Depth pays off for Blackhawks

CHICAGO | Much as they would love to get big contributions from Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane, the Blackhawks have shown they can win even when their biggest stars aren't lighting up the scoreboard.

Late nights at gym likely to pay off for Oladipo

CHICAGO | Victor Oladipo mentions the late nights at the gym, the wear and tear on his key card, and he's quick to point out he's just a tad unusual, too.

Without Rose, Bulls still put up a fight

DEERFIELD | The next time he suits up for a game, there's a good chance Derrick Rose will actually be in a uniform and not in a jacket and slacks.

James shrugs off flopping accusations

CHICAGO | The suggestion that he's a flopper drew a grin as wide as his wingspan from LeBron James.

Bulls try again to close out Nets

CHICAGO | The Chicago Bulls looked like they were ready to eliminate Deron Williams and the Brooklyn Nets and move on to the second round of the playoffs.

Bulls will try again to finish off Nets

CHICAGO | The Bulls had a chance to put away the Brooklyn Nets. Instead, they stumbled.

Big Ten going to East-West alignment for divisions

PARK RIDGE, Ill. | No more "Legends." And no more "Leaders."

Noah, Johnson hobbled as Bulls, Nets resume series

DEERFIELD, Ill. | Joakim Noah feels like he's running on needles and Joe Johnson can probably sympathize.

Twins game at White Sox postponed by cold weather

CHICAGO | Home or away, the Minnesota Twins can't catch a break from the weather.

Noah's status for Bulls in question

DEERFIELD, Ill. | Center Joakim Noah's status for the Chicago Bulls' first-round playoff series against the Brooklyn Nets is in question because of his injured right foot.

Bulls eye playoffs after challenging season

CHICAGO | The Bulls won 45 games without a single point from Derrick Rose.

Bulls beat Wizards to lock up No. 5 seed in East

CHICAGO | With their star sidelined all season and just about everyone else in their rotation banged up at some point, the Bulls did not take the easy road to the playoffs.

Deep field could mean big thrills for Big Ten

CHICAGO | Indiana is standing tall again.

Diggins, Notre Dame women rout DePaul, 84-56

CHICAGO | The way Skylar Diggins was scoring and distributing was impressive enough. The real eye-opener, though? That was the rebounding.

BULLS AT THE BREAK: Bulls still tredding water without Rose

CHICAGO | Given all the gasps around Chicago after Derrick Rose indicated he might not play this season, the All-Star break appears to be coming at a good time for the Bulls.

Bears' coaches have yet to decide on Urlacher and Hester's futures

LAKE FOREST | The Bears' defense will likely have a similar look next season, with or without Brian Urlacher.

Zeller leads Indiana past Northwestern 67-59

EVANSTON, Ill. | Cody Zeller could sense panic setting in. Then, just in time, Indiana regained its composure.

Samardzija says Cubs management on right path

CHICAGO | Jeff Samardzija can see the big picture coming into focus for the Cubs.

Bears hire CFL coach Trestman to replace Smith

CHICAGO | The Chicago Bears hired Montreal Alouettes coach Marc Trestman on Wednesday to replace the fired Lovie Smith and gave him two basic tasks — fix the offense and lead the team to the playoffs on a consistent basis.

Burke, Hardaway lead Michigan past Wildcats, 94-66

EVANSTON, Ill. | Trey Burke scored 23 points, Tim Hardaway Jr. added 21 and No. 2 Michigan pounded Northwestern 94-66 on Thursday night to remain unbeaten.

Cubs officially sign 'likable' pitcher Edwin Jackson

CHICAGO | Edwin Jackson keeps bouncing around, and he thinks he knows why.

Bears GM: Playoff misses did in Smith

LAKE FOREST | The Bears had too many playoff misses and too many problems on offense. That's why general manager Phil Emery fired coach Lovie Smith.

Bears fire coach Lovie Smith after 9 seasons

LAKE FOREST, Ill. | The Bears reached the Super Bowl under coach Lovie Smith and consistently boasted a formidable defense.

