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with contributions from Ryan Clark, Debra Baker, Elaine Nole, Edward Cornish

Besides their obvious love of basketball, the 14 men and the coach of Western Kentucky University's Hilltopper squad are brought together by a spirituality that transcends individual religious beliefs.

Seven different faiths are represented among the team members, who gather before each game for prayer. First, they express the "Team Affirmation" that all have agreed on, and that includes a request for safety for both teams during the game. Then they each have a moment for their own prayer or private thoughts.

Junior guard Derek Robinson says, "I'm a Christian, and my family's Christian. Not Baptist. Not Catholic. Just Christian. We've all got some different beliefs on the team, but we all believe in God in some way ...

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