Leading Off

Overstated
Mississippi State forward Lawrence Roberts (4) takes the opening tip against Alabama forward Chuck Davis to start their SEC game at Starkville, Miss., last Saturday. The Bulldogs lost 77-73, but with the formidable Roberts they remain a force in the Top 10 (page 56).

Extension Course
Cincinnati forward Jason Maxiell gets away from Louisville forward Francisco Garcia and goes high and long to get his hand on a rebound during the Bearcats' 66-61 home overtime victory over Louisville last Saturday.

Casting Call
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Sam Cassell (left) and Orlando Magic guard Rod Strickland both seemed to be playing with doppelg�ngers during a game at Minnesota. The off-season acquisitions of Cassell and Latrell Sprewell have the T-Wolves thinking they can end their long string of first-round losses in the playoffs (page 44).