University of Minnesota Athletics
Postgame Quotes
2/19/2010 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Minnesota Head Coach Tubby Smith
Opening Statement:
"That was a good game, a good win. Our guys did a fantastic job. They maintained their poise throughout the game. We've kind of struggled in our losses with not being able to finish the games. Tonight we showed some real solidarity, some real teamwork. I thought certainly Blake [Hoffarber] did a great job for us. Ralph [Sampson III] and Colton [Iverson] really played well for us as well. Any time we beat a Bo Ryan coached team we've had to earn it, and we did that tonight."
On the team shaving their heads in support of Paul Carter's sister:
"If you've ever played sports before, you know that there's a bond, [the team] is a family. The guys care deeply and love one another. That was something that Paul did, and they know that Paul's our spiritual leader. He's a very solid individual, so that may be something we need to bond. I know Paul is very happy and pleased that they did it."
On the play of Sampson and Iverson:
"I thought they played extremely well. We got a couple three-point plays, and they were very physical inside. The key was the boards, they really dominated the boards, and both of them can score inside when you get the ball to them in certain spots. They need to keep the ball up high; they're doing a better job there. They've been working on it in practice. Both Ralph and Colton show a lot of patience, a lot of poise."
Minnesota Senior forward Damian Johnson
On the players shaving their heads in support of Paul Carter and his sister:
"I think that was a pretty nice gesture. I think Paul's a great leader. He's a very spiritual guy, and a very emotional guy, so I think he really appreciated that."
On how the Gophers were able to score against the Badger defense:
"I think we established our inside presence early on, giving it to Colton (Iverson) and Ralph (Sampson). I think we did a pretty good job. Colton played with confidence. I think it really helped with his game. I think he played really well."
On the difference between this game and the Gophers' close losses:
"I think we executed better. Guys stuck to the game plan. We didn't get rattled. We didn't try to force anything. Guys stuck together as a team, and didn't get down on themselves."
Minnesota sophomore guard Devoe Joseph
On whether the head-shaving brought the team together:
"I think it definitely did. Just everyone coming and getting their hair cut, everyone has the same look. Guys were excited about it. We're doing it for a reason, for Paul Carter, just to support him. He's like our brother so we want to support him and his family, just as much as he tries to support his family."
On the importance of this win:
"I think it's very big. It's the border rivalry. They're having a great season, so it meant a lot to us to come out and get a win. Hopefully we can feed on this and keep it going."
Wisconsin Head Basketball Coach Bo Ryan:
On the second half:
"We clawed back to 41-37 then to 47-42 we get three straight wide open looks off of two offensive rebounds. Then somebody is going to tell me that we go eight minutes without hitting a shot in there, I just thought that we were in great shape up to that point. We had survived some things early and then we could not buy one."
"I do not know about collapses, but the other team might have played better, so I do not call them collapses. What I mean is that the talent is still there; athletically, length and shooters. Our player knew exactly from the scouting report what we said and was going to try to transpire, and what we going to try to do on our part. I am not surprised they got alot of players."
On Minnesota's energy:
"I didn't really pay attention to that I can only coach one team. Most teams [feed off of the crowd] at home, but when we have been on the road we have been able to beat some people."
