USF Post Game Interviews

[rocky_warrior]

Jerel McNeal

On game winner: Started the play, knew there was about 8 seconds, MU was in switching defense, switched with Wes, knew they wanted to go to Buckley, jumped in the passing lane.  Over mid court, was trying to think of time, knew there was about 3 seconds to make the play.  Didn't want to turn the ball over mainly.  As he went deeper into the lane, just put it up off the glass.

On switching:  They were switching everything, even big on small to avoid the easy shot.  MU always does that late Game.  MU prepares for a TON of late game situation every day.  Up and down.  It worked for MU today.

On decision to take the shot himself: Thought about dishing to DJ, but saw his defender was sagging a bit.  Knew he didn't want the charge, so he tried to go straight up and down.  He has a chaotic mind, and lots of things were going through it at the time. 

On DJ's game tying score:  Took contact and went up strong to get shot off the glass.  Told DJ to pressure the ball in the timeout.  Said he'd come up with a big play if DJ would apply pressure.

On fouling out Gransberry: Coaches wanted McNeal to keep hitting the offensive glass, and knew he'd eventually draw the foul to get Gransberry out of the game.

On Mattis: Hes a very athletic player.  Knew USF would come out to play.  They're fighting to get into BE tourney, and USF would want the big win.

on Steals: He gets some off guys trying to cross over.  Last one today was off DJ's ball pressure, so McNeal could jump in passing lanes.  He prefers the team concept to taking too many accolades for the steals.

[rocky_warrior]

Tom Crean

On McNeal & last minute:  USF was resilient.  DJ was sick, didn't feel good.  MU couldn't coach to grind it out, and team just needed to stay with it.  14 deflections for McNeal.  Want to switch on late game situations - Jerel made a great play. One of those games you hate to see anybody lose.  MU Recruited Buckley.  USF has a good team and they execute their offense very well.  Great play at the end - 2 on 1 and wanted to ride it out to see how it happens.  Defender played the middle, so McNeal took it to the rim.  Great buzzer beater for MU.  Fitz's 3 near end was huge.  Cube was tough but wasn't his best night. 

On Big East:  Game is great example of why BE is so strong.  USF played tough.  MU didn't play great, but USF made the plays they need to.

Providence game:  No way MU wants to lose with DW in the building.  Bad game @ providence, they're very well coached, they've won on the road.  MU wants to fill the building, get 19,200 or so in the doors.