Anytime you get to the line (34) times as opposed to being on the line nine times, that?s almost an impossible situation to win in.

We see that we can be champions. It?s not just something that we talk about and dream about. We see that the goal is attainable.

Recently, the foul trouble has been working for us. It?s given our bench a reason to step up and perform. They met the challenge tonight, but we just ran into a game opponent.

We read every newspaper article printed on that team. We knew they were a second-half club, so at no point in the first half did we think the game was over.

We persevered tonight. We got great production from our bench. The reserves were ready. I?m really impressed.

Our guys were afraid to lose, it’s that simple. Our season ended early last year and for myself and the players, it was the worst feeling ever.

It?s very difficult knowing you did what you could and it was still in someone else?s hands. But that?s what basketball is — sometimes you get it, sometimes it gets you.