Post-Game Quotes

Arkansas vs. Ole Miss

Jan. 25, 2006

Arkansas Head Coach Stan Heath:

“We played real hard tonight. There was terrific defense and our zone was very effective. I thought the key was the way we closed the first half. We tightened our defense and got some good shots.

“Steven did a great job blocking shots tonight. He had five blocks. That’s a great night. Charles was playing with confidence. He was very aggressive. He made a nice spin move and gave us very good play. I’m excited about his contribution. Modica had one of his best games. He is a tough kid and strong around the basket.

“This was a typical game between Arkansas and Ole Miss. The pace was faster. It was good for both teams and it was good for the excitement. It was a physical game, hard on the defensive end and everything in the paint was a war. The defense was the difference in us getting this win.

“I really like the way our team played. We are working to get better and attack different zones. We are excited to go to Lexington on Sunday afternoon.”

Arkansas Guard Ronnie Brewer:

“We just tried to play the same way we’ve been playing all season. We kept attacking the basket the way we did at Auburn. Coach (Heath) said it was a must-win to get ourselves back in the (SEC) West picture. We knew our defense was going to be there like it has been all season.”

(On Kentucky)

“I’m ready for it. It’s a big stage on Sunday on CBS. We’ve struggled with Kentucky while I’ve been here, and we’re going to go there and try and change that.”

Arkansas Guard Dontell Jefferson:

“We worked on their press and we were prepared for it. We did a good job of getting inside and that opened up some jump shots.”

(On his block shot in 1st half)

“That block gave us some momentum and got the crowd into the game. After that, we just wanted to keep our intensity up.”

Arkansas Guard Jonathon Modica:

“We were aggressive because they were aggressive on defense. There is still a long way to go. It would be great to go up to Rupp Arena and get a win.”

(On Dentell Jeferson)

“Dontell fueled our first-half push. He had a big-time block and we fed off his energy.”

Arkansas Forward Darian Townes:

“We feel good about this because we knew it would be hard fought. We knew they weren’t going to give us any easy buckets and go up tough inside. We’re pumped and motivated. We’re getting a good start in games, and controlling the tempo from the start.”S

Ole Miss Head Coach Rod Barnes

“I thought we played well. I thought we played the way we needed to in order to win in Fayetteville in the first 10 minutes of the game. They changed defenses well, and that really affected us.

“In the second half we came out there and competed. We never quit. They’re a good team and play well here. I’m disappointed because I thought when we got to 10 or 12, if we could get a couple of stops we would have the opportunity to win, but we didn’t get it done. They deserved to win, and they did a great job tonight.

“Arkansas played well on defense. It wasn’t one person who stopped us. Their zone was very effective. Steven Hill is a good player. Their zone really got to us. They’re long. They’re really good. They’re athletic, quick and anticipate well. They pushed us out and made it hard to get the ball inside. We have to go back to Oxford and work on that.”

Ole Miss Guard Todd Abernathy (on last 10 minutes of first half)

“They got the momentum and we got on our heels. They got some steals due to their great length and that was the difference.”