Nov. 21, 2003

Recap| Box Score| Notes

Head Coach Stan Joplin

"I was very concerned coming into this game because we were on the road and had so many young guys playing their first collegiate game. They had a lot of fanfare before the game with Dick Vitale speaking and Homecoming activities that created a lot of excitement for the game. We were concerned about their outside shooting and being able to control (David) Simon down low."

"We've been telling our team that they have to play good defense, rebound the basketball and take care of the basketball and we did a nice job of that tonight. It was a step in the right direction and we're very happy."

"Our bench played a key role in the victory. I just kept putting guys in and they did a pretty good job. We didn't have that last year and tonight our depth made a big difference."

"We didn't want to let (David) Simon get into a rhythm and tried to keep him off balance. Our guards helped out down low and our big guys also did a good job. Everybody played a key role for us and it's nice to have that."

(on increasing lead from nine to 18 over nine-minute stretch in second half with Keith
Triplett on bench after picking up three quick fouls with 15 minutes remaing).

"That doesn't happen very often when you increase your lead by that much with your best player on the bench. Justin Ingram made a big three to help us and that's what he has to do. He just has to make open jump shots for us. He doesn't have to try and score and be the first option. We have guys who can shoot the ball or we can throw it inside. Chauncey Shelton also played well for us in this stretch. Hopefully that gives the players on the bench the confidence of what they can do."

"Sammy is more comfortable now at shooting guard than he was at the point. Now he can just shoot the ball and he put up some decent numbers (5-of 9 FG, 3-of-4 3PTFG). He doesn't have to worry about passing the ball."

Senior center A.J. Shellabarger:

"I feel a lot better this year on the court after losing 20 pounds since the end of last season. I'm more active on my feet and I can get around people better. It's good for us having depth and more people to contribute down low."

"This was real big for the young guys to win our first game on the road. It was a good atmosphere. It's good to get this win under our belts."