If you say so. (Austin Rivers)

game day (part 2)

As I watched the game in the row behind the Kentucky bench, it was intense beyond measure. The fouls on both sides were at an all time high, shots weren't falling for us, frustration was starting to win; it was harsh to watch.

Half time was in the next minute and I was trying to take deep breaths and remind myself everything would be okay. 

I caught Anthony's eye from the court and he smiled at me and gave me a thumbs up, then he proceeded to get the Lob and Jam it in the rim.

BUZZ BUZZ BUZZ

It was now time for halftime, and more interviews. I walked to the away side of the court and searched for Duke's Head Coach. Finally spotting him, I pulled him over to talk with me and then the cameraman point to me indicating we were live.

"Coach K, your team is trailing by 12 points. How do you guys close the gap and pick up this game in the second half?" I asked vivaciously.

"Well, I think that we really have to pick up the pace on defense. We have to get down the court faster and beat them in transition. That's where they're really killing us." He replied while looking a bit frustrated with the game.

"You guys are shooting less than 30% from the paint, how do you fix this and come out with a different mind set after halftime?" I asked, trying my best to sound confident.

"I think that we really have to focus on penetrating through Kentucky's defense if we want a shot to win this game."

"Thanks Coach and good luck!" I yelled as Coach K said his thanks and then hustled back into the locker room.

"I'm Valerie Simpson, now back to Cassidy and Lucas with your halftime report."

I sighed in defeat once off the air, but the cameraman gave me a thumbs up. 

"You did great kiddo, a real natural!" He said while giving me a smile and then getting lost somewhere in the crowd.

I returned to my previous spot on the bench, watched the halftime routine put on by our cheerleaders, then scanned my eyes for Anthony.

But instead of meeting Anthony's eyes, I met Austin's. In fact, he just smiled and then practiced his threes. I glared at the back of his head, shooting imaginary bullets.

"Hey baby." I heard a familiar deep voice as I looked to the right of me.

"Anthony." I sighed and then stole a kiss from him.

"What's wrong? I heard you did great at halftime earlier." He whispered and then placed his hand on my thigh.

"Yeah, I did okay I guess." I was trying not to seem agitated, but then Austin's eyes fixated on me and became unavoidable. I'm guessing that Anthony traced were I was looking and everything sort of came together for him.

As I turned wish Anthony good luck, he kissed me hard on the lips. 

"See you later V." He said as his lips unlatched from mine like honey.

"Good luck." I replied.

-

There was less than 4 minutes left in the half and the tension was simmering. The game was a pretty close one 69-71, then 71-71, then 72-73. It was like a never ending cycle and I could feel an overtime coming.