Post Game Notes
1/12/2005 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Jan. 12, 2005
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Wake Forest Head Coach Skip Prosser...
On the Game:
"Obviously we played really, really well in the first half. At the beginning of the second half we played well, but we did not finish the game like we would like. We cannot dwell on that because we have another game on Saturday. We only play Maryland once this year, and we were fortunate to get a win against a team like Maryland. We move onto a difficult opponent on Saturday."
On rebounding effort:
"Tonight we out rebounded them by 15. Traditionally, when we out rebound them we win. When they out rebound us in a game like last year in the ACC Tournament they beat us. Again, we'll take it. We're 3-0 in the ACC and hopefully we'll look for good production on Saturday."
On the second half:
"Give Maryland credit. They kept scratching and cut the lead to 15 a couple of times. It was almost like we were trying to get the game over with. We have to get better at that. I'll take the blame for it. We're just going to try and get better. It was a good win for us. We're 14-1, 3-0 in the ACC. The crowd was great tonight, and I know we'll have an outstanding crowd this Saturday because we'll need it.
On North Carolina:
"They have very, very good players. They are playing so very well. [Roy Williams] has those guys playing so very well. They're playing selflessly, pushing the ball as quickly as anybody in the country, and it'll be a great challenge for us, one that we're looking forward to."
Maryland Head Coach Gary Williams...
Opening Statement?
"I think Skip has done a great job with this team. They are a great group of veterans and they are hard to shake. He's got some great players and they have a great inside-out combination which is hard to beat. We're struggling right now. I think we're holding back and not playing with enough intensity to win against North Carolina or Wake forest. I did see some things in the second half that are encouraging to me, especially entering a three game home stand."
Why didn't Gilchrist play all that much?
"Well he didn't start because of an academic issue, but he didn't play most of the game because of a back injury that he suffered at Carolina. He didn't look up to speed to me, so I thought I would rest him and prevent risking further injury."
On Justin Gray?
"You have to try to prevent him from scoring, but the problem with that, is the rest of his teammates. We cannot put lots of players on Gray because the rest of his team can score too. This team can play with anyone."
On the difference between last years Wake v Maryland game in the ACC Tournament and tonight?
"Well we lost Jamar Smith from last year, who was our senior leader. We really lack seniors right now. Smith also enabled us to have an inside game last year and we are struggling with that right now."
On Wakes post success in recent games?
"Their guys get great positioning. They don't give you a clear path to the basket. They have a lot of veterans and they know how to communicate and to play with each other."
On the Wake Forest-North Carolina game?
"I am looking forward to watching that game. I think the teams are similar. Carolina is very physical, especially with Marvin Williams off the bench; they can play a more physical game defensively with that depth this year. Both teams will play good defense and yet both will probably score 100 points."
Wake Forest Player Quotes...
Justin Gray
"Maryland is a big rival for us. Before the game I knew I had to play well, but I did not think I would shoot as good as I did tonight. I always think I will do good, but it is always pleasing to see myself shoot pass my expectations. It raises the bar, especially for the game versus Carolina this weekend. I still have a lot to work on, especially my free throws, which are things that will decide a game for us."
"We want to get a win this Saturday. It is huge for not only us as a team but for the city of Winston-Salem. This game has been circled for us for a long time now since we only play them once. I myself have circled this game. I have good friends on UNC and I am ready to play them and show them my game."
Eric Williams
"We do not want to have that feeling of losing anymore like we felt when we left Illinois. That is why our game has changed so much and we are playing so well. We are going to attack UNC this weekend and play hard-nose defense. I have a personal goal to contain May and will give him all my effort so that I can man up and defeat his game."
