North Carolina State University Athletics
NC State-Citadel coaches quotes
2/5/2008 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
NC State coach Jim Valvano
"We left home early in the week with a 9-7 record. Now we've won three on the road. Had to play Georgia Tech with a clock, then two here in the North-South without it. It's a different game. But I thought we played good solid defense tonight, much better than last night. Had we knocked in some inside shots, it would have been a lot easier for us. I'm pleased, though, with our inside men.
"Let me say this, Truesdale is a fine player. Our plan was to pressure them all night long. We used a three-guard front because they played a match-up zone. We wanted our better ball handlers in there, and I didn't think size was that much of a factor.
"It's important in playing The Citadel to get an early lead and them try to expand on it. We played a lot of pressure defense, and we also played much harder tonight. We've got a couple of injuries. Ernie has a bruised thigh. We certainly can't afford to lose another player now.
"We've got a three-game winning streak going now, and our next six games are at home. That will tell us a lot about what our post-season chances are.
"I'm definitely pleased with our effort tonight. We were more aggressive and we played harder. Every game is different.We struggled some in the two games here, but every game is going to be a struggle for us. We've got to switch now and get ready for an uptempo game against Clemson.
Citadel coach Les Robinson
"I'm proud of the way our team got off the floor after being knocked out last night. We are not ashamed with the way we played tonight.
"It was a tribute to Regan Truesdale that State went to a box-and-one to defend him.
"We just got knocked out last night. To get up and come back like we did tonight is pleasing.
"We just have to play very well to win here. Although we lost we did play solidly tonight.
"It was a real thrill for our players to play here. The atmosphere is great and it is a thrill for the Citadel basketball team.If our program can continue to improve I think we can win one up here."
