Dec. 28, 2007

Recap | Final Stats | Notes | AP Action Photos

Head Coach Dave Odom

“I think you can say this team likes to live on the edge. I was surprised our offense was out of sync. I probably shouldn’t have been because we spent so much time trying to improve our defense.”

“I was disappointed in our first half offensively. When you look at it, we’re down with six to seven minutes to go and they went on an 11-2 run there at the end of the first half. We thought ‘good they’re tired’ so we tried to sub in and out, but they still scored on us.”

“Dominique Archie, you have to give him credit in the run that got us back, along with Chad Gray. I’m really happy for Chad Gray, he’s one that we’ve been waiting on for about a year and a half now to kind of stick his head up and say `Hey try me.’ Those are our two older post guys. It was one of our first times playing them at the same time. That’s something we have to look at.”

“We hit three 3s pretty much down the stretch. A really big three-pointer was Devin’s in the opposite corner. We were able to combine that with 11-of-12 free throws in the second half. Devan hit all his in the clutch. It was a really big win for us – one we needed and I think earned.”

“They did a great job. I thought they were physical with our guards. I think that bothered Brandis Raley-Ross more than the others. I thought it forced Devan and Zam to turnovers, unlikely turnovers. Down the stretch we freed our guys a little and you have to give our post guys some credit.”

“We played more zone (in the second half) which took them out of their rhythm. Although we gave up some three’s out of that zone, at least they weren’t scoring inside.”

“It helps them to have the attitude that we’re never out of it. This is the second game coming back from a double-digit deficit at home. It’s speaks to the grit and determination of this team.”

Dominique Archie

“Early it’s good to play close games – so you get use to fighting back. We have shown we have the fight to come back. I don’t think the NCAA cares if you come from behind. When it comes to NCAA Tournament time, a wins a win even if you came from behind.”

Devan Downey

“Coach has a plan for me as the point guard. He says make plays, get the ball to your teammates, get them involved, but win the game. He works really hard with the big guys and that is why I haven’t given up on them.”

Chad Gray

“Looking out from the sideline I knew how to help on the defensive end. I played tough against the big guy (Fells) and tried to front him at the end. I have really been working hard in practice, working hard on the offensive end. I have been working hard in practice and trying to get in better condition.”

Head Coach Pat Douglass

“Going into the game we were really concerned with their guard play and their penetration to the basket. We did a pretty good job of stopping them, but their post players stepped up and played well.”

“We had some opportunities tonight, but we just couldn’t put it all together.”

“We have had a tough road stretch and would have liked to have had this win.”