THE LATEST LINE: BULLS SHOW THEY'RE NOT QUITE DEAD

The reports of the Chicago Bulls' demise were apparently greatly exaggerated.

After the Bulls had to struggle to get past the Pacers in seven games in the Eastern Conference Finals, and after Utah swept aside the Lakers in four games in the Western Conference Finals, all talk turned to the likely end of the Bulls' dynasty.

And that talk only intensified after the Jazz slipped past the Bulls in overtime Wednesday in the first game of the NBA Finals.

But somebody evidently forgot to tell His Airness -- Michael Jordan -- and the rest of the Bulls that their dynasty was in ruins.

Sure, the aging Bulls might not have quite the same spring in their step as they've had the past few years.

But, as Jordan pointed out the other day, there is nothing wrong with the Bulls' heart or their will to win. And, as he has proven time and again over the years, when you have Michael on your side, you can never be counted out.

So the NBA Finals are now in Chicago for tonight's third game tied at one game apiece. It's still very much up for grabs and I don't see the Bulls running the table at home to close out the series in five.

But, like I've said on more than one occasion, I still see the Bulls winning a sixth title. Let's say Chicago in six.

And if the Bulls do prevail, then things will really begin to get interesting because then we'll see if Chicago's management will keep the team together to try and make yet another championship run or break up the group and draw the ire of a nation.

* Big-time congratulations to SEMO softball players Christine Engelhardt and Jennifer Oermann for being named second team GTE Academic All-Americans.

It marks the second time Engelhardt has been named an Academic All-American. She was the school's first-ever Division I first team Academic All-American last year.

* Also major kudos to Oran High's baseball team for finishing second in the Class 1A state tournament.

Despite falling to Halfway 9-3 in Friday's championship game, the Eagles had a sensational season, one squad members will likely never forget.

* The search for a new athletic director at SEMO is apparently heading into the home stretch.

SEMO last week concluded on-campus interviews of its three finalists. Joe Low, co-chair of the search committee, said that all are impressive candidates.

An announcement on a new AD should come by the end of the month.

* Beav and everybody else at the Playdium wish to extend a special congratulations to one of their pals, Rodney Denman, who led Bismarck to the Class 2A Final Four in baseball. The Indians lost in the semifinals last week.

* Today's 1 p.m. doubleheader at Capaha Field between the McDowell Capahas and Springfield, Ill., will serve as fan appreciation day.

Manager Jess Bolen and his Capahas invite all their fans who attend today's games to stick around afterward for a picnic with the team. Food and beverages will be served.

~Marty Mishow is a sports writer for the Southeast Missourian