The Gaels played the last 4:23 without their best player, center Kashif Hameed (12 points), who fouled out.

When asked about having to play the Braves without his best player, Valentine pointed out that Atlanta was without its first-string catcher, too.

And, Minaya pointed out: "We played the whole week without our best player.

The Red Storm played most of that time without its best player, Marcus Hatten.

They were also facing the prospect of playing without their best defensive player on Sunday night against Miami at the Meadowlands.

Sometimes it rallies the troops when they're playing without their best player.

The Flyers were playing without their best player, Peter Forsberg, who missed his second consecutive game with a groin injury.

Michigan played most of the game without its leading player, Chuck Ortmann.

Coach Butch Beard is hoping his team will respond to the challenge of playing its first five regular-season games without its best player.

Any time you play without your best player, you have to have a collective effort.