Postgame Quotes From No. 25 Ohio State vs. Belmont – Ohio State Buckeyes
12/14/2005 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Dec. 14, 2005
Recap | Box Score | Notes
Thad Matta, Ohio State head coach
On letting the lead slip away
“It was obvious we were exhausted. We weren’t getting loose balls and rebounds. We had to find guys to make the plays down the stretch. We were late getting to where we needed to be. We need to get our rest over the next four days.”
On the play of J.J. Sullinger
“I’m very happy for him. He is nonstop energy. He has accepted every challenge that we have given him. He has embraced his role of a rebounder and has excelled. I really hope he continues to play at the level that he has recently.”
On the play of Terence Dials
“He didn’t have the energy that he usually does. His shot wasn’t falling and he never got into a rhythm. We definitely need to get him back to his usual self. We play our best when he is playing his best.”
J.J. Sullinger, senior guard
On Belmont
“I really give Belmont credit. They can really shoot the ball. We knew that we couldn’t give them open looks in order to win.”
On playing in a tight game
“We live for this and knew that we weren’t out of this game. We kept attacking and didn’t want to give up the lead but did. We just had to come together.” On improving during the season
“I’ve been continually trying to stay consistent. I stayed with coach last year and watched the film. I saw that when I go to the boards it brings good things and that is what I try to do every time.”
Jamar Butler, sophomore guard
On coming back from behind
“It got close and it shows how our team can come together. I give my teammates credit.”
Je’Kel Foster, senior guard
On tonight’s game
“We came together as a team and our screens all came together. We just needed to find a way to slow Belmont down.”
On shooting from the corner
“I give my teammates credit. They have good looks and I just take my time.”
Rick Byrd, Belmont Head Coach
On his team’s performance
“I am very proud of our team and effort tonight. We were beat by a good team. It gives us confidence to know we can go on the road and play a Top 25 team and have the chance to win.”
On out-rebounding Ohio State
“We were down in the first half in rebounds. We went to the locker room and I told them if they could get in there, we could do it. I think sometimes our team is timid against Big Ten or Top 25 schools, but in the second half we became more aggressive which gave us more confidence.”
On Ohio State
“Ohio State is a very good team. I think J.J. Sullinger was the difference in the game. I was very impressed with their kids and how they treated us. I really appreciated it.”
