The Big Three: 3.2

So whose streak will end first? The one where the sun rises in the east, or the one where Roger Federer never loses? Right now, it's a dead heat. On to the big stories of the day.

1) Upset Specials: The topsy turvy, I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! ACC got a little topsier, a little turvier, and a lot Not-Butterier after Georgia Tech spanked visiting North Carolina- the eighth ranked Tar Heels to you, buddy- 84-77. The Yellow Jackets were paced by freshman forward Thaddeus Young (25 points), Javaris Crittendon (11 dimes), and Anthony Morrow (18 points) and gave a boost to their NCAA hopes. The good news for Carolina? They didn't repeat the debacle of last Sunday, when the blew a 12 point lead with seven minutes to go in a loss to Maryland. Instead, they solved that problem by never leading after the 12.:59 mark of the first half. Meanwhile, the ninth-ranked Wolfpack of Nevada were buried by the Utah State Aggies (who at 21-9 don't suck) 79-77, when Chaz Spicer buried a pair of freebies with 3.8 ticks left. Those who look upon Nevada's now 13-2 record in the WAC with the same suspicious eye a jeweler does cubic zirconium will not be impressed by this result. Finally, the 14-18 Keydets (not a typo) of VMI bounced 22-10 High Point from the Big South Tournament, saving them the trouble of possibly being bounced in the first round of the NCAAs.

Love for Lovie: Frankly, we were appalled by the delay. The man led Rex Grossman- Rex Grossman!- to the Super Bowl. But Bears head coach Lovie Smith finally has his contract extension, and it's pretty swanky, too. Four years, $22 million, with a $2.05 mil signing bonus, effective after next season. Very nice, high five! Of course, Dick Jauron and Dave Wannstedt can vouch for the fact that such deals don't guarantee five more years of Lovie, but that's not the point. Some were shocked to see the miserly-by-reputation Bears part with that much cash in what they swear were not contentious negotiations. But it's over now, and management can turn their attention to finding fresh ways to make the passing game inept.

Shorthanded, Schmorthanded: The New York Rangers' generally effective power play was on display Thursday night, producing three goals. Unfortunately, two were for visiting Pittsburgh, who pulled out a 4-3 shootout win. Sidney Crosby squeezed a shot through Henrik Lundquist for the only goal in extra-extra action, converting for only the second time in ten shootout chances. That's a little odd. But in watching their special teams betray them, losing a 2-0 third period lead, and dropping to under .500 at the Garden, the Rangers all at once missed out on a much needed point in the playoff race and provided NYC MediaZilla headline writers a treat. The Pens, on the other hand, pulled to within three points of fourth seeded Ottawa in the Eastern Conference.

Honorable Mention: Joe Horn says Joe Horn would rather be released than accept a pay cut for Joe Horn. But Joe Horn likely wasn't exactly shocked to see the Cowboys release Drew Bledsoe. Joe Horn saw the writing on the wall.