University of Tennessee Athletics
Tennessee vs. Auburn Postgame Quotes
January 27, 2002 | Men's Basketball
Jan. 27, 2002
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Tennessee Head Coach Buzz Peterson
"It was good to get one! After the South Carolina you think, where do we go from here? We needed a win to get our confidence back.
"We had a real good practice Friday. We thought Wilborn would be able to go, but he was still sore so we didn't play him.
"Against South Carolina we had too many turnovers and bad shots, so today we were more disciplined on offense. On occasion, you'll let Yarbrough or Haislip take a shot that they shouldn't, but overall you want to have a disciplined effort.
"Del Baker stepped up good today with those two threes before halftime.
"We played Auburn on a bad day for Auburn. They are a good team. This league is wide open. If we keep it together, play intelligently on offense and bring heat on defense, we will be okay.
"We used a zone today, maybe more than I've ever used it in my career. They started three of their better shooters, so we went to it early.
"This is a chance to test our guys after Wednesday's game. South Carolina came in early and hit us with their scoring, but were we ready. We were embarrassed by that game."
Auburn Head Coach Cliff Ellis
"The bottom line was that Tennessee was a lot more physical inside. The game got away early on the inside. We were totally outrebounded and they had their way with us. The rebounding picked up in the second half, but we struggled scoring. We couldn't get it in the hole.
"The physical presence of Tennessee inside was the difference. We got doubled in rebounds and that's just too many possessions that got away.
"Tennessee was able to guard our perimeter players even when we got it inside. It was not a good game for us at all. I thought we were ready, but in the first half, they were too physical.
"Our chemistry is changing. It's like we are beginning the year again. The direction I'm going is that I'm playing the younger guys. That's a decision I made.
"They got looks and I think this will work itself out eventually. Monroe saw his first real playing time and did a good job. He hadn't played all year except versus Kentucky, but he got the ball moving and did some good things on defense. With the young kids, you just have to get out there and go."