Bears face uncertain times even if they beat Lions

LAKE FOREST | Bears linebacker Lance Briggs insisted all he's thinking about is Chicago beating the Detroit Lions and reaching the playoffs.

Marshall understands strong comments irked some

LAKE FOREST, Ill. | Brandon Marshall understands he might have offended some people with his demand for accountability following the Bears' loss to Green Bay last weekend.

Briggs joins Marshall in unloading on Packers

LAKE FOREST | The NFL's oldest rivals are spicing up their Sunday showdown with some serious trash talk.

Bears kicker Gould to miss rest of season

LAKE FOREST, Ill. | Bears kicker Robbie Gould will miss the rest of the season after injuring his left calf, another blow to the stumbling Bears with a big NFC North showdown coming up Sunday against the Packers.

It's sink or swim for struggling Bears

LAKE FOREST | Coach Lovie Smith realizes the Bears no longer control their fate in the NFC North. Their playoff hopes still are in their hands, though.

Bears place G Lance Louis on IR with knee injury

LAKE FOREST, Ill. | The Bears will be without starting right guard Lance Louis for the rest of the season because of a left knee injury. And for that, they are not happy with Minnesota's Jared Allen.

Cutler's status for Vikings game still uncertain

CHICAGO | Jay Cutler was back home, nursing his concussion and watching as the Bears got pounded by the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night.

Cutler's status remains up in air

LAKE FOREST, Ill. | The Bears believe they can get by without Jay Cutler. That theory might be tested this week.

Cubs reach 1-year deal with former Twins RHP Baker

CHICAGO | Scott Baker wants to establish that he can still be an effective pitcher after having elbow surgery, and he'll get his chance with the Chicago Cubs.

Second-ary to none, DBs doing their part for Bears

LAKE FOREST, Ill. | The Bears had some question marks in their secondary when the season started. It turns out they had some answers, too.

Noah leads Bulls past Kings

CHICAGO | Joakim Noah scored 23 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, and the Bulls got off to a good start without Derrick Rose, beating the Sacramento Kings 93-87 Wednesday in the season opener.

Carmody, Wildcats seek to end NCAA drought

EVANSTON, Ill. | If Bill Carmody is feeling the heat, he did a good job of hiding it.

Rod Marinelli playing big role in Bears' success

LAKE FOREST, Ill. | Ask Lovie Smith about Rod Marinelli and the Chicago Bears coach comes about as close as he ever gets to waxing poetic.

At 4-1, Bears in good shape at bye

LAKE FOREST, Ill. | No matter how much he is enjoying this ride, general manager Phil Emery won't rate it until his Chicago Bears reach their destination.

Bears GM defends Cutler as franchise quarterback

LAKE FOREST | Bears general manager Phil Emery defended Jay Cutler as a franchise quarterback Wednesday and shrugged off recent sideline incidents with left tackle J'Marcus Webb and offensive coordinator Mike Tice.

Bears' defense keeps racking up points

LAKE FOREST, Ill. | How's this for an oddity? Charles Tillman and Lance Briggs have more touchdown catches than Calvin Johnson and as many as Larry Fitzgerald and Reggie Wayne.

Marshall says he's humbled by Hester

LAKE FOREST, Ill. | Every time he sees Devin Hester operate, Brandon Marshall feels humbled. And the most recent performance really impressed him.

Indiana to use 2 QBs after loss to Wildcats

EVANSTON, Ill. | Indiana now has a quarterback competition on its hands. Just don't call it a controversy.

Up next for unbeaten Northwestern -- Indiana

EVANSTON, Ill. | Now, Northwestern can see how it stacks up against the rest of the Big Ten.

Bears ready to move on from loss with Rams up next

LAKE FOREST, Ill. | Just in case Jay Cutler needed it, Brandon Marshall was there for support.

So far, D-line giving Bears pressure they need

LAKE FOREST, Ill. | Henry Melton figures he might have a few words for Sam Bradford when the Chicago Bears meet the St. Louis Rams on Sunday, and they probably won't be nice.