University of Tennessee Athletics
UT-LMU Post Game Quotes
November 05, 2007 | Men's Basketball
Tennessee Head Coach Bruce Pearl: "It is hard to tell how much we accomplished in the preseason. It was good to get everybody out there. We did not do a good job in matching up against their press. We were unselfish, as shown by our 31 assists, and that is a real positive.
"We did not shoot well from the 3-point-line, and we took a big step backward on our free-throw shooting. If it continues like this, I will be very concerned. If we are not shooting well in a blowout like this one, what is going to happen when the pressure is on?
"It is all about trying to get ready for Temple this Friday. It is great being able to bring in teams like LMU, Carson Newman, and Tusculum. I know they enjoyed coming here to Thompson-Boling Arena. Temple has the two top scorers in the Atlantic-10. They are picked to be in the middle of the conference. They are a program that has a wonderful history and tradition. We wanted an attractive opponent to open the season here at the Arena. Our fans deserve it, and so does our administration.
"It was good to get Wayne Chism back, and get his feet wet. We want him ready for Temple. It is hard to be too critical, even though the energy was not the same as it was Friday night. Cameron Tatum is in the rotation?? he takes coaching like a sponge. That was not always part of his MO. It is wonderful to see."
LMU Head Coach Hugh Watson: "We did not have a point guard for one thing. We have lost both of our starting point guards to knee injuries and our 6'10" kid is hurt, but that is no excuse. We played a kid at the point we were not expecting to play, and with the pressure you get from Tennessee, it is hard to score.
"Our plan was to try and get good shots, but they put so much pressure upon us?? 31 turnovers. But what I am upset about is we did not get back and pick up on defense. We have got some work to do.
"I appreciate Bruce Pearl playing us, and helping us get this game. I really appreciate it."
