Stan Heath Press Conference - Auburn

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Arkansas returns home to face Auburn on Saturday at 7:06 p.m. The game is televised by FSN. The Razorbacks are 15-7 overall and 4-5 in the SEC following Wednesday’s 78-77 loss at LSU. Auburn beat Ole Miss, 58-50, on Wednesday to improve to 10-10 and 2-7. Following is a partial transcript of head coach Stan Heath’s press conference.

“If we didn’t know the definition of adversity before, I’m sure we know it now. It (LSU game) was tough to swallow. Sometimes you learn a lot about your team. I’m impressed with our camaraderie, our toughness and our willingness to fight and get back in the game. We’re going to do everything we can to not put ourselves in position to where the game comes down to one possession.

“I feel like we’re turning the corner. I know we are from an attitude standpoint. I know I can handle it and I know the players can handle it. I hope our fans can handle it, and I know they will rally around us on Saturday.

“The way we were able to come back and get in position to win the game showed me a lot.”

Auburn:

“They will shoot a lot of threes. They have length and they will try to scramble the game with zones, pressure and man. They’re coming off a win. Sometimes they have a three or four-minute lull where they have trouble scoring. That happened when we played down there and we were able to get the win.”

LSU game:

“We got turnovers, stops and fast breaks. We made a heck of a run. The guys turned it up. That’s what encouraged me so much. I’m impressed with the resiliency they showed. I was more hurt for my guys. I want them to be rewarded and they deserve to be, but it just didn’t happen.”

Sean McCurdy:

“I don’t have any doubt that he got the ball ahead (down the floor) or any doubt that he got tackled.”

Lineup:

“I would prefer to start Charles Thomas and I will talk to him about it. We need to get off to a good start.

“Cyrus McGowan didn’t do a bad job. He was physical and I have confidence in him and Sean McCurdy. I wouldn’t put those guys in situations if they couldn’t handle it.”

Darian Townes:

“I thought he played one of his better all-around games, but he’s still got some work to do.”