CBS reports worst rating since 1982

NEW YORK (AP) - It was not a shining moment for CBS.

The national rating for Monday night's NCAA men's basketball tournament championship game between Michigan State and Florida was 14.1, the worst since the network began airing the event in 1982.

It represents a drop of 18 percent from last year's title-game rating of 17.2, the previous low.

The tournament as a whole finished with an average rating of 6.4, down 6 percent from 1999's 6.8, also the previous low mark.

It wasn't good news for CBS, which agreed in November to retain the rights for the three-week tournament by paying $6 billion for an 11-year contract, which takes effect in 2003.

Michigan State's 89-76 victory over Florida drew a 23 share - representing the percentage of in-use television sets tuned to a particular show - down from the 27 garnered by Connecticut's upset of Duke a year ago.

The ratings - the percentage of the nation's estimated 100.8 million TV homes tuned to a telecast - are the latest in a string of declining numbers for basketball broadcasts.

Red Wings first, second-round playoff tickets on sale today

DETROIT (AP) - The Detroit Red Wings will begin selling tickets for the first two rounds of the playoffs today.

People can buy up to four tickets for one first round game and four tickets for one second round game. Tickets cost $45 and $65 each, or $50 for standing room.

The tickets will go on sale 10 a.m. today at the Joe Louis Arena box office, Hockeytown Authentics and TicketMaster outlets.

A wristband policy will be in effect at Joe Louis and Hockeytown Authentics.

A limited quantity of numbered wristbands will be distributed beginning at 11 a.m. Tuesday.

Tickets bought for unplayed games can be refunded following the conclusion of the playoffs.