Post Game Quotes From Ohio State vs. Michigan State – Ohio State Buckeyes
3/8/2003 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
March 8, 2003
Recap| Box Score| Notes
Michgan State Tom Izzo
“At times we played pretty well and pretty poorly. Ohio State definitely had something to do with it.
“Over the last month and a half our team has grown. We have different guys in different situations and we are able to win. We used to get shaken by missing free throws and the crowd’s involvement, but we were able to fight through it today.
“We have had a lot of pressure on us the last four games. It is a daunting task to know that you must win out to make it to the NCAA Tournament.
“It is our goal to make the NCAA Tournament, but it is good to go into the Big Ten Tournament on a positive note.
“Jim (O’Brien) doesn’t have much depth this year. His team has the most injuries in the league, but what he has done with his team is incredible.
“Darby was 10-of-11 from the line. We tried to do everything to keep the ball out of his hands, but he still managed to score 20 points. He has had an incredible career at Ohio State.”
Ohio State Coach Jim O’Brien
“When we don’t shoot that well, it is going to be hard for us to win. It was a very physical. In a game against a team like this is to our disadvantage when they don’t call a lot of touch fouls.
“Brandon (Fuss-Cheatham) gives us another dimension. He hits the lane and he is quick and we have not had that all season.
“It starts all over form here and we will see where that takes us.
“Our guys gave a good effort and they did the best they could. I think Michigan State might be the best team in the league with their athleticism, size and depth. It was very difficult for us to match up.”
Brent Darby
“I think they gave me only one open look the whole day. That’s Michigan State for you, they play real tight defense.
“We came back and played with a lot of energy, I don’t know if we ran out, but we couldn’t finish it at the end.
“This part of the season is over. We have a clean slate. We have to go to the Big Ten Tournament and try to get something done.”
Velimir Radinovic
“Michigan State gave a pretty good effort. They came in and did what they had to do. My hat goes off to them. They have some pretty big players.
“We played a flat second half. We brought it back to within two, but we just couldn’t come through with the win.
“They (Sean Connolly and Brent Darby) put their heart into the game. I just wish we could have come out with the win for them.
“Our next focus is on the first game of the Big Ten Tournament against Iowa. We have had some ups and downs. We just need to regroup and try to get some wins in the tournament.”
