March 25, 2008

Bowling Green, KY (UWIRE) -- TAMPA, Fla. - It didn't take much to notice that Western's attitude remained loose throughout the first and second rounds of the NCAA Tournament.

Whether it was the dunking exhibition that junior guard Desire Gabou and junior forward Japeth Aguilar put on at the end of the Toppers' open practice on Thursday, or Gabou keeping it light-hearted in the locker room with jokes and dancing, the mood was relaxed considering Western was about to play for a spot in the Sweet Sixteen.

"Now that we're here, we just want to enjoy it, have fun and keep playing for each other," senior guard Courtney Lee said.

Even during times when players were being interviewed, they kept it fun and relaxed.

Freshman forward D.J. Magley was taking questions about how he had set Aguilar up with his sister Jessica, and Gabou with his oldest sister Jennifer. Magley was asked if he had a girlfriend himself.

"Naw, every girlfriend I try, he always takes them," Magley said pointing to freshman Steffphon Pettigrew. The statement got those around Magley laughing.

Horn said that his main goal coming into the week was to make sure the team was loose and relaxed as well as playing the way Western is capable of playing, win or lose.

"I think we're going to try to keep doing what we've been doing all year," Horn said. "It's given us 29 wins against some pretty good competition. We've been taking it one game at a time and preparing for each team individually and trying to stay committed to our style of play."

Western seemed to emphasize that they were going to enjoy the moments that senior guard Ty Rogers' game-winning shot to defeat Drake brought to the locker room and team.

"That big shot, you can't ignore," Magley said. "It's been on TV and it's on the Internet and everything. It was a great pass and a great shot by (senior guard) Tyrone Brazelton and Ty Rogers. It's just been amazing. It's a great ride so far. This is the type of stuff I would think about as a little kid. It's pretty cool."

Now Western turns their attention to their West Regional semifinal match up against UCLA at 8:40 p.m. Thursday in Phoenix at the U.S. Airways Center.

"It's a great thrill," Horn said. "And it's a great thrill for me personally to watch our guys enjoy it, because as a player that's been through it, it's one of the most special times in your life."

(C) 2008 College Heights Herald via UWIRE