Published Saturday, March 13, 2010 12:29 AM

SPORTS IN BRIEF

Wire reports

Berkman's knee will keep him out 2-4 weeks

KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- Houston All-Star first baseman Lance Berkman will have minor surgery on his left knee Saturday and miss two-to-four weeks, a recovery period that could sideline him for opening day.

The 34-year-old injured knee during a baserunning drill at spring training on March 1. Tests showed that Berkman bruised his knee, and he played five games after skipping the Astros' spring training opener.

Berkman's knee continued to swell, and team doctor Dr. David Lintner decided on Friday that the five-time All-Star slugger should have arthroscopic surgery.

Attorney: Leach's case stronger after depositions

LUBBOCK -- An attorney for former Texas Tech coach Mike Leach says his case against the school is "substantially stronger" following depositions about whether he mistreated a player with a concussion.

Attorney Paul Dobrowski cited testimony behind closed doors from school Chancellor Kent Hance and a university attorney on Friday. He says they confirmed Leach's contention that ESPN analyst Craig James wanted the coach fired when he complained about the way his son was treated.

Leach testified under oath for about 5 1/2 hours Friday.

The university fired Leach on Dec. 30. The former coach has denied mistreating receiver Adam James after the player was sidelined with a concussion.

Jefferson leads Spurs to blowout win over Wolves

MINNEAPOLIS -- Richard Jefferson had 19 points, nine rebounds and three assists in his first start in seven games to help the San Antonio Spurs to a 103-85 victory over the hapless Minnesota Timber-wolves on Friday night.

George Hill had 19 points and eight assists and Tim Duncan had 15 points and eight rebounds for the Spurs, who have won six of their last seven games, including two without Tony Parker.

Pacquiao, Clottey set to go at Cowboys Stadium

ARLINGTON -- The phenomenon that is Manny Pacquiao grew with a series of wins against some of the biggest names around. Now he has a fight to win against a guy who has nothing to lose.

The opponent is Joshua Clottey, and he's what the wise guys in Las Vegas would call a live dog. A talented boxer who has never been stopped and briefly held a piece of the welterweight title, he brings some credentials of his own into Saturday night's 147-pound fight at Cowboy Stadium.

But while he may be fighting on the star, there's only one star in this show. Little guys aren't supposed to fill big stadiums, yet some 45,000 fans are expected to be on hand to watch Pacquiao up close and personal.

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