TEMPE — What looked like an easy New Year’s Eve win was nailed down in the second half, but fifth-placed Arizona managed to pull off a 69-60 win at ASU.
Our full summary can be found at Here. Which coach is below Tommy Lloydguard Courtney Ramey and move forward Azuolas Tubelis I had to say later:
Lloyd at the start of the second half: “I thought we lacked composure to a certain extent and I wanted my men to understand that. I’ve got to stretch my lead when I get the chance, and I probably didn’t expect or hope for such a significant run, but it happened. I think they cut it in two, but then we got a little bit of wisdom out of ourselves and made some baskets and then we played great defense in the stretch. I thought I played and controlled a game that lasted six or eight minutes.”
Regarding ASU defenses: “They were very aggressive and crafty, had tremendous ball pressure, had good movement in the passing lane and were doing well in the post. and perhaps we should examine some of its defenses, look north/south, and find another way to attack it.”
On what he said to the players during timeout: “I think it was a 12-minute media timeout. I think we were two points behind. If someone told me I was two points behind in 12 minutes, I would.” I’m confident in our ability to close deals. It’s from And with an 8 minute timeout, we told them the same thing, though I think he was up at 6 or he was up at 8 or so. So I just want him to know that we are in a good position to win the game. It’s not about who runs in the first half or who runs strong in the second half. It’s about finding a way to close out the game and win, and our players have done it. ”
On the Arizona defense: “We are going to be a great defensive team. We play for results and we were lucky to get them today.”
About Tubulis: “I thought he had some crazy stuff… halfway through that game, playing basketball in traffic. It’s something the coach has no idea. It’s not about a guy who has an incredible will to win.I was really proud of his reaction and he turned out to be a really great player.It’s fun to be a part of. ”
If you don’t call a timeout while your opponent is running: “I trust my team and we have veteran players. They put themselves in that position and sometimes you have to figure it out for yourself. I’m trying to win the game.I’m not trying to win the first few minutes of the second half.Had I known it was going to be such a big run, I’d probably call it a timeout, but I don’t know. Kerr (Kriisa ) had a good look at 3 to 1 of them I’m like oh he makes it probably better than me calling a timeout coaching is a perfect science I’ll just say: people who say it should be called a timeout, or shouldn’t be called a timeout, a lot of people have answers to tests they’ve never passed. So I am very happy with what I am doing.”
On how hard it was to play against the ASU defense: “It’s absurdly difficult, but we’re made to do it. So we had to play a little bit better, but at the end of the day, we just wanted to get results, and we want to get results.” We’re going to go back and learn from some of the things they’ve done to us and I take great pride in how the team is getting better week by week and we’ll be back on Monday. I can’t wait to practice.”
About the atmosphere: “It was good. It’s good. I mean, I love it. I love stuff like that. No, I don’t know what the atmosphere looks like, etc. I’m focused on the game, but I heard some noise and it was good.Some U of A chants too I can hear it, but it’s always a great feeling to hear it on tour.”
On what I struggled with in the second road game: “Even if it’s your 22nd road game, you’re going to swing like that. I mean, that’s real basketball. And it’s hard to win on the road. Arizona State is going to lose a lot of games at home this year.” No, I’m sure of it.They have a good ballclub and it’s difficult to play here.So we are happy with this result.”
About Umar Baro: “I thought Omar was a good player. It’s something he has to learn how to deal with.
ASU Rummy: “They are a great team and they showed that in the second half. It’s a start and this victory will help us move forward.”
If Lloyd does not call timeout: “I think Tommy is one of the coaches that gives us the most confidence. I don’t think we were rattled during that time, we knew we needed to stay calm and be alone.
About Tubulis: “He’s one of the best scorers in the league and I think he showed it tonight. It was really nice to see him. So I’m proud of him.”
Regarding player communication in the second half: “We just looked at each other and told them to take care of the ball. They just did a good job of switching up. It was such a shock, but I think we responded in a good way by keeping the ball low and returning it aggressively, especially in a great team, especially on the home court, lying with the home crowd. We have to hope not, they responded well and pushed us back to a safe lead.”
Tubulis at the start of the second half: “We knew they might run away. Our coach, he trusted us and didn’t take short time-outs. I wasn’t in a rush to hit the shot.”
Regarding ASU defenses: “They were aggressive with the guards. It could have been one (or) two double teams, but I don’t feel pressured. I haven’t felt anything special since.”
If you start 1v5 from the field: “I know I have to watch the movie again. You don’t have to shoot so much. Sometimes you just rush the shots and they don’t make sense. They’re bad shots. So keep calm and don’t rush, just I have to move the ball.”
About Henri Veesaar: “He’s getting better every game, every day in practice. He had a really big rebound in today’s game. He’s very effective because he’s long. And he’s only 17, which is great.”
