1.   Craig Esherick, the Georgetown coach, says to enjoy this clash, because it might be another decade before the teams meet again.

2.   When the U.S. team selection committee meets, many cigars will be smoked to nubs as the Magic Question is debated.

3.   Whenever these teams meet, there is bound to be some confrontation.

4.   Although fans from opposing nations often seem more hostile than harmonious when their teams meet, Swedish lawmaker Lars Gustafsson on Monday insisted the game helps international relations.

5.   The Finnish pair of Hannu Manninen and Jari Mantila edged two Norwegian squads to win a team sprint meet on the Nordic combined World Cup circuit Wednesday.