cuban, who also appeared to suffer a knee injury.

Solis got to his feet slowly but was too wobbly to continue. The knockout punch came after Solis hit Klitschko with a right to the chin.

Pavelski's hat trick leads Sharks to win

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) - Joe Pavelski had three goals and an assist for his first career hat trick Saturday and the San Jose Sharks beat the St. Louis Blues 5-3 on a night they might have lost one of their top scorers to an injury.

San Jose jumped out to a 3-0 lead less than 8 minutes in and thoroughly dominated the Blues. But there was more of a cause for concern than celebration when rookie Logan Couture had to be helped to the locker room early in the second period with an apparent right leg injury.

Antti Niemi made 42 saves for the Sharks.