MidcoSN's David Brown and head coach Chris Johnson discuss a split home stand and how playing in close games will help the University of Sioux Falls men's team down the stretch. Also included: thoughts on Kobe Bryant, and Super Bowl picks.

Episode highlights:0:10 – David and Coach Johnson open the podcast with their thoughts on the tragic passing of basketball legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna.

2:48 – CJ discusses Friday night’s loss to Upper Iowa and why execution, not effort, was to blame.

6:03 – Coach Johnson explains how playing in so many close games has impacted his team.

7:04 – CJ explains in detail why he got a controversial technical foul in the final minute of the game vs. Upper Iowa.

8:57 – A discussion of USF’s game vs. Winona State and the electrifying performance of Warriors guard Caleb Wagner, who had a career-high 47 points.

12:08 – Coach Johnson explains putting Troy Houghton into the starting lineup vs. Winona State and how he made a difference defensively.

15:03 – A breakdown of the final two minutes of regulation vs. Winona State, including a big three-pointer from Devin Green, a great defensive stop by Troy Houghton and a clutch play by Jack Thompson and Trevon Adams.

21:33 – David and CJ preview USF’s upcoming road trip at Bemidji State and Minnesota Crookston, including an opportunity to ‘avenge’ an earlier loss this season to the Golden Eagles.

24:15 – Going back to an earlier point, Coach Johnson explains how despite the stress level, playing in close games now will help his team down the stretch.

25:25 – David and CJ make their Super Bowl predictions.