Olson, men against tourney; Bonvicini happy for publicity

Like it or not, March Madness is going to start a week earlier for the Arizona basketball teams beginning in 2002.

A vote passed by the Pacific 10 Conference Chief Executive Officers yesterday assured the re-appearance of the postseason tournament for both the men's and women's basketball teams.

While the conference hosted a men's tournament from the 1987-1990 seasons, there has never been a similar event for women.

Arizona's dissenting vote yesterday, cast by President Peter Likins, mirrored the view that the UA athletic department has shared about the men's tournament all along. Likins' decision was influenced by UA Athletic Director Jim Livengood, who voted against the recommendation of the tournament three weeks ago.