North Carolina State University Athletics
Postgame Quotes
2/7/2004 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Feb. 7, 2004
NC STATE COACH Herb Sendek
The key run for us was at the end of the first half when we were able to get a little bit of a working margin. Virginia didn't make it easy for us. He had to continue to take care of the ball and make free throws.
(On Atsur's play) He's really been playing well for us. He's mature beyond his years. In each of the last two weekends, we've benefitted from his marksmanship and his presence on the court.
(On N.C. State's rebounding advantage) Talked about the importance of rebounding before the game. Jason Clark had 13 rebounds against Maryland. Elton Brown had 9. The last time we played, Virginia had 13 second chance shots. Rebounding was something we concentrated on.
(On State's second half droughts) We had a little bit of room for error. Otherwise we might not have survived. We put ourselves in a fortunate position (with the first-half lead.)
VIRGINIA COACH PETE GILLEN
(On N.C. State's run at the end of the first half) The building got deflated. ... They hit some threes. Once they got a lead, they got into their comfort zone.
We didn't play as well as we could. ... They made us look bad.
(On starting Majestic Mapp) We wanted to get Todd [Billet] off the ball. Teams are coming after him pretty hard. We gave Majestic a chance.
(On being outrebounded) We get frustrated. Sometimes, we put our heads down. You can't do that. You have to keep competing.
I think, right now, (Julius) Hodge is the best player in the league. They've got a lot of the pieces to the puzzle.
(On Elton Brown) He had some good looks inside that he usually makes.
