41.   Penn State, which had slid from a national championship contender to a Big Ten also-ran with three consecutive losses, felt it had something to prove.

42.   Patrick Racing lost one championship contender when Fernandez formed his own team.

43.   Pitino said Friday that the Pacers are legitimate championship contenders.

44.   Players have sought the highest dollar, the best opportunity, the most interested suitor, the strongest championship contender.

45.   Rather, it took a less-demanding coach with a less-collegiate approach and a pair of young stars to return the Celtics to viable championship contender.

46.   Q. Is Derek Fisher good enough to start for a championship contender?

47.   Rick Pitino has made his coaching reputation by taking downtrodden teams and turning them into championship contenders in his second season.

48.   Rowe said that any new revenues that come in from concessions would be used toward player salaries in an effort to mold a championship contender.

49.   Rudd had the best day among the championship contenders.

50.   Several factors suggest the Avengers should be playoff-bound this spring, and possibly championship contenders.