31.   If Bulls Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf and General Manager Jerry Krause decide to try to build for the future, any number of teams instantly would become title contenders.

32.   If Golota wins, he becomes a legitimate title contender.

33.   If all three title contenders finish tied, the Jets will win on the first tiebreaker, head-to-head competition.

34.   If the Jazz can lose in a year in which they were considered title contenders, then why should the Sonics be crucified for underachieving?

35.   If the Lakers really are a title contender, what could be better than launching that quest by winning the city championship?

36.   It is difficult for casual football fans to digest the idea of the Falcons as legitimate title contenders.

37.   It really did look as if Magic had instantly transformed the Lakers into a title contender.

38.   It was as if the Knicks were trying to get blood out of a stone by thinking he would make them title contenders.

39.   Kentucky still is seen as a national title contender because of players such as sophomore Ray Mercer, who could leave for the NBA after this season himself.

40.   Kersey definitely increased his stock as a dependable reserve, but he wants to play for a title contender.