University of Tennessee Athletics
Tennessee vs. Mississippi Postgame Quotes
January 06, 2002 | Men's Basketball
Jan. 6, 2002
Recap?|? Box Score?|? Notes?|? Photo Gallery
TENNESSEE HEAD COACH BUZZ PETERSON
"The players and I were all excited by the good turnout by our fans today. I was worried about it because of the weather, but the support from the fans was very strong.
"We worked hard the last few days in practice, going longer than I really wanted to. We won today because we worked so hard the last three days. That's where the victory came from. We've got to continue to play aggressively through our games. The last part of today's game, it seemed like we were hanging on. We've got to take pride in our defense and make our opponents earn every point.
"Marcus Haislip had a tremendous game. He worked extremely hard. To play the post position right, you've got to work your tail off. He was our best post defender today. It was a big advantage to us that we got nine out of 10 from the free throw line by both of our big guys.
"We still need a little more confidence, that feeling of knowing that you are pretty good when you go out on the floor.
"Jenis Grindstaff has given this team a big lift defensively. We had looked forward to this game, but now we've got to get ready for Florida with good practice sessions on Monday and Tuesday.
MISSISSIPPI HEAD COACH ROD BARNES
"It's bad when you don't do the things you've been doing well all year long. We played a good basketball team today. We didn't do the things we needed to. Our leading scorer and rebounder didn't play well. When that happens, you are in trouble.
"Jason Harrison is a big time player. He gave us a lift with some big shots, trying to get us out of a big hole. That's what seniors are supposed to do. We got what we expected from him.
"We were a great free throw shooting team until today. We told our kids they had to play well. This was a 5-6 team that is much better. A team that didn't close out in some games. We were trying to get back into the game one possession at a time. We kept telling our kids to work and we would have a chance. I thought that mentally, the last two or three minutes might be in our favor. We've won some games that way. In a league that's so competitive, that has so much parity, you have to take it one game at a time. A road win is like two wins and we have to go and play Auburn and protect our home. I don't like losing, but I hope this will be out of our minds when we get back.
"I thought they called the game close. Both games last year were physical games and I think there were more fouls called today. Tennessee has the makings of a good team. They may have one of the better front lines, they just need time. When they play well, they will be hard to beat.
