Marshall University Athletics
Quotes
2/14/2007 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Feb. 14, 2007
Marshall head coach Ron Jirsa
"It is good to get a win. It's good to be back at home and to get a win here. Hopefully we can build on this win. We're in the same situation as a week and a half ago where we want to take this win and build on it.
"We had some big plays in the second half. Tyler (Wilkerson) had a big block and really played like an upperclassman. Markel (Humphrey) made some big shots. So we have some good things to build on.
"Travis Aikens played hard. He got knocked down a lot and was playing against some bigger guys. He gave a good effort for us."
On Marshall's defense down the stretch
"We made them miss. We had some great rotation in our trap tonight. We kept it simple with our defense and really were able to execute and get some big stops."
On the low-scoring first half
"It is hard to put into perspective. We played a low-scoring game two weeks ago, and it's not about the low scoring. It's about who finishes with more. Typically it is in our favor to play fast but we were able to gut it out."
"A win is a win, any way you can get it. We came out and got a win, which is important. We lost our last two games so to get back on the right track was important."
"It felt great to be back home. We always play better at home and with more intensity since it is a better atmosphere. Now we've got to take advantage of the next game at home and get some momentum before we go back on the road.
"It is important for us to get into the top four or five of the league so we can get a bye in the Conference USA Tournament. We want to play hard and win some games, so we have to keep working hard."
SMU head coach Matt Doherty
"I credit Ron (Jirsa) and his staff. They could easily have packed it in after losing two in a row and we had them down, but they didn't. I have a fondness for Ron, and people know of my relationship with Bob (MacKinnon), and they have a lot of pride and tradition here. They showed that in how they fought tonight. It never is easy to play Marshall, especially here, so I am glad we only have to play them once.
"I am disappointed because looking back, we could have won. We only shot 28 percent, and we are better than that. If we just make a couple more shots, we win that game."
On Marshall's defensive effort
"To be honest, I thought it was more us. We had some good looks. It was frustrating in the first half because we let the shot clock run down and were not aware of it. Sometimes you just don't make shots, and usually that happens more on the road."
