.png)
Coach Boeheim Quotes
Pittsburgh at Syracuse
Saturday, Feb. 1, 2003
Carrier Dome, Syracuse, N.Y.
Syracuse Athletic Director Jake Crouthamel's Statement Regarding Fan Behavior at the Conclusion of the Syracuse-Pittsburgh Men's Basketball Game
"Unfortunately a great victory was marred by the inappropriate actions of a number of fans, whose riotous and rowdy behavior put student-athletes and coaches from both sides in a very dangerous situation. We will pursue an investigation to identify those who acted inappropriately toward Pittsburgh student-athletes and staff. While we encourage the crowd to be supportive, we will not tolerate inappropriate behavior toward any student-athlete, coach or official. If that means we cannot allow anyone on the court again, then so be it."
Head Coach Jim Boeheim's Post-Game Comments
On Syracuse's defense:
"We haven't played a lot of man-to-man. We've worked on it but you have to give an unbelievable amount of credit to our players. Kueth Duany, who was all over the court on defense, helped by getting in people's way, and making plays. With out any doubt, it was the best man-to-man defense we've played in a long time. It was just a tremendous defensive effort from our kids. Our zone has been great this year but Pittsburgh attacks it better than anybody. Realistically, I didn't think we would be able to play them man-to-man, but we didn't really have any choice and our kids responded well."
On Jeremy McNeil's free throws to tie the game:
"He made those two free throws. I don't know if there was a lot of confidence in those two, but we were setting up our press immediately! Those were big free throws. I don't know how many people can make those two."
On the last Syracuse possession of the game:
"We just wanted Gerry (McNamara) to isolate and try to get the ball up on the rim. Jeremy (McNeil) was right there."
On the fans:
"The fans were unbelievable. They were tremendous the whole game. It was as good as it's been. The students were great, and when they get going, I think the rest of the fans feed off of them. The fans won that game tonight as much as we did. We need that kind of excitement and atmosphere in this building."
