Feb. 22, 2011

Recap | Final Stats | Notes

SOUTH CAROLINA VS OLE MISS POST GAME QUOTES (2/22/11)

South Carolina Head Coach Darrin Horn

Opening Statement
That was a tremendous win for our team that we obviously needed. I’m unbelievably proud of our guys coming off of a five-game losing streak and after a game that we didn’t compete the way that we want to. I thought it was a tremendous response and a total team effort. We made the plays that we needed to make on both ends to win the game. We had four guys with double figures. Eric Smith was phenomenal off the bench for us. Obviously, Sam Muldrow was really good and Damontre Harris was outstanding. Bruce Ellington showed incredible heart and character. I thought he brought us great presence tonight. Even though he’s not quite himself, he did some really good things. We’re really proud of our guys.

On the 20-of-22 performance from the free throw line
I’m not that surprised about that. I think we have guys that do a good job with that. That’s a terrific number and a great percentage. We may not shoot that every night. It was important, but that was not nearly important as defending, rebounding, and the way we carried ourselves tonight.

On several players in double figures
I think that’s a really good sign; we had four guys in double figures. I thought Eric Smith was just as crucial as Bruce tonight. Bruce only had six points, but we still scored 79. Those are things that are all positive signs of where this team is heading and the good things that are going on with this program.

Ole Miss Head Coach Andy Kennedy

On battling back
The sense of urgency that we played with the last five or six minutes, we have to play like that for 40 minutes. If you play like that for 40 minutes, it is not a one or two possession game and you’ve got a margin for error. Sam Muldrow, their senior stepped up.

On Chris Warren’s game
Chris (Warren) scored early to keep us in it. He was drawing a lot of attention. One of the reasons Zach (Graham) was so open at the end was because when we cross screened with Zach, both men went with Chris, which is what we anticipated.

On tonight’s loss
I don’t know. It has been the story of our season though – step late here, loose ball there, guys steeping up when its time to make winning plays. South Carolina made the winning plays tonight.

On getting the team motivated to play Alabama
It’s hard to motivate them day in and day out. I try to lend some perspective as to where we are and what a wonderful opportunity you have and ultimately you’ve got to earn your scholarship; just like I have to earn my keep they are going to have to earn theirs.