LEADING OFF

Behind-the-Shaq Pass

Cavaliers center Shaquille O'Neal made a no-look pass to forward J.J. Hickson last Saturday during Cleveland's 94--86 win in New Jersey. O'Neal scored 12 points and pulled down nine rebounds as the Cavs improved their record to 27--8, the best in the Eastern Conference.

Winter Sturm

Boston fans exulted after Bruins left wing Marco Sturm scored in overtime to defeat the Flyers 2--1 in the NHL Winter Classic at Fenway Park on New Year's Day. A crowd of 38,112 turned out to watch the third annual edition of the game.

The High Road

Florida sophomore running back Chris Rainey leaped into the end zone for a six-yard, fourth-quarter score in a 51--24 Sugar Bowl blowout of Cincinnati in New Orleans on New Year's Day. Rainey rushed four times for 27 yards and caught four passes from Tim Tebow, who threw for a career-high 482 yards in his last game as a Gator (page 50).

PHOTO

Photograph by Lou Capozzola

PHOTO

Photograph by David E. Klutho

PHOTO

Photograph by Bob Rosato