Postgame Quotes – Ohio State 100, Alcorn State 60 – Ohio State Buckeyes
11/10/2009 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
POSTGAME QUOTES
Thad Matta, Ohio State head coach
On the keys to the game
“We did a decent job of sustaining our momentum throughout the game, taking care of the ball and playing unselfish defense.”
On the team’s constant effort
“Maturity has a lot to do with it – we’ve been through it before and have an understanding of what we want to do. The guys also know that if they don’t get it done, minutes aren’t going to come, so there is a bit of a fear factor in that sense.”
On Evan Turner’s triple-double
“When you think of all the great players that have come through Ohio State, to be put into a select category like that is obviously a tremendous honor and it speaks volumes to the player he is. It’s an amazing stat line when you really think about it. He was everywhere tonight, finding the ball and making plays – we need him to do that.”
Evan Turner, Ohio State junior guard/forward
On tonight’s triple-double
“It’s an honor to be in the same company as Dennis Hopson. I’m very fortunate to have these teammates. Our guys were making big shots and it really was a team effort tonight. I’m excited and it is something I will always remember.”
On career-high 17 rebounds
“We attacked the glass tonight and I was able to go get it and pass it to my teammates. We were able to get out on transition and take it from there. I am just trying to do what my coaches want me to do. I think mentally I’ve grown as a player and person and I think that showed tonight.”
Jon Diebler, Ohio State junior guard
On Turner’s triple-double
“I’m excited for him. He deserves this more than anyone after all the late nights shooting the ball around. He’s taken huge strides the past couple years and I think a lot of people have seen this from his freshman to sophomore season. He’s the type of player that impacts the game and his desire to play every possession has made him succeed.”
On the overall team’s ability
“We think with our personnel we can play with anyone in the country. We had a good week of practice and tonight we had guys scoring from everywhere. We have a lot of weapons on this team. Guys can come into the game like Jeremie and Walter and make big shots. When we can spread the floor with shooters and have Turner hit the paint, we can play extremely well.”
Walter Offutt, Ohio State sophomore guard
On shooting improvement
“I am much more confident in my shot than last year and one year can make a difference. ET and Jon have helped me grow as a player and I take that to heart. They are the hardest workers on the team and I’m impressed with what they have showed what they can do.”
Larry Smith, Alcorn State head coach
On when the game got away from his team
“The game got away from us early. Ohio State was fired up and knocking shots down from the start. We as a team did not block out and do the important things.”
On the early time out
“We had effort but we should have been more aggressive. We are a young team and I had to settle them down.”
On playing Ohio State
“They’ve been together a long time. This game is a character builder for us. We cannot get better if we do not play the best.”
