St. John's University Athletics
Postgame Quotes: St. John's 71 UConn 65
2/6/2013 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Feb. 6, 2013
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St. John's head coach Steve Lavin
On the team's 71-65 victory over UConn:
"It was a wild BIG EAST game this evening and we were fortunate to be able to come out on top with a victory. There are a number of areas we need to improve upon, but at this stage of the year you don't grade victories in the BIG EAST. You're just grateful for the victory."
On the foul trouble down the stretch:
"Chris Obekpa probably played the fewest minutes he has played because of foul trouble; so to build our lead in the game, and then throw in JaKarr Sampson's foul trouble on top of that, it was an impressive win. We were in foul trouble from start to finish and Obekpa, our biggest game changer, played only 16 minutes. With that we still found a way to beat a good Connecticut team. That was certainly a bright spot"
On his decision to keep players in foul trouble on the floor:
"I'm a big believer that your best players have to learn how to play with three or four fouls. Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski always says `don't let foul trouble cost you the game, teach kids how to have discipline' because there will come a time in a season when they have to play while they're in foul trouble. This was a significant game because of where we're at in the season. I wanted our best unit on the floor to give us an opportunity to win."
Freshman forward JaKarr Sampson
On protecting the lead:
"We felt like we had to step up after we allowed them to take the lead from us. It's been happening a lot where we get the lead and then give it back. This is a learning experience for us, and we are going to try and not let these games get that close. I'm sure the fans love it, but we don't like it that much."
On playing a physical game of basketball:
"That was our plan coming in. I feel like we have lost games because we haven't been physical enough. We decided we were going to be more physical and rebound, which both helped us come out with a win."
UConn's Head Coach Kevin Ollie
On losing the lead:
"It was just a breakdown. We have to make shots. It wasn't a lack of energy or being tired. We just didn't make the threes when it was necessary. I give credit to St. John's."
