21.   Arizona hones its success against teams like Iowa, Illinois and New Mexico.

22.   As for overall team toughness, the Rangers might not have quite the blend of size and skill needed to face rugged teams like Philadelphia.

23.   As I told the team, you have to learn to play against teams like this.

24.   As yet, he is nowhere near the reliable player Barnett was, which could lead to early problems against throwing teams like Miami and San Francisco.

25.   As Ray Lucas observed free agency earlier this month, he figured a team like Tampa Bay would call.

26.   As they work, Morash commands his team like a drill sergeant who moonlights at the Improv.

27.   At least six teams, maybe more, have no hope of generating enough revenue to compete with wealthy teams like the Yankees and Mets.

28.   Auerbach never coached a team like these Celtics.

29.   Back in the old days, new teams like the Mets accepted their miserable rejects in an expansion draft and kept a stiff upper lip.

30.   Beating Connecticut is a tall order for any team, let alone a young team like Illinois.