2002-03 BKM vs. Eastern Michigan -- Postgame Quotes
12/23/2002 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Opening statement ... "It was a very solid team win. We had a couple kids come off the bench and give us quality minutes. Gavin Groninger is starting to find his shot again and Chris Hunter did a great job in the post when Graham Brown had to come out because of foul trouble. We played with a lot of hunger and hostile. I thought coming in against Eastern Michigan, who had a five-game winning streak and a great post player in Ryan Prillman, that this game was going to be tough. Our guys came out hard and played well."
On the game's intensity ... "We certainly felt that this was going to be a hard-fought game being the two schools' proximity in location. I think that foul trouble hurt them. We also put together a nice run at the end of the first half to give us a lead at halftime."
On the team's rebounding ... "We have a saying that there are a lot of points up there on the backboard. I think we did a great job on the boards today, especially on the offensive end. For us to able to win games in the Big Ten Conference we have to continue to win the battle on the glass."
On Bernard Robinson Jr.'s aggressive play on the boards ... "He is an outstanding slashing player. Early in the year we lost a little swagger in our step. Saturday's win was huge for us; it showed the kids that we can win some tight games. Bernard has upped his game as of late and it has helped us win some games."
On using defense to set up the offense ... "Offense can be created off our defense. It is nice to see that happen. When you are able to get a stop or a turnover and finish the play on the offensive end it is nice to see as a coach and hopefully it is fun to watch as a spectator."
On where this team found its confidence ... "I do think that our game against Bowling Green was a significant win for us. It got the burden off our shoulders. Also the win against Vanderbilt was good for this team. They are a good team in a good conference and with us winning it showed the kids we are a good team."
U-M Senior Wing LaVell Blanchard
On the game ... "We played very hard. I think the team went out there and did a lot of good things. We just had to get the win and start the holiday on a good note."
On the upcoming game at UCLA ... "I think we will do well. We're going to go out and play hard. We're going to go out there and do what the coach says. I think the goal is to play as a team."
On the changes he has noticed ... "We're playing more confident. I think the coach got the monkey off our backs when he said we were 0-0 after the first six losses. Now we know we can play. It's very important for us to go out there and play together."
U-M Junior Wing Bernard Robinson Jr.
On the game ... "Coach Amaker challenged us. He wanted us to step up and I think we did a good job shutting down their key players."
On the changes the team has made ... "I think our intensity has increased, we're beginning to make extra passes. We're beginning to help each other on defense. That's something we had to go through, growing pains. We're a young team and I think we're starting to understand things."
On the team's attitude going into the game at UCLA ... "We have a very good attitude. We feel that we can win; we think we're just as good as they are. We're going to give them a good battle. That's our mindset."
EMU Head Coach Jim Boone
On the game ... "Michigan did a good job of smelling the blood and going after it. We hadn't been in that situation before with our guys on the bench. They went after it and smothered us."
