Postgame Notes: No. 2 Ohio State (11-0) 96, UNC Asheville 49 (5-6) – Ohio State Buckeyes
12/22/2010 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
No. 2 Ohio State (11-0) 96, UNC Asheville 49 (5-6)
Value City Arena – Columbus, Ohio
December 21, 2010
Attendance: 12,658
POSTGAME QUOTES
Thad Matta, Ohio State head coach
Opening Statement
“I’m proud of the effort tonight. I thought the guys in the last eight minutes played hard, and we made shots early. David [Lighty] was rolling and we took advantage of what they gave us.”
On David Lighty’s performance
“They opened in a triangle and two and they [Ohio State’s players] found him. He got rolling there, and I thought he did a good job of driving. As a team, we did a good job moving the basketball and finding open guys.”
On David Lighty and his career at OSU
“No question, David Lighty is one of the most unheralded players to wear the scarlet and gray. I’ve loved him from day one and I don’t think he gets what he deserves. I’ve said this before, but I think he is the best defensive player in college basketball.”
On end of the game hustle
“That was the beauty tonight; we had 10 turnovers going into the last timeout and ended with 11. We also kept defending. There was some athleticism and communication out there and good things happened.”
David Lighty, senior guard
On starting the game strong offensively
“I was open so I just kept knocking shots down. I felt good after I knocked the first one down, but as long as we win the game I’m happy.”
On Ohio State’s play
“We almost played a 40-minute game, although we started the second half a little slow. Usually they try to take the guards away and Jared [Sullinger] ends up with 40, but tonight was a little different.”
Deshaun Thomas, freshman forward
On Ohio State’s defense
“Of course defense is our focus. Defense leads to offense; as long as we get stops, our offense flows great.”
On his goals for the season
“Just keep learning. I have to get better every day in practice and concentrate on listening. Listening to the seniors is very important.”
Eddie Biedenbach, UNC Asheville head coach
On David Lighty
“Coming in I thought that Lighty was their best player. Our goal was to pin point him in our zone, and instead we ended up turning him loose. He proved tonight that he is one of the top players in the country.”
On defending Ohio State
“We came out with some gimmick defenses to try and get them out of their game, but they are a very solid basketball team and that just did not work. They do a great job of moving the ball, making the extra pass, and creating open shots.”
On the UNC Asheville schedule
“These games are good for UNC Asheville. Teams like Ohio State, North Carolina and Georgetown are teams we will end up playing down the road if we make the NCAA Tournament. We were picked to finish third in our league, but I believe we are very capable of winning the conference and making the tournament.”
On Ohio State in the USA Today Coaches Poll
“I have them ranked second right now, but with Duke’s point guard out, they are right there. I’d like to play Duke as well to see which team really is the best.”
