University of Tennessee Athletics
Tennessee vs. Arkansas Postgame Quotes
February 13, 2002 | Men's Basketball
Feb. 13, 2002
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Tennessee Head Coach Buzz Peterson
"It's another situation with a player out, Jenis Grindstaff. I told the players they faced a big challenge and they came through.
"Jon Higgins handled the pressure well, even though at times we looked confused. At those times in which we seemed confused, we were able to eat up the clock. Sometimes we waited too long to shoot, but I wasn't overly concerned.
"Our goals tonight were to limit our turnovers to 18 and to win the battle under the boards. Arkansas started hitting towards the end, leading me to think we were going down to the wire. We were fortunate to win by 11.
"I took Crump out of the lineup for a while because Arkansas went small and defensively we needed to go small too.
"I've known Nolan Richardson since 1981 and have the highest respect for him. Arkansas is trying to find itself. They need to hit some shots and when they do, they will be okay. They can get hot and make things happen.
"Jenis could have played as far as his knee is concerned, but we decided not push him because of the virus.
"For the last month our chemistry has been good. Now we've got to believe when we leave on the bus we can win at Alabama. We are playing as a team.
"Del Baker's leadership has been invaluable. Our other two seniors, Vincent and Jenis, have also been leaders."
Arkansas Head Coach Nolan Richardson
"Tennessee played very well. They shot the free throws unbelievably, making 14 straight without missing. It's the same old story, 'We don't get there enough.'
"We didn't shoot the ball well, and they were blazing hot. They really put us in a hole. We cut it to six twice, but it didn't happen. They came back and scored.
"We were struggling to score 53 points. We used to get 53 at the half. We just don't have the fire power.
"The freshmen are trying to give us help. We need a guy who can finish. J.J Sullinger will challenge you. He tries to finish.
"Pargo doesn't practice. He hasn't had a full practice in seven workouts. We worked out this morning and he just sat there. He's trying to score. Sometimes he really moves well. We just put him in and bring him out.
"Without Dean and Gipson scoring consistently, this team will struggle. It was the same as it was at Ole Miss. We cut it to six, but couldn't make the basket."
