Postgame Quotes: Ohio State 70, Rutgers 64 – Ohio State Buckeyes
2/8/2017 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Feb. 8, 2017
POSTGAME QUOTES
Ohio State 70 (15-10, 5-7 B1G), Rutgers 64 (13-12, 2-10 B1G)
Feb. 8, 2017
Value City Arena – Columbus, Ohio
Attendance: 11,077
Thad Matta, Ohio State head coach
On the play of his team
“We didn’t play at the level I wanted us to play at. We did some good things, but It wasn’t all the way through the game at the level I was hoping we would play at. Give them credit, they are a very good defensive team. We had some plays at the offensive end that weren’t sharp enough. I thought Kam was terrific tonight. He had energy and he had great timing to his offense. That was a very positive thing.”
On C.J. Jackson’s play
“I thought C.J. was good. I didn’t like a couple of his decisions on some of the passes he made. He predetermined too quickly. That kid just keeps smiling. He keeps coming into work and I love him.”
Kam Williams, Ohio State redshirt junior guard
On the team building momentum
“Whenever we can beat Michigan, it pays positive dividends. This is a big two-game stretch, and we know we need to win this one on Saturday against Maryland. We’re just going to keep riding this wave.”
Trevor Thompson, Ohio State redshirt junior center
On what allowed Rutgers to make a comeback in the second half
“It was just turnovers. Plays down the stretch where we had to execute we turned the ball over. Winning is winning though, and we’re glad with the outcome, but we don’t want to win and take steps back. We want to win and take steps forward.”
Steve Pikiell, Rutgers head coach
On the game
“It was a tough game. I have to give Ohio State credit. Big four-point play down the stretch that kind of put the final nail in our coffin. They’re a well-coached team and a good physical team.”
On the play of his team
“I thought we did a better job in the second half of being a little more alert to Ohio State’s tendencies. We are a pretty good rebounding team, so we like to think that against anybody we have a good chance at outrebounding them. We just need to make a few more shots and get more free throws.”
On Rutgers’ progression
“I think we are learning how to win. We weren’t in games last year but now we’re in every game. But now we just have to finish off the deal and make the tough plays.”
