That kind of did take some pressure off. We were worried about not making the conference tournament and I think we were getting discouraged about the way the season was going. Now Connecticut isn't a must-win for us and we can just go play.

We've just got to play through it. Looking back, watching film, watching where we break down and what's actually going wrong on every play that's how you get better.

Last year all the guys supported us; we wanted to do the same thing. Just show some love for our teammates.

I think our chances (in the Big East Tournament) are real good. We're ready to play anybody, regardless of who it is. It's that time of year. It's March. Everybody has to step it up a few notches, coaches, players ... this is no longer the regular season any more. Now it's either win or go home.

I think it did have to be this way, so he could get the ending he deserved.

We've just got to play through it. Looking back, watching film, watching where we break down and what's actually going wrong on every play — that's how you get better.