Kansas had lost two of three to Kansas State in the regular season but defense was the difference in the regional final as the Jayhawks held star guard Mitch Richmond to a season-low 11 points on 4-of-14 shooting.

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And despite all the tensions between national and regional commitments, regional coaches are set to take difference stances.

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These amazing leaders are making a difference in their communities, whether at the local, state or regional level.

WHITEHOUSE: Champions of Change: African American Educational Excellence | The White House

The other difference was that, unlike its Big East tournament final against Syracuse and Midwest regional final against Duke, Louisville's comeback didn't put the game away.

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But for most of the regional retailers represented they'd like for some kind of resolution or stronger support to make a difference in their bottom lines.

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Since he has been in office, Mr Mubarak has cleverly used the occasional sign of difference with America to bolster his nationalist credentials, while using Egypt's regional weight to please Washington.

ECONOMIST: Egypt