University of Tennessee Athletics
Postgame Quotes
February 05, 2003 | Men's Basketball
Feb. 5, 2003
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Massachusetts vs. Tennessee
February 5, 2003
TENNESSEE HEAD COACH BUZZ PETERSON
"This was one of those games where the coaching staff was concerned about whether the team comes out and shows the energy it needs to against a non-conference opponent. The first five minutes, they put the smack to us. But we got the lead. The challenge at halftime was to take it to them.
"Thaydeus Holden has a very nice first half offensively. Ron Slay was solid all the way. I was happy we were able to play more guys than usual. I told them it's not like Tuesday afternoon, because the officials and crowd are out there tonight.
"We've got to improve and be ready for Georgia. We came close last time. I just hope we can get it this time. We have good chemistry on the team, and that's because the seniors are giving us good leadership. You can look at the players on the bench and see that they are excited about what is happening on the floor.
"Boomer Herndon told me that he is a gamer. He played very well tonight. He needs some strength and foot speed. We just weren't in position to redshirt him. He is going to come along."
MASSACHUSETTS HEAD COACH STEVE LAPPAS
"I thought Micah Brand gave us a lift and helped us out. He did a great job. We did get tired. It was more our ineptitude that had something to do with us not getting 60. They are a good defensive team.
"We did a good job on the glass in the first half and we knew that the first five minutes of the second half would be critical. That's when the game got away. They had a 10-point run that sealed our fate.
"Anthony Anderson really tried to do too much, but he was out there by himself. We have to get something out of our freshman wings. If they don't play well, we are in trouble. I don't think Michael Lasme's ankle had anything to do with the game. If we put a kid out there, we have to assume he's ready to play. He was well enough to practice, start and play.
"I told the kids after the game that we are going to beat Temple Saturday. I looked in their eyes and told them that. That's all that matters."
