Penn State's Frank Molinaro (34-0) remained undefeated with a major decision over Michigan's Eric Grajales, but Wright's victory in the 184-pound division might have been the biggest surprise for the Lions. He was the underdog against third-seeded Ben Bennett of Central Michigan, but got the pin in 2:35.
COLLEGES: Jason Read, the first-year Temple women's rowing coach who rowed in the 2004 U.S. Olympic gold medal-winning eight, was named one of six finalists for the 2011 James E. Sullivan Award, which honors the nation's outstanding amateur athlete. The winner will be announced March 20.
TENNIS: Roger Federer eased into the semifinals of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, Calif., with a 6-3, 6-2 victory over Juan Martin del Potro, the Swiss star's fourth victory over the Argentine this year.
Federer won in just more than an hour to set up a semifinal against No. 2 Rafael Nadal, who outlasted Argentina's David Nalbandian, 4-6, 7-5, 6-4. Rain and wind was forecast to move into the Coachella Valley this weekend, threatening to disrupt play.
GOLF: In the Transitions Championship in Palm Harbor, Fla., Padraig Harrington followed Thursday's course-record 61 with a 2-over 73 to fall 2 shots behind Jason Dufner, who had another 66 and has gone two rounds without a bogey. Dufner, who is 0 for 159 on the PGA Tour, was at 10-under 132, 2 ahead of Harrington and William McGirt, who had a 68.
In the European Tour, Eduardo De La Riva, a Spaniard ranked 610th in the world, shot a 3-under 69 for a 1-stroke lead after two rounds of the Andalucia Open in Marbella, Spain.
In the Champions Tour's Toshiba Classic in Newport Beach, Calif., Bernhard Langer birdied the final hole for a 6-under 65 and a share of the first-round lead with Bobby Clampett and Olin Browne.
SWIMMING: Five-time Olympic champ Ian Thorpe won't be swimming the 200-meter freestyle at the London Olympics after failing to make the final at the Australian selection trials in Adelaide, Australia.
The 29-year-old Thorpe was 12th fastest among the 16 semifinalists. Thorpe will attempt to qualify for the 100 freestyle, with heats starting Sunday.
HORSE RACING: Undefeated Kentucky Derby prospect Gemologist returned from a 31/2-month layoff for a seventh-length victory at an $80,000 allowance race at Gulfstream Park. The 3-year-old son of Tiznow raced to his fourth straight victory, running a mile in 1:354/5.
- Wire reports
