March 15, 2005

Recap | Box Score | Notes

Columbia, S.C. – South Carolina vs. Miami, Fla., Coaches’ Quotes March 16, 2005 Colonial Center, Columbia, SC

Dave Odom, South Carolina: “I thought if we could ever get a handle on them defensively, we had a chance. They really have explosive speed. They have Miami Hurricane football type speed. They may have the best three-some of guards that we’ve seen. Josh (Gonner) had an open lane to the basket at the end and he was able to get there and bank it in. This was some basketball game. It was worthy of any tournament. Both teams played pretty well. Only 14 turnovers between the two. Miami brought a lot of talent in here tonight. To our players’ credit they picked it up defensively down the stretch. I was very proud of our team for hanging in there. I thought our crowd helped us out. Not necessarily in numbers, but they were very supportive here tonight. “

Frank Haith, Miami: “

Regarding what he thought South Carolina would do on its last possession: “I thought they would attack us and they did. Josh Gonner took it right at us and made a heck of a play. That was a big play.”

Regarding the fact that Miami led late in the game but was unable to put the game away: “That is a big key tonight and is something that our program has to get past. When we get the lead, we have to finish games off. It has happened other times as well.”

Regarding the disappointment of losing in the opening round: “This is very disappointing because we feel like we let this one get away. Our defensive execution was not very good. Give South Carolina credit. They played aggressive man-to-man defense and were in a position late in the game with fouls to give. We weren’t as aggressive in how we attacked them offensively.”

Regarding his team’s performance this year: “When you go back and look at the expectations of our ball club that were set before the season, we definitely exceeded expectations. We knew it was going to be a daunting task to play in the ACC and it was really a testament to these kids and their effort.”