Student-Athlete Quotes Memphis
Syracuse vs. Memphis
January 6, 2010
Carrier Dome – Syracuse, N.Y.
Wes Johnson, Junior, Forward
What was the key to the second half for Syracuse?
"Getting out on Roburt Sallie because he had about four or five straight threes. I feel like we really came out on him and got a hand up on him, and really tooke away the shooters. Causing them to throw away the ball a lot -- that’s what we stepped up on."
What offensie changes did you make in the second half?
"We just slowed it down, taking our shots in really good spots and making good passes. I felt like we work against a zone everyday in practice and if they are going to throw a zone at us, it's what we work on. We felt if we just slow it down and take good shots we're going to be alright."
Talk about your second-half dunk:
"That’s just the way the game was going -- a lot of loose balls. I was getting wrapped up a lot underneath. So when I got that loose ball I dunked it and let out a lot of frustration. Then I felt like I could relax a little bit more."
Kris Joseph, Sophomore, Forward
You made some key mid-range jump shots tonight. How have you developed tat part of your game?
"Everyday before and after practice Coach Murphy, Wes and I work on our mid-range and three point shots so it's coming into work now. I have to take them and if I'm open I feel confidant to take the shot."
Talk about pushing the tempo against Memphis:
"As a team that likes to push the tempo we got to push it right back on them. And when we push the ball I think we're a great team getting down the court and getting easy baskets or getting fouled and getting to the free throw line."
Why does the defense play better after a big play?
"It makes you want to get the ball right back and maybe get another dunk or three so that definitely helps when you make shots or make a big bucket."
How do you assess the team's performance tonight?
"We could have done a lot of things better, that’s for sure. But, I don’t feel like we played poorly. In the second half we picked up on defense and that's what we like to do.
Andy Rautins, Senior, Guard
Why did you shoot the ball better tonight than the last game (Pittsburgh)?
"Just getting better looks I guess. I can't really explain the other day, I was much more efficient behind the arc today. I think the result of that is our better defense in the second half."
Talk about your three at the end of the half:
"When they're playing a zone, you stretch them out a bit. Scoops going to try and penetrate and kick it out and I found some space in the corner and just knocked it down."
How did Rick (Jackson) and Arinze (Onuaku) contribute tonight?
"They were big.They were big. Arinze came out and had a big second half as well. Those guys are big for us -- they are rocks down there. We need to keep giving them consistent looks to keep them involved in the offense. They clean up the glass for us and getting our transition started too, so you can't say enough about them."
