1.   Beach teams have two players with no substituting, making it impossible to mask deficiencies.

2.   For certain the winning streak has masked some deficiencies, from sporadic defensive lapses to bad shot selection.

3.   Superior problem-solving capabilities can also mask a deficiency in long-range, conceptual or strategic thinking.

4.   Yes, there was an encouraging turnaround once Rick Pitino wisely bolted, but the resurgence cannot mask obvious deficiencies.

5.   He was widely blamed for overspending to keep up an appearance of well-being while masking severe deficiencies.