We've been expecting Al to step up like that all year. I think he's one of the best shooters in the area. Once he believes in that, he's going to take off and really help us.

We're just here to play basketball. When we were 2-5, nobody was protesting, so that's just how it is.

We just try to encourage him. His No. 1 job is to shoot, and we know sometimes shooters aren't always on, but the best way to come out of a shooting slump is to keep shooting, and that's what we encourage him to do.

It's a beautiful, beautiful thing. It's exciting for the kids and they are really looking forward to it.

I don't think the tough games really rattle us. I think those experiences in the past made this game not so nerve-racking for our guys.

It's a beautiful thing; it's fun. We're going to defend the crown — what more can you ask for?