I think it definitely was a good thing for the long term. Lofton getting hurt in itself, of course was terrible. But how the team gelled together and stepped up can only be seen as a great positive. After some of the close losses, and the 2nd half collapses, the players could have very easily folded; but they stuck with it, kept fighting, and with this win tonight proved to themselves that they have the talent and ability to succeed without Lofton. Yes, it was just a win over Georgia, but a win over a divisional foe without your superstar player and Wooden Award candidate greatly increases your confidence. The freshmen are coming out of this stretch battle-tested and more grown up, which are huge positives. I don't think lofton will be that rusty, either. If he has any rust, I think he can shake it off within the first few minutes back on the floor.