University of Tennessee Athletics
Postgame Quotes
March 18, 2003 | Men's Basketball
March 18, 2003
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2003 NIT First Round
Georgetown vs. Tennessee
Thompson-Boling Arena
Knoxville, Tennessee
TENNESSEE HEAD COACH BUZZ PETERSON
"Both teams were a little bit sloppy at first, and we had way too many turnovers in the game. It reminded me of the way we were playing in November.
"C.J. Watson usually takes better care of the ball than he did tonight. Elgrace Wilborn did a good job on Mike Sweetney, coming through with a lot of blocked shots in the game. As far as I'm concerned, this team finished third overall in the Southeastern Conference. I'm not happy with this game, but overall we had a good season and I'm proud of the team.
"Tonight we pushed hard and tried our best. When we were ahead in the first half, we committed too many turnovers to build onto our lead. I appreciate the fans who turned out tonight. They were loud and very supportive."
GEORGETOWN HEAD COACH CRAIG ESHERICK
"This was a tough game to play for Buzz's team. I've been in that position - when you don't make the NCAAs. You think you had a chance, and your bubble was burst.
"I thought our defense gave them problems, but we played much better in the second half. We got the ball inside much better. We kept the pressure on defensively. When you beat an SEC team on their home court, you have to feel happy about it. I'm happy we get to play again.
There was no question it was Ashanti Cook's best game. He was hurt against Duke in January, and is slowly getting back in condition. It was maybe his best showing. He drove to the basket and played defense. With Cook's play in the first half, and our trapping defense, we were lucky to be down only 1 point. Cook was the only one who could shoot in the first half (5-of-6)."
