Ali was at almost every practice we had. So when he wasn't there that night we thought it was strange. Later, when Matt called to let us know what happened, our hearts just sank.

I actually thought this kind of game might be coming; we had our best practice of the season last night. We knew York would be physical, and I was very happy with how our kids played. Of course, Mason came up with the big shot at the end. He?s a big-time player who made a big shot.

He had heat like he did the other night (against Northeast). He's about 100 percent now.

I wish sir, you would practice this without me. I can't stay dying here all night

One night in practice we just threw him back there to see what would happen - kind of a garbage-can offense - and he did fine.

We shot about 50 of them every night ? before practice and after practice. It certainly paid off.