Dexter Williams, head basketball coach of the Jackson Underdawgs, visited with WNWS.COM for a Question & Answer session about his team and their second round game at 8 p.m. – ESPN 2 – tonight, against ‘Always A Brave,’ in The Basketball Tournament.

Question: Game 1 is behind you, and we imagine the level of confidence for the Underdawgs is climbing. What are your thoughts about today’s game against ‘Always A Brave,’ on basically their home court in Peoria?

Answer: It will definitley be a challenge facing them on their homecourt or anywhere for that matter. We know that they will have a huge crowd in the stands, but so did the House of ‘Paign.

We will have to play well tonight, limit their second chance opportunities and not give up easy baskets.

Our plan is to make them earn every point tonight. If we can make conditioning a factor, we will be just fine.

Question: Have you and the Underdawgs had the opportunity to scout ‘Always A Brave,’ what stands out and how do they differ from your first-round opponent, House of ‘Paign?’

Answer: Yes, we have seen them play several times. Six years ago (our first year in the TBT) they beat us at the buzzer and we have not forgotten about that.

I can’t tell you how excited and eager we are to get a chance to play them again in front of their home fans. They are a veteran team, they play very well together and they are very smart.

They differ from House of ‘Paign because they will have much more depth.

Question: The Underdawgs are enjoyable to watch. What makes this group of athletes so special?

Answer: These guys totally understand what it means to play as a team. They don’t care who scores just as long as we get the win. They have completely bought into what we have come here to accomplish and they understand how we MUST play in order to accomplish that goal.

Question: Are there NBA scouts in attendance at the games, and do they have an eye on any of the Underdawgs?

Answer: There could be some scouts in attendance,  but I’m unsure.

(PHOTO: Dexter Williams)