Missouri - Purdue Post Game Quotes
12/8/2007 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Dec. 8, 2007
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Columbia, MO -
Missouri Head Coach Mike Anderson
Dec. 8, 2007
Opening Statement:
"First of all, I think [this game] was a gut check for our basketball team. It was a tale of two halves, especially starting off that second half. I thought in that first half, you could not have scripted it any better. We shot the ball well shooting sixty percent, we took care of the basketball, and we rebounded well against a very good Purdue basketball team. I thought when we came out in the second half; we didn't have that passion and look in our eye. We talked about getting stops in our defense. We were able to make some key stops going down the stretch."
On the turning point in the game:
"I thought when we got down; I saw we were doing some uncharacteristic things. There was an issue of guys beginning to panic, and you see that when individuals try start making plays themselves. I thought the leadership showed at that point and we began sharing the basketball. I thought when Leo [Lyons] hit a basket off the glass was a real turning point in the game."
On today being a big win in the tough non-conference schedule:
"I thought it was very important to get today's win. We have played to keep within a couple possessions away and were able to make stops. I think that Purdue is a good basketball team, and we can compete well against a team like today, then that is very good. We have played Arkansas and have played [California], plus Michigan State. Every game is a big game, but this one was the next one on the schedule. Today was a gut check game, and for the most part, I think we showed a little bit more of what I am looking for, especially in those last few minutes.
On having confidence to come back in a game:
"Well, I hope so because teams have done it to us this season. If you think about it, we have been in a position where we are up on teams, and they found a way to make the plays. We were the ones able to make the plays today."
Purdue Head Coach Matt Painter:
On the difference in the game:
"I think Missouri did a very good job raising their intensity on the press, and they kept us on the ball near the sidelines. We wanted to keep the ball in the middle of the court, and I thought Missouri did a good job of stretching out their zone (defense) and we were tentative as well.
"It was one of those things where he (Missouri Head Coach Mike Anderson) made an adjustment and we did not adjust. We did not do a very good job, and you have to give them credit."
On preparing for Missouri's Defense:
"When you have guys in your lineup that are good at breaking the press, but are not good against the zone, you know, what do you do? You have to pick your poison. So, I would rather pick my poison and get by the press, and then try to get past the zone."
"It is a very difficult preparation, Missouri has a very good team and they have a method to their madness. He (Anderson) finds out what you struggle with and which lineup works, and tonight he did a good job tonight making the change in the end."
On building on this game for the rest of the season:
"If you don't learn from this game, it is going to happen again. The problem is that you do not face a lot of teams like that of Missouri, in terms of how they play. We turn right back around and play Louisville in a week, back in Indianapolis, and they are very talented and they press as well. Hopefully, the Clemson game and this game can help us play better, especially down the stretch."
