We have talked to the players about playing the role of a favorite. We want them to play strong and show why they deserve to be the favorite.

We rushed some stuff in the first half, trying to shoot off one pass and shoot off no passes. We're real successful when the ball is going inside.

I thought our effort, when the chips were down, was 10 times better this year than last year. In the end, they made a few more plays than we did.

One big key is handling the ball against that pressure. They are physical and also do a great job going to the boards.

That is one thing we have stressed. He will probably get his points, but let's not let him take us out of our game.

He was on a mission tonight.