Stan Heath Press Conference - Tennessee

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Arkansas plays host to Tennessee on Saturday at 12:05 p.m. in a game televised by Lincoln Financial Sports. The Razorbacks are 16-11 overall and 5-8 in the SEC. Tennessee is 19-9 and 7-6. Following is a partial transcript of head coach Stan Heath’s press conference.

“Tennessee forced Alabama into 27 turnovers. They are very active with their hands so it will be a challenge. Our rebounding was atrocious at Auburn. That will be addressed hard in practice. We want to finish strong. Finishing strong is important as well as everybody staying together. It’s important as we wind down the season. We want to build the team, our confidence and teamwork.

“They have not been the same team on the road. That’s very true of everybody, including us. That doesn’t mean they haven’t played well on the road. They’ve had some games where they led at halftime and late. They just haven’t been able to hold it.

“Chris Lofton is an unbelievable shooter. He can make shots when he’s guarded. When he gets it going, it’s hard to slow him down. They do a great job of screening for him and finding him.”

Auburn game:

“Our guards didn’t do a very good job of boxing out. Auburn had 18 offensive rebounds. Thirteen of those were in the first half, so they only had five in the second. Of the 13 in the first half, eight were by perimeter players. They were flying in getting long ones and loose ones. It was their quickness to the ball and us not putting a body on them.”

Steven Hill:

“Their double teams took him out of the game. He did take some shots. He got fouled and was four-of-six at the line.”

Stretch run:

“The last two years, we’ve had key games down the stretch. Two years ago, we didn’t hold on to the rope very well. We lost our last three. Last year, we won six straight. We need toughness, character and leadership to all show up.”