I've read opinions that the ultimate NC$$ goal is to have shootouts for all conferences and they would count as part of the tournament selection criteria. If that *is* the ultimate goal, then IMO shootouts will assume too much importance and I'll switch from my tepid support to active resistance. At that point I'll claim that shootouts are like a cigarette after sex. Unnecessary, and bad for the ultimate health of the main activity. :-) Dave "Class(less) Clown" Hendrickson