Leading Off

Face Mash

Florida tight endAaron Hernandez (81) tested the strength of Toddrick Verdell's chin strap asthe Florida State linebacker made the tackle last Saturday in Tallahassee.Hernandez had two touchdown catches in the second-ranked Gators' 45--15victory.

Maui Mayhem

Saint Joseph'sguard Darrin Govens (in red) and Indiana guard Malik Story scrambled for aloose ball during the second round of the Maui Invitational on Nov. 25. SaintJoe's won 80--54 behind a game-high 23 points from Govens, who hit acareer-best seven threes.

Bent OverBackward

Chiara Costazzaof Italy crashed in the first run of the giant slalom during the Women's WorldCup in Aspen, Colo., last Saturday. Because of the icy conditions and poorvisibility, 16 of the 61 racers could not finish their initial runs. Costazza,who tore her left Achilles tendon, is out for the season.

UConnked

A collision withConnecticut guard Tiffany Hayes (3) sent BYU forward Kristen Riley reeling atProvo, Utah, on Nov. 25. Hayes and the top-ranked Huskies encountered littleelse in the way of resistance, winning 96--47.

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Photograph by Bill Frakes

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Photograph by Greg Nelson

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Photograph by George Fry/EPA

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Photograph by Douglas C. Pizac/AP