espn.com Ali Contest
Jim Caple traveled from Wisconsin to upstate New York to Kansas to Texas and back to Kansas again, visiting the campuses of all the Final Four teams. What he discovered was we are a better nation when we join together in common cause, even if that cause is something as insignificant as a bunch of basketball games. COME TOGETHER, OVER HOOPS




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Eventually, Hootie must cave. And when that belated moment of gender sensitivity occurs, who will be the lucky lady that gets to integrate the Augusta National clubhouse? Nobody knows, of course ... but don't overlook Oprah or Madonna in your betting pool.

Shining moments The Daily Quickie
Years from now, what memories will you retain from Syracuse's win Monday night? Probably not the same ones Page 2's Eric Neel will treasure, such as the brash and charming smile of Carmelo Anthony.
 Hey, who cloned a young Derrick Coleman and put him in a Kansas jersey? Syracuse erased the ghosts of championships past, writes the Daily Quickie. Find out how in the Sportoon recap of the title game.

BASKETBALL DIARY
When people talk about the great sports pioneers, Ossie Schectman's name never arises. Till now, that is. Page 2's NBA diarist Charley Rosen recently spent a few pleasant hours with Schectman, who scored the first basket in NBA history back in '46 -- on a two-handed underhand layup.


After Monday's national championship, the Syracuse Orangemen can 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


VEGAS' ODDS TO WIN 2004 SUPER BOWL
Eagles 5-1   Raiders 10-1
Rams 6-1   Dolphins 10-1
Buccaneers 7-1   Packers 15-1
Steelers 7-1   49ers 15-1
Patriots 10-1   Giants 15-1
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.


A FAN'S NOTES
David Cone and Rocco Baldelli captured Eric Neel's attention the first week of the baseball season.

TAR HELL
You want happy coaches, boosters and student bodies? It's all up to 18-, 19- and 20-years-old "inmates" writes Page 2's Ralph Wiley.

THE WATER COOLER
The Cooler pines for Roy Williams and Jim Boeheim: How the pain will be sharp after one of you loses.

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

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:
• Mon., April 7: The Crying Game
• Fri., April 4: Four-sight
• Thurs, April 3: Rock, chalk
• Wed., April 2 Pass or Fail?

Other featured content:
• Page 2's 2003 Wacky Bracket
• What the Heck Are They Thinking?
• 10 Burning Questions for Chris Rock
• Page 2's Ultimate Scorecard
Tuesday, April 8, 2003
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