Louisville vs. Marquette Post-Game Quotes

Jan. 9, 2002

Louisville Head Coach Rick Pitino

"Well, we almost had a miraculous comeback, but they dominated us on the glass. You can blame it on free throws, but that has always been a weakness. They just dominated us physically. You have to give them a lot of credit. Our guys battled back, but it just came up short."

(on Marquette's road experience and how it played a factor) "It was more of a lack of execution on our part and we did not get the job done. We threw the ball away and we did not have the experience. Yes, they are a road tested team, but we just did not get the job done."

(on what he told the team when they were down early) "I just told them that Mississippi State was down to Kentucky and that anyone can come back from deficits. We fought back and you have to give the guys credit."

"We missed a lot of easy shots that we should make. A lot of missed jumpers and layups."

Marquette Head Coach Tom Crean

"It was an extremely hard fought game by both teams. It was a game of runs, and Louisville can definitely play like that, but we showed we can too. They are a great basketball team and have done a great job buying in to his (Pitino's) system. It was a tough environment, and I mean that in the most sincerity. The fans were great."

(on how the road games have helped) "I think our guys learned a lot in Alaska and that they can beat great teams, which Louisville is. We got off to a great start, but we knew Louisville could make some runs and we were able to overcome it and win."

"We were playing some different defenses throughout the night. With a player like Reece Gaines you have to switch it up. What they did to us was the middle penetration. I don't know of a better team in college basketball that attacks the middle as effectively as they do."

"Now we have to go home and play a very hot Saint Louis team in a short week."

University of Louisville Athletics

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