Clemson vs. Wofford Postgame Coaches’ Quotes

Nov. 15, 2010

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Clemson Head Coach Brad Brownell

Overall Thoughts on the Game: “This was obviously a very good win. This is one of those wins that probably looks even better in March. [Wofford’s] a very experienced group and they play very well together.

“Even when they got down, they weren’t going away. I thought our guys did a good job in the second half, continuing to find ways to score and execute.

“Even if we smack them in the mouth early they weren’t going to give up. They’re a group that is very confident. We got after them pretty good and played well early. We made shots in the beginning and we got up by 16, but they were not giving up. The second half, they did get into a better rhythm and it was a little bit of a fight in the end.

“I was a little disappointed in our defense. We needed to get more stops in the last few minutes of the game. But all in all, it was a good win.”

On the play of Jerai Grant: “He played really well. He got some big-time rebounds above the rim. It was disappointing in that he played well early and then got his second foul and had to sit the rest of the first half. I thought he showed maturity coming back after that long layoff and played a great second half.”

Wofford Head Coach Mike Young

Overall thoughts on the game: “They have great players. They made some unbelievable shots. Our kids were ready, our kids were juiced. That was the most prolific explosion of offense I’ve seen in college basketball in a long time. We caught a break and slowed them down with our zone and, thank goodness, we got them out of their rhythm. I don’t feel good about 40 points in the first half and 38 points in the second half, but we’re playing a darn good basketball team.

“We have to do a better job of contesting that last second three in the shot clock. There are things to work on but we fought and we worked our tails off. That 16-point lead was just too much to come back from against veteran guards like Tanner Smith, Demontez Stitt and Andre Young.

“This was definitely a better trip than the last time we were here (in 2008). That first eight minutes was eerily reminiscent of the last time we were here. I felt like the Tigers were still pressing me when I walked in. It’s nice to leave here having not been beaten by 53. We can continue on from here and enjoy what we think could be a great year.

“The fact that teams like Clemson don’t overlook us is a testament to our guys and their preparation. Our guys also have great respect for these guys. I am so impressed with Jerai Grant, Tanner Smith is a dang good player. But, our guys expect to win and they’re going to fight. We just couldn’t quite get over the hump after that first few minutes.”