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On the defense:

"We really wanted to set the tone early and get off to a good start and I thought our guys defended very well in the first half. We had great effort and execution. We had both going. I thought we came off not with that same type of effort in the second half. It gave Southern a chance to get back into the game and then we got it back going again, making some big plays and big stops to finish out the ball game."

On overcoming adversity after Southern took the lead:

"I think so much of it is playing at home. The crowd was into it and it helped us. Our players have some confidence here. We really wanted to do well and fight. We stuck together. We got aggressive and got to the foul line and made free throws. I give the guys a lot of credit for sticking together and making it come together at the end."

On the role players:

"Derric really grew tonight and played big minutes. He rebounded and made free throws. He helped handle the basketball when they picked up their pressure. I told the team afterwards that we have had a lot of guys step up in big moments and everybody has contributed to all of our games. That is what it is all about. Some guys did not have their best night, but their teammates have stepped up for them so that is nice to see."

On having Merrill Holden back:

"It was great having Merrill. He has great energy. He is athletic. He blocked a couple of shots. For him to play 16 big minutes, many in the second half in crunch time, it is really good for him and he is going to build on that. I am excited he is back."

On Southern:

"Southern is a very good team. I think they are going to challenge for their conference championship. They have wins at Mississippi State, at Wyoming. They beat Tulane and went to the wire at Memphis. They play a very good style that is very tough to cover. We are very pleased to get this win."