University of Missouri
Montana
Quotes following the Tigers' Win over Montana
12/11/2004 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Dec. 11, 2004
Box Score | Notes
Coach Quin Snyder Quotes
Missouri vs. Montana 12/11/04
Opening Statement:
"Well for the third straight game we gave up a team basket where the ball somehow we tipped it in for the other team. I thought we stayed committed to the defense. Last time I was here after a loss, I said that maybe ten times and I thought you got to see the fruits of that. We were able to get some better shots and the guys weren't putting so much pressure on their shots. It was truly a team effort today. [Glen] Dandridge and [Kalen] Grimes were really getting in there and having a chance to impact the game and tried to impact the game the right way. When you go in thinking about your team and how you can help your team win, there's not as much pressure on your shot. I think that helped us, and I think we've been working really hard. It's good to have a boost like we got today and it's good to get the win."
On the performance of the freshman:
"Anytime you come into a program you have to learn not only what is expected, but also what it takes. I think those guys are learning the level that they have to play at. I thought they defended and I thought they did a good job sharing the ball. It's good to see those guys make an impact like that, and they made am impact because they were a unit."
On the performance of the big men:
"They've really been working their tails off in practice. Marcus Perez has done a terrific job with them. They've really been focusing on the little things. I think Kevin [Young] has been a really good influence with Kalen [Grimes]. I think Kevin has kind of taken to tutoring Kalen a little bit. One of the things Kalen can do is finish around the rim. It's good when you can get it down there like that. We had more points in the paint because we took care of the ball and we converted. A lot of those points in the paint, whether from half court or in transition, we've been throwing the ball away. I thought those guys did a good job finishing tonight and they both played really good defense."
On the performance of Linas Kleiza:
"Linas is so competitive and wants to win. There are times when, because of that, he gets emotional. He's aware of that and tries to fight it. But his emotion makes him a warrior, and makes him go after every defensive rebound. I think sometimes he kind of wants to put the whole world on his back and march up the hill. I thought as the game progressed he got more relaxed and more settled. When he's getting good reads and playing with his mind, he is a much more efficient player."
On the upcoming game against Indiana:
"It's a huge game. We really need everybody to be there, be loud, and to be behind us. I think our kids realize there is work to be done. I've been grinding away at getting better, and they're starting to see some results. Indiana gives us the ability to test ourselves against a team that has as much tradition as any team in the country. I don't think we're going to have any breathing room all year. I think we'll just have to grind and grind and grind. This is going to be a week where the guys need to take care of business in the classroom, and get better individually."
Missouri Sophomore Linas Kleiza
On his frustration after his 4th foul:
"It was frustrating because I got the 4th foul. It's not like [I was frustrated because] I wanted to stay the game, but we just made a bad play. I was a little bit frustrated by our defense."
On starting out slow and finishing strong:
"I didn't start the game off good. My shot wasn't falling, and some other guys' shots weren't falling. I think we're good when we stick to our game plan, and when we do what we're supposed to do and what the coaches told us to do. It worked."
On the team and their development:
"We have got a lot of guys who can score; we have a lot of good players on this team. We are still young, and we're learning how to play with each other and get other guys going."
On attacking the basket:
"That's what I was trying to focus on (attacking the basket). The shots weren't falling at first so I just got to the free throw line, and I think that is what got me going... getting a couple of baskets. A couple of close baskets."
Missouri Senior Jason Conley
On the victory:
"It is great. We're not so concerned about what other people might think as far as us playing teams like this... when we're supposed to beat them by however many points. It feels good, because we've been talking about it for a week... how we have to finish guys off, and I think that is what we did tonight."
On the freshmen:
"They played a huge role. They didn't just bring four guys in for no reason... they're coming in, and they're helping. Guys like me are getting into foul trouble early on, and it makes me more confident when they come off the bench and help."
Missouri Freshman Jason Horton
On the win, and feeling pressure: "I think it was real key. The pressure is us getting better every day in practice. When we go out there and play, it's just the result of us going hard for the last five days of practice. I think it was real big for us to come out there and win and win big. It gives us confidence as we look to Indiana."
On Indiana:
"I know a little bit about them. The last couple of years I followed the Big Ten, watching my brother (play at Michigan). I know Bracey Wright, I played against him in high school. From what I know and have seen them play, they're pretty talented. They gave North Carolina and Kentucky a tough game. It's going to be a real good game for us.
On the performance of the freshmen: "We just go out there and play hard every time we get a chance to. I don't know if we have stepped up like that before, we just go out there and play hard just like we do in practice."
