11.   His problem was earning the right to play in Hanover, a tournament open only to the top eight in the computer ranking.

12.   If the team had broken even during the longest home stand of the year, they would be among the top eight in the conference.

13.   In fact, none of the teams from Rio de Janeiro finished in the top eight, further illustrating the competitive level of the Brazilian leagues.

14.   In fact, seven Kenyan men finished among the top eight, and Loroupe appeared ready to add Boston to her two victories in the New York City Marathon.

15.   KJ and Robinson are among the top eight, along with Chapman, Kidd, Nash, John Williams and Danny Manning.

16.   Pavin has finished in the top eight in Tour money winnings for four of the past five years.

17.   TCU needs to finish in the top eight today to reach the finals.

18.   Tech lost pitching ace in Cory Vance, but returns six of its top eight, including right-handers Steve Kelly and Rhett Parrott.

19.   The bottom five stories were crushed into rubble, while the top eight remained intact, though they now lean more distinctly and precariously than the tower in Pisa.

20.   The Celtics believe there are some built-in advantages as they attempt to crack the top eight.