Sports Briefs: Ladies' NBA Finals Predictions

Sugar, spice and everything nice.

No, that's not what girls are made of. Those are ingredients in the cookies that the respective ladies in every man's life are baking right now, just in time for Game 1 of the NBA Finals.

The 2007 NBA playoffs have been going on for, approximately, 15 months, causing non-basketball fans (read: females) to be neglected more than a poison ivy sandwich. But have the ladies learned anything about basketball during the interlude (besides the fact that the emphasis is on the second syllable in LeBron's name)?

Can they, at least, predict the winner of the Finals?

Here are the responses of a mall full of ladies in Waco, Texas, young and not-quite-as-young, eager to discuss the fates of the Cleveland Cavaliers and the San Antonio Spurs while prowling through the clothes racks at Dillard's. Tim Duncan would be jealous at some of the boxing out that goes on during a half-price sale.

Who do you think will win the NBA Finals?

"What teams are playing? I'm not into sports all that much. I don't have much time as it is, and watching the Finals would cut into the shows I like to watch." - Kylie Standish, student.

"I don't know . . . the Spurs, I guess. I don't watch much TV." - Ellen Smith, homemaker.

"Cleburn, of course. No, not Cleburn. That's not what I was trying to say! I meant to say Cleveland! I really wanted Utah to win because of the guy who had the daughter with the eye problem. But I decided I wanted Cleveland to win because I've heard of LeBron. I think he's cool." - Carly Collard, student.

"The Knicks?" - Bella, shopper.

"Who's in it now? The Spurs? Tony Parker will win MVP, because he's the best player in my eyes. I love basketball, and I love the Spurs." - Robin Wall, employee at the mall.

"I don't know. I don't watch it." - Sheryl, biker chick.

"I want the Spurs, but knowing my luck, the Cavs will win. I'll watch them if nothing else is on and the games are interesting." - Claira Johnson, preschool teacher.

"What Finals is that? Which ones? I think UConn will win this year!" - Tammy, homemaker and gardener.