University of Minnesota Athletics
Minnesota Michigan Postgame quotes
2/21/2008 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
POSTGAME QUOTES
Williams Arena
Opening statement:
“I guess this was more of a shooting game than anything. We shot the ball well even though we didn't rebound very well, but we managed to get the win and that's the important thing.'
On the game:
“We know that they were a talented shooting team and we would have to be able to pass the ball and play defense to beat a team like that. We can't have as many turnovers as we did tonight if we expect to be successful. Turnovers led to a lot of 2 on 1 breaks, a lot of 3 on 2's, it's hard to be successful when you do that. We were fortunate to shoot well tonight.'
Senior Guard
On scoring career high
“It's good right now, because we got the win tonight. We struggled with offensive rebounds and sometimes when shots aren't falling you can lose games like that. But luckily we made them and it gave me a boost of confidence. Anytime you have a game like that you get a boost of confidence but I have to keep working. I can't be satisfied.'
On improving over last season's performance against
“I didn't really think about that. I guess you can say it's redemption'
On having Al Nolen starting in backcourt
“I'm comfortable having Al (Nolan) in the backcourt. He's a playmaker. With his penetration, he's so quick. Guys have to double team him if he gets in the lane. He draws the defenders and that's really helpful.'
On improving throughout the season
“Basketball is a game of confidence. I think you need that extra level of confidence because in college basketball, most people are on the same level. What's different between teams is who's going to be in the gym working the hardest. I think when guys start getting in the gym like our guys have been doing, they start to get that confidence and get that swagger.'
On NCAA tournament hopes
“Winning today was great for me and great for our team. We still have hopes for the NCAA tournament and that's always going to be our goal. That's even if it takes going to the Big Ten tournament and trying to win it all. That's why we have to keep working and trying to make it.'
On replacing Spencer Tollackson:
“Before practice, coach talked to us about handling pressure and that guys need to step up and fulfill their role. When Spencer left the game, I knew that I had to step up and do the little things that I know I have to do to help us step up and win the game.'
On
“We know that
“
Michigan Head Coach John Beilein
Opening statement
“I thought we hung in the game for a long time. We played a great first half, but played like our old selves in the second period. McKenzie was a heartbreaker with some of the shots he was making. We had been finishing the last few games, but tonight we didn't.'
On
“We need someone to make shots besides our Manny Harris and DeShawn Sims. We took 70 shots, which is too fast of a pace for us to play. Luckily, we turned the ball over less than last time we played
On the second half
“I have to let our players play through mistakes. We made some shots and then we couldn't hit anything.
On
“McKenzie's been around for a long time. He's an experienced player who has been playing longer than our guards. He's just a great player.'
