21.   But rarely are these matchups simply one-on-one, center-vs.-center affairs.

22.   But that regular-season matchup is only part of the delicious irony of this Midwest Regional final.

23.   But the key matchup will be Ainge vs. Pippen.

24.   But this matchup is different.

25.   But when you get to the Final Four, any matchup is fine.

26.   But there are other matchups that have nothing to do with third-down efficiency or fourth-quarter QB ratings.

27.   Clearly the marquee matchup is UConn-Tennessee.

28.   Complicating matters, officials from both leagues will be involved because the matchup was an interleague contest played in a National League ballpark.

29.   Difficult matchups up front are why Texas coach Rick Barnes believes a grind-it-out style of play suits his team best.

30.   During a conference call yesterday, Neuheisel supported the notion that the Colorado-Oregon matchup was exciting fans in the Denver area.