North Carolina State University Athletics
Coaches quotes
12/11/2007 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
JIM VALVANO, NC State head coach
"We beat a fine basketball team. They have just about everybody back from last year, including their front line. Sam Vincent is a great player. He hit jumpers from all over. We had a chance to go from four up to six up. Instead, our lead went down to two. And Vincent was basically the reason. They've got everybody coming back next year, too.
"Again, we were fortunate to win. That style is tough for us to play. If we gave game balls, I'd give one to Harold Thompson. He came off the bench when the game was on the line and did a great job (defending Vincent). We used four different defenses on Vincent. Nothing seemed to work. Harold did a real good job, though. I told them the only way we were going to win this game was to make a steal. Harold got one. I feel good for him and good for us.
"When you take the clock away, these games are wars... East Carolina, Michigan State. I feel good about Sidney (Lowe). His jump shooting has been good throughout. Hopefully, we'll get George McClain back so that we can apply more pressure on defense. Sidney played with the flu. I told him I'd rest him, but he played 40 minutes. I never take him out. He's a great kid."
JUD HEATHCOTE, Michigan State head coach
"I thought North Carolina State showed excellent poise and patience. We were always trying to play catch-up. North Carolina State is a very, very good basketball team. Whittenburg and Lowe are a very good combination. They got the big basket when they had to and took time of the clock when they had to. We got a fine game out of Sam Vincent tonight. He hit the big baskets when we needed them. I'm not disappointed with our performance under the circumstances.
"We prefer to play an up-tempo game. They prefer to play up-tempo. Both teams were reluctant to shoot. If they kept time possession, they probably had the ball two-thirds of the game. They were very patient not to take the bad shot."
