SAN FRANCISCO — Barry Zito and the Giants reached a preliminary agreement on the largest contract for a pitcher in baseball history, a $126 million, seven-year deal. Zito joins the Giants three weeks after the club came to terms on a $16 million, one-year contract with slugger Barry Bonds for a 15th season.

Zito's father, Joe, and publicist, Kathy Jacobson, confirmed the deal Thursday, while the Giants were waiting for the left-hander to take a physical Friday before making things official. San Francisco planned to formally introduce the three-time All-Star sometime next week.

Zito's agreement includes an $18 million option for 2014 with a $7 million buyout that could increase the value to $137 million. The option would become guaranteed if Zito pitches 200 innings in 2013, 400 combined over 2012 and 2013 or 600 combined from 2011-13. Zito also has a full no-trade clause.

LUBBOCK, Texas — Bob Knight's Texas Tech team fell behind UNLV early and never recovered Thursday, losing 74-66 to leave him tied with Dean Smith atop the men's Division I win list.Knight's next chance for No. 880 will come Monday at home against New Mexico. History is on his side: He's never needed more than two tries to hit milestones such as 300, 400, 600, 700 and 800.

HOUSTON — Ray Rice rushed for 170 yards and a touchdown and Tim Brown caught two TD passes, and the 16th-ranked Scarlet Knights won a football bowl game for the first time Thursday, beating Kansas State 37-10 in the Texas Bowl.Rice was named the game's Most Valuable Player after topping 100 yards for the 10th time this season and the 15th time in 25 career games. The 5-foot-9, 195-pound sophomore went over 150 yards for the fifth time this season.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Memphis Grizzlies fired coach Mike Fratello Thursday after an NBA-worst 6-24 start, even though his team had been missing its best player for most of the season.Fratello was the Grizzlies' winningest coach with a 95-83 record and had guided them to consecutive playoff appearances. Tony Barone Sr., the Grizzlies' director of player personnel, was selected to be the interim coach.

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — San Francisco 49ers receiver Antonio Bryant pleaded not guilty to charges of reckless driving and resisting arrest after he was spotted driving more than 100 mph last month.The former Pitt star avoided a court appearance by filing his pleas one day earlier with the San Mateo County Court clerk's office.Police said the fifth-year pro showed signs of drunkenness and became verbally combative when they pulled over his orange Lamborghini on Highway 101 on Nov. 19. Officers said they were forced to use leather restraints to put Bryant in their car.