Post Game Quotes From Ohio State vs. Illinois – Ohio State Buckeyes
3/7/2004 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
March 7, 2004
Recap| Box Score| Notes
Ohio State Head Coach Jim O’Brien
On the last play of the game
“There was no time at the end of the game to come up with a play, but whenever you have a play with no real structure, that is how some games are decided.”
On the final call of the game
“I thought he was fouled, but that is a tough call to make. A call like that is tough for an official to end a game.”
On going inside
“I did not think we did a very good job going inside in the first half, but with the presence of Ivan (Harris) in the second half I think we did a good job in the second half.”
Ohio State freshman forward Ivan Harris
On his play
“After I got in I knew I had to hustle, play defense and execute on offense. I knew the main key was getting the ball to Terence (Dials).”
Ohio State junior forward Terence Dials
On finishing the season
“We didn’t quit when we faced adversity. That gives us momentum going into the Big Ten tournament. They are the best team in the Big Ten and we played with them.”
On his play in the second half
“I just took it at them. I knew (the defense) would not be aggressive to avoid giving up ‘and-ones.'”
On Illinois’ defense
“During the time Velimir (Radinovic) and I were in at the same time, they weren’t respecting us at the top of the key. Putting Ivan (Harris) in makes them have to respect his shooting so that helped us down low.”
Illinois head coach Bruce Weber
On being Big Ten champs
“Nothing comes easy, but the guys kept saying ‘Big Ten champs’ after every practice and huddle and I give them credit for believing in it. We had close finishes in the last games, but it doesn’t matter how you win on the road, it just matters that you win.”
On the game
“We had a great start and a lot of confidence during the game. I kept telling the guys not to watch the clock or scoreboard, but to just play the game. It went our way and we are just happy.”
Illinois forward James Augustine
On winning the Big Ten championship
“The win hasn’t settled in for us yet. We are shocked but definitely excited. This is very enjoyable but we are not done yet. We can celebrate this win until tomorrow but then we have to turn our attention to the Big Ten tournament.”
Guard Luther Head
On the play of the offense
“I thought we played good offensively. We hit some good shots and ran our motions very well. We did struggle some towards the end of the game, which is something we will need to work on this week in practice.”
