Clemson vs. Miami Postgame Coaches’ Quotes

Feb. 13, 2010

Clemson Head Coach Oliver Purnell

Overall Thoughts: “This was a huge win for us. Obviously we’re pleased to get it. I thought we struggled to get the pace where we wanted it early, but we got it in the second half. I also thought we defended pretty well. We put ourselves in a position to lose the game at the end. Other than the fact that our focus waned in the last three or four minutes, I was pleased.”

On the importance of the three-point shot in the past two games: “I think our threes were more critical this game because Miami plays so much zone. Sooner or later, we have to hit our shots or the zone starts to shrink. If we’re going to make them, it’s going to be off of penetration or feeding it inside.”

On the importance of this win: “I don’t believe there have been two bigger games than the past two we’ve played. This obviously sets up another big game next week. I’ve always said that if you win your games at home and split on the road, you’ll be fine.”

On the recent offensive emergence of Andre Young: “I feel that he’s like Jerai (Grant) in that he’s been big for us all year. In the games we’ve struggled to score, he’s struggled to score. He’s been hitting some big shots for us.”

Miami Head Coach Frank Haith

Overall Thoughts: “We made six more field goals than they did, but they shot more threes and were just more aggressive. I was disappointed in our ability to get to the line and then we missed our free throws. They were able to get to the line and make their free throws and I think that was the difference in the game. I thought we played extremely hard. I thought we has some tough plays that didn’t go our way. You have to give Clemson credit, they made their free throws down the stretch. We did a nice job, shot 52 percent and I thought we had great effort and competed, but it is just hard to win on the road.”

On Clemson hitting threes: “They made big shots and you have to give them credit. They were timely shots and they were 42 percent from the three. Andre Young is a good shooter and hit a huge three late in the game. (Demontez) Stitt also hit some key threes.”

On the play of Dwayne Collins: “He had those two early fouls that took him out of the game. He played hard today though, and we would have loved to have him in for the whole game.”

On an upcoming homestand: “It is disappointing to have to play so many road games in a row. It is hard on the team to come back from that.”