Feb. 22, 2003

Recap?|? Box Score?|? Photo Gallery

Mike Brey Postgame Quotes

On the second half. . .
“We did a better job and got the lead early. When you score 64 points in the second half, you have to be pretty efficient. Overall, the defense did a good job. We didn’t force anything; we just took what the defense gave us and made the extra baskets. What we did today, we should do that all the time. As I told them at halftime, we can play with just about anybody.”

On Chris Thomas…
“We talked at the half about him not forcing the break. I think we kept forcing things in transition, especially him. In the second half, I thought he did a great job of taking what the defense gave him. He tied his career high for assists and he’s going to break that before its over because he certainly has a lot of weapons at his disposal.”

On Notre Dame’s upcoming game versus Connecticut…
“Well, it’s a great turn around against Connecticut. It will be a great match up for us. As I told the guys, we’re one win away from double digit BIG EAST wins for the third straight year. There aren’t a lot of programs that have done that in any league.”

Notre Dame Player Quotes

Senior guard Matt Carroll

On the second half…
“The guys on the court for them got a little angry and that helped us get going. I got a little anger inside of me and I wanted to make them pay for it.”

On having a comfortable win…
“I have been waiting for a win like this, especially at home. It was nice to see the other guys get in the game and have Dan Lustig hit a big three. We have had so many close games lately, I really think we needed this one at home.”

On preparing for Notre Dame’s next game versus Connecticut…
“We have played so many close games that I don’t think we can prepare any better. We are ready to go and this win gives us a little boost of confidence going into the Connecticut game. We need to be ready on Monday night.”

Junior forward Torrian Jones

On the team…
“When we play patiently, trust each other on offense and pass the ball around, we are a hard team to stop. We just have to be focused and remain focused night in and night out.”

On struggling in the first half…
“We weren’t down. We always have the will to win and we know we can pull it out in the end. With the way we started, we were a little upset and disappointed with ourselves for not playing a full half.”

Senior forward Dan Miller

On the second half…
“We showed our offensive power and that we are capable of putting up a lot of points. We have shown it throughout the season and we showed it again today. We just have to keep that type of tempo and attitude on offense.”

Head Coach Ricky Stokes Postgame Quotes

On the game . . .
“Despite the loss, I thought our team played hard. I was pleased with how hard we played for about thirty-five minutes. I give Notre Dame a lot of credit. They have a very potent offense, we knew their perimeter play was dangerous. I was pleased how well we played with missing Carlos Dixon, in such a tough environment, against a very good basketball team. We have to work on finish it out games.”

On the Joyce Center’s environment . . .
“One of the great things about the BIG EAST is that all of the environments are fantastic. This place ranks with all the others. From playing at St. John’s to Connecticut, one great thing about BIG EAST fans is that they are true basketball fans. There is no question the atmosphere was terrific and that Notre Dame is a very good basketball team. They are a well coached team and shoot the ball extremely well.”

On Notre Dame senior guard Matt Carroll…
“Naturally, I think he is an all-BIG EAST performer. He will definitely make one of the teams. He just does so many things well. He knows how to play and he really makes you work on the defensive end. We knew how potent he was offensively; we wanted to put Bryant Matthews on him, and I thought Bryant did a decent job. I thought he got a little frustrated in the second half, but yet Carroll is a tough assignment.”

Virginia Tech Player Quotes

Senior center Terry Taylor

On the second half . . . .
“They pushed the ball and got down the floor more. They also got a lot more screens in the second half.”

On playing against Notre Dame freshman forward Torin Francis . . .
“I haven’t really played against a guy of my caliber or of my size before today. I knew I had to penetrate. I knew I had to muscle my way in there.”

On the game’s atmosphere…
“The fans are rowdy. It’s a great atmosphere. I would love to get up and play basketball in a place like this.”

Junior guard Bryant Matthews

On the second half . . ..
“It was a transition game, they penetrated and knocked shots down. They were on fire. You do what you can to win. Notre Dame has excellent shooters when they get the chance to shoot.”

On the atmosphere of playing a top 10 team…
“These are the type of games I like. It’s what I dream of and live for.”