Clemson vs. Charlotte Postgame Coaches’ Quotes

Jan. 9, 2008

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Clemson Head Coach Oliver Purnell

On the performance of his team in the loss:

“I’ve got to give all the credit in the world to Charlotte. They played really well tonight; Charlotte out-hustled, out-scrapped, out-played us, and they beat us. I was very disappointed with the way we played and the way we handled the mental challenge. We had a chance to win there at the end, but inexplicably, we stopped getting the ball inside.”

On Charlotte’s offensive strategy:

“They spread us and were patient, they worked harder offensively than we did defensively, and they were able to get into the paint. That stretch at the end of the first half where they expanded the lead really hurt.”

On his team’s inability to hit three-point shots:

“They were out on us and didn’t give us any wide-open looks. When that happens, you have to get the ball inside. We have to execute as a team and our young guys have to learn from this.”

On James Mays’ performance with the hand injury:

“He probably tried to do too much offensively, he played really well defensively. My hat goes off to him.”

On whether his team had an emotional hangover:

“Apparently so.”

Charlotte Head Coach Bobby Lutz

Opening comments:

“We beat a great team tonight. We caught them at the right time I think. If North Carolina was #1, then they weren’t far behind. We played a great game against a heck of a team, on the road. We know we had to go deep into our bench. It’s the best win we’ve had in a couple years and gives us some confidence going into A-10 play.”

On playing on the road:

“We know we’re capable of playing hard and well on the road. You have to win on the road to get confidence on the road. We should know we can play with anybody at home and on the road.”

On offensive strategy:

“We like dribble penetration. Clemson is so aggressive defensively. We weren’t able to run our half-court area that much. We respect their aggressiveness, if our offense didn’t work we wanted to space out and drive the ball at them.”

On the performance and scheduling:

“As a coach you always want the ones back that got away. We’re 9-5 and won a lot of close games. The biggest thing is when you lose, how do your guys respond? From after Maryland, I am very pleased. We have to be careful because we play Temple Saturday, but this is a good way to end our out of conference schedule.”

On timing of the game:

“I certainly think we played them at a tough time, win or lose. It’s part of the game. I don’t think we could have played them at a better time than after Sundays game in a game that Clemson played well enough to win. But, give us credit, we still had to do the work. We’re coming off a loss as well. We were the better team tonight, give us credit.”

Key to momentum:

“Goldwire’s three. He got Stitt off him a little bit. We also got some big rebounds and loose balls, and that type of stuff that wins games.”

“I genuinely believe you can beat anyone on any given night. That’s just college basketball. Get used to it. Anybody can literally beat anybody. I’m not saying we’re the best team but because we can shoot the three and hustle, we can beat some teams.”