Player Quotes West Virginia
Syracuse vs. West Virginia
February 14, 2011
Syracuse, N.Y. – Carrier Dome
Student-Athlete Quotes
Scoop Jardine, Junior, Guard
What did you like about tonight’s game?
“We had a team effort, on both sides, defensively and offensively. I think [Casey] Mitchel hit some tough shots, but all contested shots. We can live with that. We kept our heads high when they made shots. During the last couple of games, when they made shots, we were low. Basketball is a game and runs and we knew that, and we stayed within ourselves and won the game.”
What allowed you guys to make a comeback?
“We’re really a good team when we put our heads together. Today, we knew West Virginia was going to be a good team on defense and we knew we were going to have to be patient and we got the win. That’s the most important thing.”
Brandon Triche has been playing really well during the last couple of games. Can you talk about that?
“[Brandon] Triche has been really aggressive on offense and he has made shots. We are going to need him all year. When he’s as aggressive as he is, I think we’re one of the best backcourts in the country.”
Brandon Triche, Sophomore, Guard
What have you liked about your offense the last couple of games?
“We were being aggressive and we were getting open shots. We tried to put pressure on defense, which is the biggest thing I used to do when I was successful. We made plays and we pulled it out.”
Coach Boeheim has talk about you being more aggressive, but not overaggressive. Do you feel like you’ve found the right balance between the two?
“Sometimes I was trying to take tough shots and I realized that even if I missed shots, just getting the ball up on the basket and get rebounds would help us. Taking shots is better than turning the ball over. I’m just trying to be aggressive and get in the lane and commit two guys so I can hit the open player. If not, I have a good chance at scoring.”
How much did it help you to hit that opening three? It looked like you were in a rhythm from then on.
“I’m just trying to take open shots and try and get into a rhythm. All of the coaches are telling me to come out early. I’m scoring most of my points in the second half. I try to get up six or seven shots to try and get into a rhythm.”
Kris Joseph, Forward, Junior
What allowed you guys to play so well in the second half today?
“Our defensive energy really picked up and even if we didn’t get transition baskets, we got set up in transition better. Also, we were patient. Today, there was a lot more passing and our offense was a lot more fluent.”
Talk about Brandon Triche’s play during the last two games.
“He’s definitely being aggressive. He’s a sophomore, but he plays a lot older than he is. He’s a very mature player and that’s what we need him to do out here - be aggressive and make shots.”
C.J. Fair is playing a lot older than he is. Can you talk about his play lately?
“He’s playing with great confidence, and it starts in practice. He has been playing really well and rebounding the ball. He’s taking advantage of his opportunities.”
