Dec. 23, 2004

Recap |  Box Score |  Notes

Head Coach Steve Lappas on the win:
I thought our guys played a great defensive game. Our defense is so much improved. The biggest thing for me is that we are a much improved defensive team and I think that showed.

Our first half was a good defensive one. We probably made one defensive mistake the first half. I thought our guys did a great job. The second half got a little crazy. Chris Chadwick had cramps and then Jeff Viggiano gets hurt (sprained ankle). It was like losing two guys, two really important guys.

We had some different combinations on the court at different times tonight, but I thought overall we did a great job defensively.

Lappas on Art Bowers finding his offense:
The odd thing was that for the first two months of practice, before we played a game, he was knocking them down. Then the games started and he just wasn't making them until the Miami game. He's a big part of our team, if Art is hitting shots like that, then the Gonzaga game is a whole different ball of wax. He's important.

Lappas on playing different combinations:
I think more than anything else, the last two games show that they guys are driven with a purpose. I was very worried about this game, with Christmas, players going home, a good team but one with not so big of a name. But I thought we played tremendous with intensity and purpose. I am happy with what I am seeing from these guys. They want to go out there and get something done.

Art Bowers on his game and his improved shooting:
Tonight was about the win. We needed the game. In normal situations I was trying to be aggressive.

They are the same shots (I was taking). When my foot was hurting, I was missing. Now that my foot is better I am making the same shots that I was taking.

Rashaun Freeman on his game against the defense:
I had a lot of chances to kick the ball out in practice. My coaches know that I am going to get doubled every time, so I have to adjust. I am getting a little better at it. Last game I had no turnovers. This game I had three, but I should have had none tonight. I just have to continue to get better and try to overcome the double-teams (I face).