University of Massachusets Athletics
Postgame Quotes
March 04, 2006 | Men's Basketball
March 4, 2006
Recap | Box Score | Notes | Photo Gallery
Xavier Coach Sean Miller on his team's season:
"We finished the season at 17-10 and 8-8 (in the Atlantic 10). At one point we were 12-2 at the brink of the top 25. When we lost Brian Thornton everything changed. In an attempt to grind games like this out, we run out of gas. We have many problems such as getting defensive stops, the big rebound, and making the big play on offense. We now move forward to the conference tournament."
Coach Miller on UMass:
"I give UMass a lot of credit. They are a good defensive team. Lasme is one of the most improved players in the league and Freeman is one of the best. Viggiano is someone you always respect."
UMass Coach Travis Ford on the victory:
"I am excited about the victory. Xavier is a very good team. They are wounded, but still very well prepared. They play a great style of basketball. They have some talented players, some I recruited out of high school. Xavier fights until the bitter end."
Coach Ford on why Viggiano stayed out most of the first half:
"LC (Lawrence Carrier) came in for Viggiano. I wanted to give Viggiano a rest. LC was playing great. The guy who came in took full advantage. I never saw the opportunity to put Viggiano back in."
Coach Ford on the upcoming A-10 Tournament:
"It will be an incredible challenge, especially considering we are only eight deep. We get some rest (this week), and could play Xavier again. I always enjoy tournament play. This was a good bounce back game after Richmond to lead into the tournament."
Jeff Viggiano on the day:
"I couldn't ask for more. There was a great crowd, great team win. It was an all and all great day. I had so much energy, I could have played all night. I didn't want the game to end."
Stephane Lasme on Jeff Viggiano:
"He is like a brother to me. I spend more time with him off the court than on the court. He taught me a lot when I first got here. He means a lot to me."