Tark spends third day in intensive care

Former UNLV basketball coach Jerry Tarkanian spent a third day in intensive care at MountainView Hospital, two days after his mild heart attack, and there are no immediate plans for his release.

Tarkanian, 81, was dealing with bronchitis before his heart trauma, and he continued to have breathing difficulties Thursday, according to his son Danny Tarkanian.

"He's not going to be out for a little bit. If he gets out Saturday, that would be great for us," Danny Tarkanian said.

Tarkanian compiled a 509-105 record at UNLV from 1973 to 1992. He led the Rebels to the 1990 NCAA championship and three other Final Four appearances.

■ NORTH CAROLINA -- Point guard Kendall Marshall said his broken right wrist is improving each day, but he's still not sure if he'll be able to play today against Ohio in the NCAA Tournament Midwest Region semifinals.

Tar Heels coach Roy Williams said he "just doesn't know" whether Marshall will be in the lineup, adding that the sophomore hasn't even been able to brush his teeth yet. Marshall wore a black brace on his wrist Thursday and did not practice. He said his range of motion must improve, and the pain will have to decrease in order to play.

The left-handed Marshall was hurt when he was fouled on a drive against Creighton. He had surgery Monday to install a screw in the wrist.

■ OHIO -- Bobcats coach John Groce declined to say whether he is interested in filling any of the high-profile coaching vacancies. His name has been connected to the Nebraska and Illinois openings.

Groce says it's flattering to be mentioned for jobs in a power conference like the Big Ten because it means he's doing something right.

The Bobcats (29-7) are in the round of 16 for the first time since 1964.

In addition, Oregon coach Dana Altman, who grew up in Nebraska and coached at Creighton, said through a spokesman that he wouldn't discuss the Cornhuskers' job and that he was recruiting for the Ducks this week.

■ FLORIDA STATE -- The Seminoles are negotiating with representatives of coach Leonard Hamilton to extend his contract, a person familiar with the situation said.

Hamilton has been mentioned as a possible candidate for the Illinois job, but no school has contacted Florida State requesting permission to interview the coach, the person told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.

Hamilton is 201-127 in 10 seasons at Florida State and 95-41 in the last four years, including two trips to the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament championship game.

■ VILLANOVA -- Junior Maalik Wayns will forego his final season of eligibility and remain in the pool of candidates for the NBA Draft, the school announced.

Wayns led Villanova in scoring this season at 17.6 points. The 6-foot-2-inch guard announced last week he would enter his name in the draft, but not hire an agent, keeping open the option of returning for his final season of eligibility. This decision removes that possibility.