espn.com Ali Contest
While most long-time observers of the college basketball scene are thrilled that either Jim Boeheim or Roy Williams -- the two little trains that couldn't -- finally has to win that elusive first NCAA title, Page 2's Brian Murphy worries about what will happen to the poor guy who loses. Hey, the ol' Coolermeister is nothing if not sensitive.
MURPHY: ANOTHER MOMENT IN TIME




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It's only been one week since Opening Day of MLB 2003, but Page 2's resident hardball diarist Eric Neel has already noticed some promising and ominous trends. On the upside, Coney is back, Erubiel Durazo is en fuego. From the Worrisome Dept. -- Junior's injured again, F-Rod is showing schizoid tendencies and MLB Extra Innings can be deleterious to your mental health.

Rock, chalk, Jayhawk! Medication time
After wandering Austin, Texas, searching in vain for hoops fans, Page 2's Jim Caple took his Final Four journey on the road again, this time heading back to Kansas. After a brutal drive, he arrived ... and immediately had his faith in the beauty of hoop restored.
 Matt Doherty's resignation after complaints from UNC players and parents has many observers moaning about "the insanity of inmates running the asylum." Well, Page 2's Ralph Wiley thinks that, in some cases, the asylum is better off being run by inmates.

YEAR OF THE FINCH
Here at Page 2, we love tournaments, brackets and softball pitchers who can buzz us with some high heat. The hottest things going right now: Jennie Finch, who crushed Christina Aguilera to win our Wacky Bracket, and Carmelo Anthony, who the Daily Quickie annoints as the best freshman ... ever.


After Monday's national championship, one team will be able to call themselves the best -- for this year anyway. In honor of the end of the 2003 NCAA tournament, Page 2 looks back on the 10 greatest college basketball teams in history. Check out our list and vote for the top college cagers of all time.
10]  1960 Ohio State Buckeyes (25-3)
Led by sophomore Jerry Lucas and fellow starter John Havlicek, the Buckeyes rolled through the tournament, winning every game by at least 15 points.
9]  1957 North Carolina Tar Heels (32-0)
After taking out Michigan St. in triple-overtime, the Tar Heels capped their undefeated season by containing Kansas' Wilt Chamberlain in the final, also in triple-overtime, 54-53.
8]  1956 San Francisco Dons (29-0)
Even without K.C. Jones, the Dons won their second consecutive tiler and extended their unbeaten streak to 55 games -- thanks to a center named Bill Russell.
  • GET THE FULL LIST


NCAA MEN'S BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
DAY FAVORITE LINE UNDERDOG O/U
Monday Kansas 5 Syracuse 158


 
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.


THE SPORTS GUY
When sportswriters say war puts sports in perspective, Bill Simmons has one thing to say: It puts everything in perspective.

CLUB 500
Just because four players might reach the 500-Homer Club this season doesn't mean it has lost meaning, writes Ralph Wiley.

NOT SO FAST ...
Hold the hype on LeBron James, Michael Jordan tells Page 2's Jim Armstrong: The kid isn't ready to be a star right away.

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.

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.
If your favorite writer isn't on Page 2 today, click here to check out our full roster of columnists.


It's St. Louis Blues defenseman Chris Pronger, left, and Dawson's Creek star James Van Der Beek. Page 2 has received 19 requests for this match. Browse our archives of past pairs or click here to submit a future duo.


Manchester United vs. Real Madrid
2:30 p.m. ET, ESPN2
UEFA action from the pitch in Spain.
 
Women's hoops: Championship Special
7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
Everything you need to know about the big game.
 
NCAA Final: UConn vs. Tennessee
8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
It's ladies night in Hot'lanta!
 
• Complete TV Listings


If you missed Page 2 over the last week, check out our back issues:
• Fri., April 4: Four-sight
• Thurs, April 3: Rock, chalk
• Wed., April 2 Pass or Fail?
• Tues., April 1: The Big A

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
Monday, April 7, 2003
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