Feb. 1, 2003

Recap?|? Box Score

South Carolina Head Coach Dave Odom: “In some ways this game was not unlike the one in Rupp (Arena). We came out and played some of our best basketball for the first six or eight minutes. Then, like at Rupp, they went on an extended run and during that five-minute stretch, the game was won by them and lost by us. They came up with the key rebounds, the key loose balls and the four turnovers we had on five straight possessions did us in. If you go through a period like that, then you have to be a heck of a team to survive it, and we’re not a heck of a team; they are. Some of our younger players stepped up. Tarence Kinsey showed some things and John Chappell had his best game as a Gamecock. We’re going to push him along. Chuck Eidson was outstanding. He belongs on the court with the Kentucky players. We’re not in a good situation right now. We have two road games ahead; the schedule is not kind. We need a win to snap this thing. There will come a day when we can score and we can defend and we will turn this thing around.”

Kentucky Head Coach Tubby Smith: “Early in the game, South Carolina did a good job attacking our press. Once we settled down into our half-court defense, I thought we got our composure and started making our shots. We did a better job today rebounding the basketball. We had people pick up the pace. We know we have a very effective inside game. Marquis Estill has a big body, great hands and has a strong, physical presence. Chuck Hayes does a good job around the boards as well. I think our team is playing pretty confident and we had some good looks today. Keith Bogans really came ready to play. When you can come on the road and play with poise and be patient, it’s important. I’m seeing the maturation of our team.”