Nov. 27, 2004

Recap |  Final Stats |  Notes

Postgame Quotes

Head Coach Mike Garland
"We're getting better. I tell our guys all the time that we can't afford to take baby steps. I love the way our guys came out and accepted the defensive challenge that I put out infront of them."

"Last year, if you watched any of our tapes, you'd be surprised at how well we could defend, but we couldn't score any baskets. So it never carried itself over to put pressure on the other team. We have to play like we played today on a consistent basis, and we have to do it every single night. I know Niakate had a tremendous offensive game and everybody loves that, but this game was won on the defensive end of the floor. That's what gathered the momentum, that's what got us going, and that's what held them when we couldn't score until we got our offense going."

On the upcoming departure of Modibo Niakate:
"He's responded to it in a tremendous way. He is really grown up. He is lending to us an opportunity to let Steve Gansey grow up, because he can come in there and fill that role just as Niakate can. I think by the time that Niakate has to make his exit, unfortunatley, I think Steve will be able step up. And don't forget Raheem Moss. It's just a matter of being comfortable for him. That kid can score points as well. We'll score some points."

Modibo Niakate
On ending his career early:
"It's good to be back at this school. I'm just going to keep playing and helping the team. After the semester is over, I'm going to keep going hard and graduate. I'm not going to let it down just because I'm done playing the game. I'm going to go hard everyday."

Walt Chavis
On playing with a big lead:
"We used to be a team that was down 15 points, but found a way to come back. Now we have to learn how to keep coming at that team once we get up. Full speed, 100% and maintain that lead."

On Norfolk State:
"We expected to come out and play a hard-nosed game. Obviously, it worked in our favor."

"Our focus in this game was to come out and stop their perimeter players, especially Hicks."