espn.com Ali Contest
You can have your Kentucky, your UNC, your Duke. For Page 2's Jim Caple, no school in America symbolizes college hoop more than Kansas. It's not just that the guy who invented basketball once coached there or that Wilt once played there, it's the passion of the locals -- something Caple found overwhelming as his Final Four tour hit Lawrence. DAY 4: ROCK CHALK




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Statistics and numbers lie all the time. Matt Hasselbeck wasn't the second-best QB in the NFC last year, and Eddy Curry isn't the best shooter in the NBA. But one number is always true: 500 homers. As Sammy Sosa and three others prepare to join the 500 Club, Page 2's Ralph Wiley says that achievement is just as powerful as it always has been.

The Daily Quickie LeBron's First Facial
Has Dr. Evil joined forces with the NFL? The Daily Quickie reports that the No-Fun League is actually experimenting with a giant "laser" that would help players and fans in the stadium see the first-down line. The DQ also muses about Derek Jeter being "Wally Pipped," Ron Artest going nuts and an Anna-LeBron showdown.
You've heard that LeBron and MJ are tight. That the kid can pick up and call Jordan's cell phone whenever he wants. It ain't true, says Page 2's Jim Armstrong, who knows because he got a little time with Jordan last weekend. His Airness also doesn't expect King James to be anything special next season ... if ever.

THE WACKY BRACKET
A 16th seed has never won a game in the NCAAs. However, a No. 16 apparently will play for the title in Page 2's Wacky Bracket. Christina (or is it Cinderella?) Aguilera has a big lead on Mike Tyson as the Final Four voting winds down. Jennie Finch is also comfortably ahead of Britney in the other semi.


Monday was one of our favorite days of the year: Opening day of the baseball season. As we begin the 2003 campaign, Page 2 looks back on the 10 most memorable moments in Opening Day history. Check out our list and vote for the top lid-lifter of all-time.

10]  Karl Rhodes hits three home runs (1994)
Unknown Cubs outfielder Karl "Tuffy" Rhodes shocked the denizens of Wrigley Field by hitting three straight home runs off Mets pitcher Dwight Gooden.
9]  Reagan throws a wild pitch (1986)
Legend has it that Ronald Reagan was an excellent athlete. But you wouldn't have known it if you'd witnessed his ceremonial first pitch to Orioles catcher Rick Dempsey at Baltimore. Throwing from about 30 feet away, Reagan went into a full windup and uncorked a toss that flew way to the left of Dempsey and 10 feet over the catcher's head.
8]  Frank Robinson homers in first game as manager (1975)
In his debut as the first African-American manager in major-league history, Robinson hit the record eighth Opening Day homer of his career.
  • GET THE FULL LIST


NCAA MEN'S BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
DAY FAVORITE LINE UNDERDOG O/U
Saturday Kansas 4½ Marquette 153
Saturday Texas 3 Syracuse 151
NCAA WOMEN'S BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
DAY FAVORITE LINE UNDERDOG O/U
Sunday Duke 2½ Tennessee NL
Sunday UConn 6 Texas NL
All Times ET -- Bold indicates home team
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.



FLYING THE COOP
With all Roy Williams' double talk, no one knows if the Jayhawk will fly away to Chapel Hil, writes Page 2's Jason Whitlock.

FINAL FOUR GRADES
The modern era of the Final Four began in '79 with a tilt for the ages. Eric Neel hands out a grade for each of the Final Fours since.

ENEMY OF THE STATE
Martha Burk might get Augusta National to change, writes Page 2's Chris McKendry, but mentioning soldiers who are fighting in Iraq simply crosses the line.

BASKETBALL DIARY
If overall character defines who will be NBA champion, then get ready to crown the Spurs, writes Page 2's Charley Rosen.

HEY, RUBE
How did the Good Doctor survive Kentucky's untimely demise? With the love of a good woman, of course.

ANTHEM UPDATE
Baseball has changed a lot since 1908, so Gino Bona enlisted Snoop Dogg to make "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" current.
If your favorite writer isn't on Page 2 today, click here to check out our full roster of columnists.


We've gone Kansas crazy today: It's Jayhawks guard Keith Langford, left, and actor Chris Rock. Page 2 has received 44 requests for this match. Browse our archives of past pairs or click here to submit a future duo.


Final Four Friday
1-5 p.m. ET, ESPN
Get the 411 on the Final Four.
 
Kings at Celtics
8 p.m. ET, ESPN
Kings coast into Beantown.
 
Blazers at Warriors
10:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
Patterson looks to fight someone else.
 
• Complete TV listings


If you missed Page 2 over the last week, check out our back issues:
• Wed., April 2 Pass or Fail?
• Tues., April 1: The Big A
• Mon., March 31: To-ga! To-ga!
• Fri., March 28: Rock Solid

Other featured content:
• What the Heck Are They Thinking?
• 2003 All-Hair Team for NCAAs
• 10 Burning Questions for Chris Rock
• Page 2's Ultimate Scorecard
• 10 Burning Questions with Jennie Finch
Thursday, April 3, 2003
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