21.   Despite what appear to be long odds, playing the defending NBA champs on their home court, the Pacers think they have a chance.

22.   Did anyone notice how freaked John Elway appeared during the Monday Night Football game in which his former team looked nothing like the two-time defending Super Bowl champs?

23.   Even though he was leaving the defending World Series champs, he said it was a good move.

24.   Faldo, the defending champ, remains a top contender, along with Steve Elkington, Phil Mickelson, Tom Lehman, Ernie Els and Fred Couples.

25.   For Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter, it is simply the place of last resort now that the three-time defending champs have dug themselves such a deep hole.

26.   For the defending champs, it was hardly a characteristic game.

27.   He is, after all, the defending champ, correct?

28.   He was going to be a senior for the defending NCAA champs.

29.   However, defending two-time champs have been marking time until playoffs.

30.   How come the tiny skaters could deliver under fire, while the promise-making defending World Cup champs of hockey played more like chumps?