Postgame Quotes From No. 5 Ohio State vs. Michigan State – Ohio State Buckeyes
1/27/2007 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Jan. 27, 2007
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Thad Matta, Ohio State head coach
On the game
“It was the tale of two halves. Give Michigan State credit, they played great basketball and they didn’t quit and won’t go away.”
On Drew Neitzel
“I have not seen a player catch fire like he did tonight. It seemed like for a while there anything that he or they (Michigan State) threw up went in.”
On the fans
“Our fans were awesome tonight. They really came out tonight and stepped up to the plate. I’m glad they got to see a win.”
Jamar Butler, Ohio State junior guard
On Drew Neitzel
“He was tough guard. I had to come off a lot of screens. We did the best we could, but came out with a win so I’m happy.”
On preparing for the NCAA tournament
“A game like this is like the tournament. It had a tournament atmosphere. It helps to prepare of for March.”
On free throws
“We have worked on free throws all week in practice and it paid off in the game.”
Greg Oden, Ohio State freshman center
On continuing play on the road
“It is always hard on the road. We have to be prepared and play hard in every possession.”
Tom Izzo, Michigan State head coach
On Michigan State’s effort Saturday
“I am awfully proud of my team. Former players like Erik Snow, Magic Johnson and Mateen Cleaves all called and told the team to leave it all on the floor. We had our opportunities. We had to take away (Greg) Oden from dunking and I don’t think he had any dunks tonight. We thought we had to stop penetration because I think (Mike) Conley is really good.”
On Ohio State
“They hit a lot of great shots. We did a better job defending in the second half but the better team won tonight. They have so many weapons and shooters. They are definitely a team that can go a long way.”
On Michigan State’s performance
“They have bigger hearts than I thought. (Drew) Neitzel made a lot of shots. (Raymar) Morgan deserves a lot of credit to play that many minutes after not practicing. I thought our bigs were phenomenal. He (Oden) is the best center in the country and I think we did a heck of a job on him.”
On going for the win instead of the tie with the last shot of the game
“We had just made that shot that was nullified so we knew Maurice (Jones) was feeling it. We got as good a look as we could. We went for the win because I don’t think our guys could five more minutes.”
