31.   He was sold last season despite vigorous protests by Barcelona fans.

32.   High school basketball star Zach Randolph won an appeal Friday that will allow him to play at Michigan State next season despite low scores on an entrance exam.

33.   Jeff Odgers, who led the Atlanta Thrashers in penalty minutes this season despite missing nearly half the games, re-signed with the team Monday for one year.

34.   It was yet another exhilarating victory for the Sixers, who have been atop the NBA standings all season despite injuries to several key players.

35.   Luongo recorded his third shutout of the season, while the Panthers had their highest-scoring game of the season despite the absence of star forward Pavel Bure.

36.   Newcastle Knights continued their blazing start to the Australian rugby league season despite the absence of English coach Malcolm Reilly.

37.   The Bullets have struggled this season despite the addition of expensive free agents Rod Strickland and Tracy Murray to a squad that already included Chris Webber and Juwan Howard.

38.   The government pressed ahead with opening the new airport before the peak tourist season despite concern from airlines over high airport charges and poor access.

39.   The Jets failed to make the playoffs this season despite needing just one win in their final three games.

40.   The Phoenix Coyotes dumped Don Hay after just one season despite a playoff appearance.