James chooses to stay a Duck

Football: Heisman Trophy finalist LaMichael James (pictured above) is coming back to Oregon next season.

James, a sophomore running back and the nation’s leading rusher this season, had suggested he would forgo an early entry to the NFL draft. Thursday’s announce- ment made it official.

“I came to the University of Oregon to get a quality education as well as to play football, and feel I have yet to complete that goal,” he said in a statement.

James has run for 1,682 yards this season, averaging 153 per game. He’s also averaging a national-best 12 points a game.

Associated Press

Bjorklund sets Tennessee mark

Women’s basketball: Angie Bjorklund is No. 1 at Tennessee.

Bjorklund’s early 3-pointer from the baseline gave the former University High player 267 career 3-pointers, making her the Lady Volunteers’ all-time leader, surpassing Shanna Zolman.

She added another during No. 5 Tennessee’s 87-51 win over Rutgers at Knoxville, Tenn.

“I definitely look up to Shanna and all the players on that list, so it’s just an honor to be part of it,” Bjorklund said. “Records are made to be broken. … A lot of people coming into this program are great shooters.”

News services

Aardsma faces hip surgery

Baseball: Seattle closer David Aardsma will have surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left hip, but the team expects him to be ready for the start of the regular season.

The Mariners said that Aardsma will have surgery on Monday in Vail, Colo. Dr. Marc Phillipon will perform the operation.

Aardsma recorded 31 saves in the 2010 season after saving 38 games a year earlier.

Associated Press