A GRIP ON SPORTS • We'll just keep this simple. Happy Easter. And how about those Badgers? Read on.

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• You don't have to go on a long hunt to find the best game of the NCAA tournament thus far. It was last night's second semifinal. Wisconsin's tough-it-out win over undefeated Kentucky. If it weren't Easter morning, we would spend about 1,000 words breaking down the ins and outs of the win, the offensive rebounds, the turnovers, the fans, the weird, understated shot-clock buzzer in the Lucas Oil Dome, all of that. But it is Easter and I know you have better things to do. Not me. I got up early this morning, looked out the window at the sunrise and gave thanks for a great life. A really great life. That is all. We'll be back tomorrow with more. I'm even contemplating sharing my thoughts on how to improve the game of college basketball. How's that for a teaser?

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• WSU: Not since Frankie Albert has a quarterback going under center caused such a furor. Just kidding. There was no computers or Internet back in 1940 in Palo Alto, though I'm sure one of Albert's teammates probably had the idea. So I'm sure when Albert went under center it was a blip on the screen compared to recent happenings in Pullman. Anyhow, the Cougars have been taking some snaps under center this spring, something Jacob Thorpe covers in depth with this story and blog post. Jacob also has video of Mike Leach's interview after yesterday's practice as well as a morning post.

• Gonzaga: There is a lot of Gonzaga news, not the least of which is Duke's domination of Michigan State yesterday allows us to realize how close GU was to playing for a national title this season. But there is more. Jim Meehan has a look ahead to next season, one that will include Domantas Sabonis. ... The success of the basketball programs at GU has inspired a large financial gift. ... The one piece of non-basketball Bulldog-related info we can pass along has to do with volleyball.

• Idaho: The Vandals held a scrimmage yesterday and Sean Kramer was there with his notebook. He has a story and then a lot more in this blog post. ... Stacey Barr earned honorable mention All-America honors.

• Chiefs: Spokane lives after an improbable comeback victory in Everett last night. The 4-3 overtime win cut the Silvertips' lead in the WHL series to 3-2. Chris Derrick has a game story and much more in this blog post. ... The loss was termed a collapse in the Everett paper. ... Portland is about to put Seattle away following its 5-3 win last night.

• Shock: This could be a long year for the Shock as they are 0-2 following the home-opening 54-43 loss to the Philadelphia Soul last night. Jim Meehan has all the particulars in this game story and blog post. My favorite quote of the day comes from Jim's story: "The offense continued to choke up and down the field all day long," said Shock coach Andy Olson.

• Seahawks: You want answers? We have some more this morning.

• Mariners: Major league baseball begins tonight in Chicago, where Wrigley Field is under construction. The Mariners begin tomorrow, with Felix Hernandez taking the mound against the Angels. This M's lineup has been constructed to win the American League West, though there are still a few beams that could be stronger. The foundation of it all is Robinson Cano's bat and Felix's can-do attitude. There are still questions that must be answered, of course. ... The M's finished off spring training with a 6-3 win over the Rockies.

• Sounders: So let's get this straight. The Sounders have played two matches with a man advantage and are 0-1-1. Last night they played their match with Houston a man down for much of it and won, 1-0. OK. ... Obafemi Martins returned to the lineup and scored the lone goal in the first half and the Sounders held on from there. By the way, Martins' goal was a thing of beauty. ... The Seattle players and coaches were happy afterward. The Dynamo coach, not so much. ... Vancouver and Portland both won last night.

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• Let's hope you enjoy your Easter of 2015. We'll see you back here tomorrow. Until then ...

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