"You mean have them go on, say, a 16-3 run to cut a large deficit to, say, two points?" the Hoop God suggested.

"Yes, O Gravity-Defying One. But could you also allow their new match-up zone defense to be successful?" Isiah Moses asked. "And permit them to take control in the second half?"

"Well, how about if I let Fred Schernecker hit two straight three pointers. And maybe even a two-pointer, too?" the Hoop God suggested. "I could lift the curse on James and let the fellow score eight straight points late in the half."

"That would be wonderful, O Levitating One," the angel said.

"And I could let James steal the ball and throw a touchdown pass to young Tyler Rullman for a three-point play to seal the victory," the Hoop God said, getting into it. "Then Coach Roby could jump around on the sidelines, pump his fist to the band--all the things he's always wanted to do."

"It would mean so much to them," the angel said with a hopeful look.

"Well, they haven't quit all season long, and the home finale should be special for the seniors," the Hoop God said slowly. "and my brother Peter could use a beating every once in a while...Yes, I think I'll do that."

"Oh, thank you, O Bird-like One. They will be so pleased," the angel said. "but what of next year's Ivy League title?"

"We shall see, O Angel, We shall see."