espn.com Ali Contest
Arizona, Kansas, Texas, Florida, Wake and Syracuse all lost the last game they played. But March Madness ain't about how you start, it's about how you finish. That's where Page 2's Hot 'n' Not List comes in. We've examined the rosters, coaches and trends for all 65 teams to determine who will still be sizzling in April.
WHAT'S HOT, WHAT'S NOT FOR TOURNEY




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Put down that pencil. In fact, don't even use a pencil. Real men prefer a ballpoint pen. You shouldn't dream of finalizing your picks before you've checked out Page 2's list of Do's and Don'ts for filling out our NCAA Tournament bracket. We'll let you know who to embrace (Ashley Judd and any team named Wildcats) and who to avoid like the plague (sorry, it's still Roy Williams).

The Water Cooler The Daily Quickie
The Sparkletts flowing from the Water Cooler are obviously green today, and Page 2's Brian Murphy is downright giddy. Our resident Irishman is reflecting on the role that St. Patrick's Day plays in the life of a typical American -- from birth until his dying days. He's also toasting the wonder of March Madness and the end of the Steve Lavin Era.
The selection committee spends hours bunkered down, reviewing RPIs, strength of schedule and common opponents. Then they emerge with a bracket that could be completely blown up if BYU happens to win its first two games. Yikes! The Daily Quickie is baffled by the committee's stupidity ... and that's putting it mildly.

DEALING WITH A BAD SEED
The best part of Selection Sunday isn't watching happy teams celebrate after making the Big Dance. No, Page 2's Tim Keown says the real fun is watching disappointed teams try to hide their disgust. In that regard, the shot of Pitt's pitiful Panthers was priceless.


Now that the NCAA Tournament has finally arrived, Page 2 figured the timing was perfect to reflect on the 10 best individual performances in the history of the Big Dance. Check out our list and then vote for the best solo effort of all-time.
10]  Christian Laettner, Duke (1992)
Against Kentucky in the East final, Laettner played a perfect game. He shot 10-for-10 from the field, 10-for-10 from the charity stripe, and scored the game-winning basket at the buzzer -- a 17-footer against two Kentucky defenders -- to give Duke a 104-103 overtime victory in one of the greatest games in tournament history.
9]  Steve Fisher, Michigan (1989)
Fisher has the honor of being the only coach to make this list, because his 1989 story is one for the ages. After Bill Frieder left to take the Arizona State job, Fisher guided his squad to six consecutive tourney victories and the NCAA title.
8]  Danny Manning, Kansas (1988)
Unranked, sixth-seeded Kansas (nicknamed "Danny and the Miracles"), coached by Larry Brown, won it all, and Danny Manning was the reason, as he combined for 66 points, 28 rebounds and nine steals in the Final Four.
  • GET THE FULL LIST


VEGAS' ODDS TO WIN 2003 NCAA Tournament
Kentucky 3-1   Duke 12-1
Arizona 4-1   Louisville 12-1
Oklahoma 6-1   Mississippi St. 15-1
Kansas 8-1   Illinois 15-1
Florida 8-1   Memphis 20-1
Texas 10-1   Maryland 20-1
Pitt 10-1   UConn 25-1
Complete line


 
Got a comment about something you've seen on Page 2? Here's your chance to sound off to the editors and columnists. Plus, if you'd like to send an e-mail to The Sports Guy, here's your direct link to Bill Simmons.


GIRL TALK
Guys say they want a girl that can talk the talk about sports. However, Stacey Pressman writes, that couldn't be further from the truth.

TEAM 66
As we fill in our brackets, Page 2's Dan Shanoff has one team you might have heard of, but will never see. And they're damned good.

HAIL JORDAN
He may be 40, he may be playing his last games -- but according to Page 2's Ralph Wiley, Michael Jordan is still Michael Jordan.

TONGUE-TIED
After a horrific run-in with Oilers coach Craig Mac Tavish, the Flames' Harvey the Hound and his tongue, are back in action writes Page 2's Greg Garber.

BASKETBALL DIARY
Is there any team that won't be intimidated by the Lakers in the playoffs? Page 2's Charley Rosen examines the mental toughness of the West contenders.

PICKED ROSE
Pete Rose is a bad guy who should just go away. So, Page 2's Jim Caple says put the jerk in the Hall of Fame ... and be done with him.
If your favorite writer isn't on Page 2 today, click here to check out our full roster of columnists.


It's one of our favorite all-time matches: Mavs owner Mark Cuban, left, and actor Jack Nicholson. Page 2 has received 11 requests for this match. Browse our archives of past pairs or click here to submit a future duo.


Women's hoops: NCAA special
7 p.m. ET, ESPN
It's time to talk tourney.
 
Flyers at Devils
7 p.m. ET, ESPN2
A battle atop Atlantic Division.
 
Men's hoops: NIT Tournament
9 p.m. ET, ESPN2
NIT -- the other white meat.
 
• Complete TV listings


If you missed Page 2 over the last week, check out our back issues:
• Fri., March 14: What Men Want
• Thurs., March 13: Air's Last Gasp
• Wed., March 12: Man Bites Dog!
• Tues., March 11: Scarred for Life

Other featured content:
• Page 2's Ultimate Scorecard
• What the Heck Are They Thinking?
• Get Iverson onto Team USA
• 10 Burning Questions with Jennie Finch
• Diary of Anna Kournikova's marriage
• The top 10 divorces in sports history
Monday, March 17, 2003
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