Dec. 22, 2014

Recap | Box Score | Notes | Photo Gallery

Notre Dame Head Coach Mike Brey

Opening comments…
“I thought our offense was good – both halves. I thought our defense was better in the second half. I didn’t think we were very good defensively in the first half. The second half we were better and able to push it up. I think offensively we found a rhythm and were able to methodically build.”

On crucial sequence when Steve Vasturia got two steals…
“Those were really big plays. Steve Vasturia’s so rock solid. He makes those plays. It’s great to see guys getting on the floor. That’s a habit we need. That kind of gave us some energy there. Demetrius’ (Jackson) energy was really the key for us. He’s just getting better and better and taking control of our group.”

On being able to make shots…
“Our ability to pass is such a strength – (the ability) to find open people and we’re willing passers. Certainly I was thrilled to see V.J. (Beachem) come back. I thought he came back much more smoothly than I would have expected. He makes those two free throws – he hadn’t played in a while. I think that was a great start for him. There’s a lot of ways we can put numbers on the board. The thing is, you kind of let them figure it out a little bit. It’s a group – and I’ve had a couple like this – you don’t want to over-coach them. Let them make reads. I thought Demetrius Jackson, in the second half in each game, had really a great command of our system. He’s moving guys around and quarterbacking. That’s something that’s really encouraging as we near ACC season.”

On Pat Connaughton being reliable…
“I’m really proud of this group. I told them in there, I’m really proud of how we handled this first segment. We handled it great. We’ve gotten more confident. We’ve gotten to understand each other. What I did tell them is that I need more from them when they come back (from Christmas break) because we are in ACC regular season mode. I also told them I don’t know if I’ve been more excited about having a team play the (conference) season than this group. I can’t wait to get them back Saturday night and work with them because it’s a heck of a class to teach every day.”

Notre Dame Player Quotes

Demetrius Jackson – Sophomore – Guard

On defensive success…
“I think our defense always helps us on the offensive end. Picking up the energy on defense really helps contribute to our success on the offensive end of the floor, and it led to some steals and outlets for easy transition points.”

On scoring at least 70 points in first 13 games…
“We have tremendous shooters on this team and great decision makers along with guys willing to distribute the ball. Like I said, it all starts with our defense. Since we are getting steals and easy transition points, it’s leading scoring on offense.”

On the rapidly approaching Atlantic Coast Conference slate…
“(We need to keep) working hard and continuing to do the things we have been doing thus far and then step it up a notch come ACC play.”

On individual improvements made this year…
“I think my defensive presence has been better and helping me out along with the help of my teammates. They are finding me in open spots, setting screens, and distributing the ball which has led to more success.”

Pat Connaughton – Senior – Guard/Forward

On success since the Providence game…
“The Providence game keeps us humble. I think we may have played well enough on the offensive end to get a win, but we didn’t play well on the defensive end. They had two guys go for about 55 points out of the 75 points they scored. That is something we have worked on in practice since that game. Defense is something we pride ourselves on and I think we have gotten better at it and did a lot better in the second half tonight.”

On defensive success in the second half…
“Like I said before, defense is something we hang our hats on. You never want to go out there and rely on your offense, because sometimes the shots are falling and other times they are not. We have been successful on the defensive end of the floor besides the one game against Providence. Since the Providence game, we have brought the intensity and defensive pressure that has led to some easy buckets on the offensive end. Defense is the main difference this season overall. I think defense is something we really tried to work on in the offseason and something we really wanted to pride ourselves on because we have guys in this locker room who can score. When we are able to dig in defensively and hold teams to bad shooting, it makes our jobs that much easier on the offensive end and it really sparks the offense.”

Northern Illinois Head Coach Mark Montgomery

Opening statement…
“They’re a good team. I thought both teams came out and fought. There’s a reason why Notre Dame is in the top (16) in the country. I told Coach Brey that they’re definitely going to hang a banner and have a heck of a season. They’re just so deep, very unselfish, very good shooters. They spread you out. They’re tough to guard and I thought we battled them for a half. The opportunity was great, but Notre Dame is just that good right now.”

On what stood out about Notre Dame’s play…
“You could see it on tape that they’re unselfish, an unbelievable passing team. Four guys can stretch you out. I thought (Zach) Auguste had an OK game and you look at the stats: 16 points, eight rebounds. You try to control the tempo and it’s hard. You try to control the tempo because they just move the ball effortlessly and they can get into gaps. Those things stuck out and we had to contest some threes and they still shot 42 percent. Good team.”

On who stepped up for NIU…
“(Darrell) Bowie for us is always consistent. He has 15 points and five rebounds. I thought our bench: (Pete) Rakocevic, because (Jordan) Threloff couldn’t get going in early foul trouble. But you take Rakocevic and (Aaaron) Armstead , that’s 23 points off the bench and we’d take that any time. We just needed more from our starting five.”