11.   Eight teams are hanging on to the hope that a strong week in New York will secure a spot in the National Collegiate Athletic Association tournament next week.

12.   Geoff Jenkins realizes hitting is what draws the publicity, the big contracts and is the easiest way to secure a spot in the lineup.

13.   He acknowledged he missed an opportunity to secure a spot and did not blame Valentine.

14.   If you are fortunate or prescient enough to secure a spot in one of the Jeeps, it might be idyllic.

15.   If you secure a spot on the bandwagon early on, it has to hit a major pothole to toss you off.

16.   If the Hurricanes win their last three games, they will most likely secure a spot in the Rose Bowl to play for national championship.

17.   In fact, the Jets of three days ago were the first team in pro football history to secure a spot in the conference championship game by September.

18.   Klein said their close-in tailgate spot had been secured by his brother, who apparently had some local pull for tickets, too.

19.   Norm Charlton, Bobby Ayala and left-hander Greg McCarthy have secured roster spots.

20.   Notre Dame entered the game with five victories in seven games and the hope that a strong finish would secure a spot in the National Invitational Tournament.