Postgame Quotes

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2011-12 Virginia Men’s Basketball Postgame Quotes

November 19, 2011

Virginia 49, Drexel 35

Virginia Head Coach Tony Bennett

On team’s intensity in the first half:

“We talked about it before the game. We had too many empty possessions offensively against TCU, which meant we either had too many careless turnovers or we rushed. We got sped up. One pass, and we shot contested shots. So we said, ‘Let’s not have empty possessions. Let’s either get a good, clean rhythm shot early, or break them down so we can maybe go inside more, or just wear that defense down a little bit.”

“But [UVa players] were sharp defensively, with our post trap, and making it hard for them to score. And then offensively we were sharp early. Even in the drought we had, the looks were there. But that was a physical game, and Drexel’s a very tough-minded team. It was kind of first to 31, I guess, in that one. But again, the guys hung in there, and I told them before the game: Whoever wants this one the most is going to get this one.”

On Mike Scott’s play:

“He hit the 3 to start, and it was physical in there the way they were playing him both nights. He had a nice composure about himself, and I thought that was good to see him step to the line, knock the free throws down and make some big buckets. And I know he was frustrated with some of the ones he missed, but part of that hopefully is just getting back into that timing and game shape that you miss when you don’t play for a year.”

On UVa’s defense against Drexel star Samme Givens:

“The first half, we held him to 1 of 3, 2 points. He did get some at the end, and he’s such a key, and we talked about really being aware of him. I think he earned most of what he got.”