Postgame Quotes From Ohio State vs. Robert Morris – Ohio State Buckeyes
11/16/2004 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Nov. 16, 2004
Recap | Box Score
Thad Matta, Ohio State head coach
Opening statement
“This is first time we had a chance to prepare for a team. For the most part the guys did a good job of picking up what we wanted to do. We did a good job in transition and we got good stops in first half and then converted. I was happy with the guys that came off the bench. The came in and provided the spark we needed throughout the course of game. Overall, it was a good win. It was a big challenge to see how we came back out and if we competed or let them dictate what happened in the game. Our guys did a good job.”
On the status of the team
“We’re making progress. Every time we step on the court we are better than the day before. However, we are not where we want to be yet. My goal is to have five guys play 40 minutes. It is going to be hard but I know we are capable.”
On advancing in the Guardians Classic
“Winning these two games was a definite confidence booster. We are happy to advance but to be honest the focus now is on playing Delaware Friday night. That is what we will be preparing for the rest of the week.”
Je’Kel Foster, junior guard
On Ohio State’s defense
“We work on defense everyday in practice. And games are treated just like practice.”
On the support from the crowd
“The crowd yells pretty hard and we want to give the crowd what they came to see. We just want to play hard.”
J.J. Sullinger, junior guard
On the game
“We got out and got some easy baskets early. Anytime we get some baskets early it opens things up for all my teammates. They put me in good position to score and I got some easy baskets. That never hurts.”
On coming out playing hard
“You don’t want to come out flat because that could set the tone for the rest of the game. We wanted to come out strong and with passion. From the beginning, someone says something and that gets you fired up.”
Terence Dials, junior center
On the start to this season
“Last season we started out on the road 0-2 and it was a tough start to the entire season. This season, it’s a different look and we’re playing the way we know we should. We just want to go out there and try to get things done this year.”
Mark Schmidt, Robert Morris head coach
Opening statement
“You have to give Ohio State credit. I thought we did a decent job getting the inside game going, but their perimeter guys shot the ball well. We put so much emphasis on their inside guys, when they shoot the ball so well from the perimeter they’re tough to beat. Ohio State played very well. They played better than they did last night and shot better. We had a hard time responding and had a hard time scoring baskets.”
On what impressed him about Ohio State
“The way they were pushing the ball, playing more up-tempo. They have good guard play. They didn’t have many turnovers yesterday or today. When they handle the ball well and make their shots, they’re going to be tough to beat. Their half-court defense is solid and I think they are really playing well together and that’s really important.”
