Ben Sheets had just completed his latest spring training outing. He cordially answered the usual baseball questions from a handful of reporters and then changed the subject.

"How about UWM in the NCAA!" said the Brewers' ace pitcher, who keeps close track of all sports. "They're no fluke. They're good. That press will give Illinois some trouble."

Sheets, his teammates and others with the Brewers' organization always get an NCAA tournament pool going in the spring training clubhouse, but this year there is extra buzz because of UWM's upsets of Alabama and Boston College. The Panthers play Illinois next; they've spent much of the season undefeated.

"That's great for the school and the city," said former Brewer Jim Gantner, who serves as a part-time spring training instructor. "Bruce Pearl has done a great job with that program."

Gantner is close friends with former Brewers pitcher Jerry Augustine, who serves as UWM's head baseball coach. UWM also is a corporate sponsor for the Brewers.

That's why team PR director Jon Greenberg says he is including congratulations to the Panthers in his pre-game notes. Greenberg also just happens to be a UWM alum.

Brewers' television announcer Daron Sutton worked UWM radio games over the winter, so he too is watching the Panthers closely. "It's got me pumped because I got to know those guys during the season," Sutton said.

The Brewers also are rooting for the UW Badgers to do well in the Sweet 16, but it's UWM that has created the most buzz.

"It's great when a team comes out of nowhere like that," Sheets said. "Illinois' big men will make it tough, but the way UWM is playing they can stay with anybody."

Sheets' Contract Extension

Sheets seemed more interested in the NCAA tournament than the fact his agent, Casey Close, had come to Maryvale to talk to GM Doug Melvin about a multi-year contract extension.

"Casey just got into town," Sheets said. "I don't know what will happen. I really am trying to let him handle those things and focus on getting ready for the season."

Sheets signed a one-year contract several weeks ago to avoid arbitration. The Brewers wanted to see how he recovers from back surgery before talking long-term deals.

"My back feels good," Sheets said. "I can tell you it's a lot better than last year. My stats are never good in spring training, but I'm getting my pitches in and making progress."

Melvin has said he would like to sign Sheets to a long-term contract before the regular season starts. Owner Mark Attanasio has called signing Sheets a "top priority."

Cactus League Notes

Outfielder Carlos Lee returned from Panama, where he went to celebrate the birth of his child. Lee also recovered from a bruised left wrist while home and said he felt no pain while hitting this week. He returned to game action Tuesday ... Second baseman Junior Spivey, who has been nursing injuries, returned to game action Tuesday in a AAA game ... Outfielder Geoff Jenkins is hitting almost .400 and has played right field as well as he played left for the last several seasons. Lyle Overbay also has been hot with a six-game hitting streak ... Lefthander Chris Capuano has been the most impressive starting pitcher in camp. He pitched five hitless innings Monday. Doug Davis, projected as the No. 2 starter, has been slowed by back problems, but pitched five solid innings in a AAA game Tuesday.

Hot Tix

The game that has people talking in Arizona, Wisconsin, Illinois and elsewhere is scheduled to tip off at 6:37 p.m. Thursday when UWM meets the Fighting Illini at Allstate Arena in Chicago.

By the way, Jerry Augustine, who was mentioned earlier in this column, has a nephew, James Augustine, who plays for the Illini. He played a crucial role in a win over UW at the Kohl Center during the regular season.

On Friday, the UW Badgers meet North Carolina State at 6:30 p.m. in Cleveland in another Sweet 16 match-up.

In the Cactus League, the Brewers host the Mariners on Thursday and Giants on Saturday at Maryvale. They travel to Tucson to play the White Sox Friday and to Surprise to meet the Rangers on Sunday in a game that will be shown on FSN.

Almost lost in March Madness, and spring training, is the fact the Bucks are wrapping up their season. They play at Golden State and Utah on Friday and Saturday before returning home Monday to host the Indiana Pacers at the Bradley Center.

Also struggling for some deserved attention are the Wave and Admirals, who look headed for the playoffs in their respective leagues. The Wave doesn't return to action until March 31. The Admirals are on the road at Cincinnati and Chicago over the weekend.