21.   Against the Bears, two freshman midfielders from Long Island, N.Y., Doug Shanahan and Mike Tierney, combined for eight goals and four assists.

22.   After nine memorable innings, neither pitcher had surrendered a run and the frustrated hitters had combined for a mere nine hits.

23.   After playing well in three previous games without Gadzuric, the trio of Sean Farnham, Travis Reed and Matt Barnes combined for two baskets and five rebounds.

24.   All facets combine for a high-pressure, high-tempo game with energy and confidence.

25.   Brian Boehringer and Mariano Rivera, who was summoned to secure the final out in the eighth, combined for three and a third scoreless innings.

26.   Brian Holzinger and Michal Grosek combined for no goals in the last five games.

27.   But the Yankees and the Rangers also combined for three errors and numerous mental blocks.

28.   But they also combined for just five in the second half.

29.   But Thomas had one rebound, and Jonas Hayes and Chris Daniels combined for eight.

30.   Center Rony Seikaly turned the ball over five times, and guards Anfernee Hardaway and Darrell Armstrong combined for five miscues as well.