Fast Break

NFL

Roethlisberger signs big deal

Ben Roethlisberger signed an eight-year extension worth $102 million with the Pittsburgh Steelers that makes him one of the NFL’s highest-paid players.

The deal includes more than $36 million guaranteed, and keeps Roethlisberger with the Steelers through 2015.

Roethlisberger turned 26 Sunday and said the contract was a great birthday present.

“This is about being a Pittsburgh Steeler for as long as I can be. I love Pittsburgh,” Roethlisberger said.

The Pro Bowl quarterback led the Steelers to a Super Bowl victory two years ago and has been the starter in all four of his NFL seasons.

College basketball

Idaho’s Crowell earns WAC honors

Idaho senior forward Michael Crowell has been named the Western Athletic Conference player of the week for Feb. 25-March 2.

It’s the first career honor for Crowell and the second this season for the Vandals. Junior guard Mike Hall received the honor earlier.

Crowell, of Mesa, Ariz., had his first career double-double in leading the Vandals to their first road victory of the season at Hawaii last Thursday. He had 20 points and 11 rebounds. He followed with 20 points and eight rebounds in a win at San Jose State on Saturday.

Men’s basketball

Zags up two; Cougs down one

Gonzaga moved from No. 24 to No. 22 in the Associated Press college poll released Monday.

The Zags beat conference rival Saint Mary’s on Saturday, earning the No. 1 seed in the WCC tournament. The Zags will play Sunday in the tournament semifinals.

Washington State slid from No. 22 to No. 23 after beating Cal last Thursday and losing to No. 9 Stanford on Saturday. The Cougars finish the regular season at home Saturday against Washington.

The Cougars are No. 22 in the USA Today/ESPN coaches poll and Gonzaga is No. 23.

North Carolina was back at No. 1 thanks to a memorable few days in the state of Tennessee. Tennessee started last week at No. 1 after defeating previously top- ranked Memphis. But the Vols then lost to Vanderbilt on Tuesday and slid to No. 4.