ECU, LA Tech Postgame Quotes
February 20, 2014 | Men's Basketball
Feb. 20, 2014
East Carolina Head Coach Jeff Lebo
Opening Statement
"That was a great win for us. I'm really happy for our kids. We did the things that we needed to do to win the game, and that was take care of the basketball. We only had 10 turnovers. Our goal was to keep it under 13 turnovers to have a chance to win the game. I thought we had balance offensively with almost five guys in double figures. I thought the zone was effective for us. We knew they weren't going to go easily because they're used to winning. I was really proud of the way we finished off the game even though they got it to two."
On the resolve of the team and preparing for the next game
"Hopefully this will give our kids some confidence. We've got a real mental test, which is being able to come back quickly and prepare well tomorrow and play Rice here on Saturday. I think our kids were pumped up to play this game. They were really excited to play. They prepared great all week, coming off a heart-breaking loss on the road. I've had teams who won a lot more, that have not had the same mental approach to the game that this team has. They're fun to go to practice with because they go to work everyday, they don't point fingers. We're not as talented as a lot of teams we've had in the past, but they're fun to go into the gym with every day whether you win or lose and I can't say that about a lot of teams. That says something about this group and that's what makes getting to coach them so exciting.
On Michael Zangari's recent performances
"He's getting better. There's no doubt about it. He's starting to learn what he can do, reacting to the ball a little bit better, jumping better, going after things a little bit outside of his area. So we've seen some improvement there, we've just got to keep building upon that. Confidence is really big with Mike.
LA Tech Coach Michael White
Opening statement
"We knew East Carolina was a dangerous team. They're very good offensively. I like their young talent. They have good team speed and quickness. Plus they've had to overcome some adversity so hats off to them in that they continue to fight and play extremely hard. I thought that the way they handled the ball tonight against our pressure was fantastic. We unfortunately have to rely on points off turnovers and we just couldn't muster up enough. Their zone was equally as effective, really stifling us offensively for the better part of the game."
On focusing on Akeem Richmond defensively
"I think we did an okay job on Richmond. I just thought those other guys played well. They run good stuff and they got those guys good shots. They took advantage. We were hugging Richmond, trying not to allow much space, but that's what every team in our league has done, whether it's zone or man. You have to have ultimate awareness with Akeem Richmond."
On the Bulldogs' number of outside shots
"I think my line verbatim in the locker room five minutes before the game was `Let's not jack 30 3's. We have to have an inside presence against their zone.' I thought we did a decent job of that, though, to be honest. When you're playing from behind like that late second half, you tend to let it fly a little bit quicker and from a little bit deeper. We tried to get it inside. I thought they did a good job; their guards laying on our threes, fours and fives. In addition I thought their wings did a great job with their close-outs. They had really high and active hands. That really negated our ability to throw it inside against their zone a bunch. Their zone was really good."
Freshman Forward Caleb White
On his first half performance
"I came out and they were really keying on Akeem so I knew I had to step up and hit shots where I could, and I was just really aggressive. Coach told me that I would have to be aggressive so I was."
On the team's aggressive style of play tonight
"We came out with a chip on our shoulder. We knew that they were tied for first in our conference and we knew that we needed to come out and make a statement. We knew we were capable as well if we put our whole game together. I think tonight everyone was aggressive and nobody backed down. We faced the press well, everyone hit shots, and we made plays when we needed them. We have a lot of pride, and even though a lot of times the games don't go our way we want to come out and fight every minute of every game."
On having four guys score double figures
"I think we can win more games that way and our offense is a lot better that way. Tonight we moved the ball really well and got guys in positions where they can really score. I was found a couple of times behind the 3-point line. We also found Mike down low in positions where he can score and be effective. With all the movement, the press and guys having to match up, Prince was able to get to the rim some as well."
Sophomore Guard Prince Williams
On attacking the rim
"I was trying to stay aggressive and try to make plays at the rim. That's my game, and I got there a lot tonight and hopefully I'll do it again."
Sophomore forward Michael Zangari
On his performance tonight
"The last two games Coach Lebo told me to focus on grabbing some boards. He said if I get on the glass it will give us a good chance to win. From here on out that's my main focus. It'll give us a good chance to win."
