They're not as flashy, not quite as tall and not nearly as fussy, but Tim Duncan and Tony Parker are on their way to being the new Shaq and Kobe.

They're just as effective as the Lakers' star duo of O'Neal and Bryant, and have the potential for just as many championship rings. They can take another step toward this year's title when the Spurs meet the Lakers in Game 3 of their Western Conference semifinal series today.

Duncan, a two-time MVP, finally has a dynamic backcourt teammate in Parker, who averages 22.3 points on 51.5 percent shooting in the playoffs, including 56 percent from 3-point range. "It's great when he takes the game over for stretches at a time," Duncan said.

Norse claim regional title

Krystal Lewallen pitched a one-hitter as Northern Kentucky University defeated Grand Valley State 4-0 to win the NCAA Division II Great Lakes Region Tournament Saturday. Lewallen (31-3) struck out nine in her third victory of the tournament and was named its most valuable player. NKU (54-5), No. 5 in the NCAA Division II poll, earned a spot in the national finals, to be played May 13-16 in Altamonte Springs, Fla.

Elliott cleared for Preakness

Kentucky Derby winning jockey Stewart Elliott was cleared by Maryland racing officials to ride in the Preakness next Saturday. Elliott pleaded guilty to assault three years ago, but didn't disclose that fact when applying for a license to ride at Churchill Downs, where he guided Smarty Jones to victory. He still could face disciplinary action in Kentucky.

"He has no problems here," said Mike Hopkins, executive director of the Maryland Racing Commission.

Hopkins said stewards at Pimlico Race Course contacted Elliott and asked him to submit an amended application to ride in Maryland, and Elliott complied. The Preakness Stakes, the second leg of the Triple Crown, will be run next Saturday.

Danton claims childhood abuse

Mike Danton of the NHL's St. Louis Blues, in his first public statement since being arrested on murder-for-hire charges, said he suffered "constant physical and emotional abuse" during his childhood, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported Saturday. His parents have disputed the accusation. Prosecutors say Danton plotted for at least six months to kill his agent, Dave Frost, and tried at least three times to hire a hit man. Frost has denied Danton wanted him killed.