In Brief

BASEBALL

Green sparks second-half rally as No. 13 Alabama tops VCU

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Virginia Commonwealth coach Shaka Smart warned his players that Alabama stars JaMychal Green and Tony Mitchell are even better in person.

Tebow taking wagerers along for winning ride

Obviously, it’s not aesthetically impressive and some NFL lovers are hating what they are witnessing, but I’m warming up to the carnival sideshow known as Tim Tebow.

Run game slows Saints, Giants

NEW ORLEANS — Drew Brees and Eli Manning have racked up elite passing numbers this season by picking up the slack when their clubs’ running games struggled.

Ride Along

Widow of late Nellis pilot hopes story inspires others

WEST FARGO, N.D. — In the high-flying, adrenaline-filled, “Top Gun”-glamorized world of fighter pilots, Capt. Eric Ziegler was the anti-maverick.

Washoe County buyouts to deal with shortfall total 86

Eighty-six veteran Washoe County employees, many of whom run services ranging from animal control to finances, have accepted buyouts to retire early.

POLITICAL EYE: Aide says Sandoval courts businesses

Shortly after he was elected governor last November, Gov. Brian Sandoval pledged that he personally would call businesses throughout the country to induce them to move to Nevada and cut the state’s unemployment rate.

Police, handbillers get grip on Strip clutter

After Clark County spent more than a decade fighting — and losing — multiple legal battles against the handbillers who pass out risque ads for strippers and escorts on the Strip, Sheriff Doug Gillespie is trying a different tact.

Only man to die in fire alerted neighbor first

RENO — Shortly before he died of an apparent heart attack, a 74-year-old man helped alert an elderly neighbor to a fast-moving, 2,000-acre fire that destroyed 30 homes in Reno last week.