We learned how to close out a game. The defense, with a 2-0 lead, handled that really well. Then to come back, down 4-2 against East, and score twice in the last 30 seconds and get to overtime, that was big.

We're just trying to use those games in a positive way. It shows that the game turns quickly and that you're never really out of it.

I wasn't sure he was going to get it, but I'm happy for Alex. We certainly played a much better game than the first one. We were more competitive, but not where we want to be yet.

During our 13 days off, we worked on defense. I knew we'd be good at that. The shooting ... well, I wasn't sure.

I wish we could have made our shots early. But our defense early was the difference. Our defense won the game for us.

Sickles played really good defense. You're not going to beat a team by only scoring 35 points. They did what they had to do to win and what a great year they've had. I'm not saying we didn't have a great year, but Coach Garcia has done an excellent job with his kids.