Sports briefs for April 6, 2004

Tuesday, April 6, 2004 | 9:33 a.m.

UNLV women take lead in Dixie Classic

UNLV moved into position to defend its championship in the Dixie Classic, taking the lead after the first two rounds at St. George, Utah.

Rounds of 296 and 291 gaves the Rebels a 15-stroke lead over San Francisco headed into today's final round.

Rebels sophomore Sunny Oh held the individual lead at 2-under-par 142, four strokes ahead of teammate Seema Sadekar and San Diego State's Heather MacRae.

"We expected to carry over some of the strong play that we've had this spring to make a serious title defense," said UNLV coach Missy Ringler. "It's reassuring to know that we are actually meeting those expectations.

Oh is trying for her second college tournament championship. She was the NCAA West Region winner in 2003 at Tempe, Ariz.

St. John's eyes two

Looking to fill its men's head-coaching vacancy, St. John's interviewed Kansas assistant Norm Roberts and will meet today with DePaul head coach Dave Leitao.

Pirates keep bosses

General manager David Littlefield and manaager Lloyd McClendon were given contract extensions before opener, Littlefield's for two years through 2007 and McClendon's an option year in 2005.

Raiders get CB

Cornerback Ray Buchanan signed with the Oakland Raiders. He spent the past seven seasons with the Atlanta Falcons and was named to the Pro Bowl in 1998.