Post-Game Quotes

Arkansas vs. Missouri State

Dec. 15, 2005

Head Coach Stan Heath:

“Overall I thought we had a great effort, especially on the defensive end. We held them to 23 percent three-point shooting. They are going to be a great team. You’ve got to give them credit.

“Ronnie Brewer had a nice second half and Darian (Townes) had a great first half.

“I was impressed with how we played down the stretch. Our defense was outstanding tonight. We missed a couple of opportunities but we knew they would come back in the second half and we kept up with them. Give our team credit for playing well down the stretch.

“A lot of the game was decided in the last two minutes. We have a lot of experience with that. We have been strong in that situation. We were tonight as well.

“Their (Missouri State) three-point range is NBA three-point range, so we had to tweak our play a little to get out to those shooters. We had a lot of guys step up tonight.

“Steven (Hill) had a good game with six blocked shots and three points. He was really juiced up for this game because he knew a lot of their players. He was effective for us tonight.”

Arkansas Player Quotes

Ronnie Brewer:

“We knew they were a good team. They made tough shots and took the lead, but we came through and had a complete game. I just want to have the opportunity to make the big shot down the stretch, and tonight I did and I made it.”

Darian Townes (On 2nd Half):

They came out strong and we came out sluggish, but we hung in there and made big free throws to put it away.”

Eric Ferguson:

We played with great effort and made big shots down the stretch to win.”

Missouri State Head Coach Barry Hinson:

“I have to give the credit to Arkansas. Arkansas is very athletic. In the first half Arkansas was responsible for our turnovers. We could do better if we played defense. We missed open shots and they slowed us down.

“The turning point of the game (in the second half) was when Ronnie (Brewer) hit the big shot. He made the biggest shot of the game. I’m proud of Ronnie.

“Their athleticism and height slowed us down. This shut down our perimeter shooting because we aren’t used to playing against players that are 6-7.”

Missouri State Player Quotes

Blake Ahearn:

“They (Arkansas) are the most athletic team we have played this year. We didn’t shoot well so we have got to find other ways to do it.

“We have got to come out from the start. That has bothered us all year. We need to put the two halves together and play a complete game.

“The second half we took care of the ball and didn’t turn the ball over.”

Sky Frazier:

“The players in the SEC are great players. They showed us that we can be great players, too.”

Tyler Chaney:

“Coming into this atmosphere, we didn’t handle the pressure very well.”