1.   And some companies, even those that get a modest portion of their business from fliers, managed to beat the odds entirely.

2.   And some die-hards, strongly advised to find an alternative exercise because running will accelerate the wear and tear on their knees, manage to beat the odds.

3.   And the excitement of following a predicted champion from preseason practice to playoff lacks the wild wonderment of watching an underdog beat the odds.

4.   And, as Pippen said, the desire to prove the Bulls again can beat the odds is something that stokes their desire.

5.   Arizona had beaten the odds, not only by defeating Kansas but by continuing to win in the Southeast.

6.   Beat the odds.

7.   Beat the odds?

8.   Beating odds, defying gravity, denying age, besting physics ... those are the kinds of achievements our natures crave.

9.   Bender credits his all-out style with helping him beat the odds and stick with the Raiders last season.

10.   Billy Payne, who beat the odds by bringing the Olympic Games to Atlanta this summer, is going to work for NationsBank as vice chairman.