Feb. 25, 2009

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Missouri vs. Kansas State

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Mizzou Arena, Columbia, Mo.

Post Game Head Coach and Player Quotes

Head Coach Mike Anderson

Opening statement...

"I thought we got better from the last game. K-State, we know they are a tremendous defensive team, but I thought our guys probably had a little bit more energy tonight. Our bench play was outstanding. Any guy we put out on the floor had super energy, especially Justin Safford. But you've got to remember the starters who started it off well. That first half was probably the best first half we've played since I've been here. Our guys were very aggressive and had a lot of energy."

On Lawrence Bowers...

"His productivity is unbelievable. He's got a great feel for the game, that's stuff you can't teach. He makes other guys look good. He continues to get better. he's been helping our team all year long, but now moreso than ever."

On Missouri's rebounding...

"We did a tremendous job in the first half attacking the glass. We had a lot of guys getting in there and sticking there noses in. We really got our bodies in there. At their place we stayed outside the paint. Tonight I think we did a good job getting in there and getting solid rebounds."

On Miguel Paul's play...

"Miguel comes out and plays tremendous for us. That's the Miguel Paul hopefully you'll be seeing a lot more of. It takes a lot of pressure off of J.T. (Tiller) and Zaire (Taylor) and really gives us something off the bench. He came in and brought a lot of energy."

Senior Forward DeMarre Carroll

On the intensity Missouri brought in the first half...

"I think it was our defense, our energy, we were getting blocks, steals and lay-ups. Matt (Lawrence) started knocking down shots and got the whole team going."

On the remainder of the regular season and looking into post-season play...

"Looking ahead to our next games, this is the position we want to be in, controlling our own destiny. We're playing great basketball right now. We're tyring to build a lead, not just maintain it. We're trying to build, build, build.

On whether the guys were looking ahead to Kansas with their big lead in the second half...

"Yeah we were thinking about Kansas, Kansas State. With the Kansas game coming up, it's just another game, like this one. If we stick around, I like our chances."

Senior Guard Matt Lawrence

On what gave Mizzou the edge over Kansas State...

"It was all about the defense at home. We attacked the glass. Give (Denis) Clemente credit, that's his leadership. They are a good team."

On the effects of MU's home crowd...

"With the crowd, we're getting used to it. We are definitely feeding off of them. We went on our little run, guys were getting tired out there. But the crowd helped push us along. I'm glad the crowd stuck around and made some noise when we were playing defense."

Senior Forward Leo Lyons

On preparing for Wednesday night's game and beyond...

"We were looking forward to this game. It was about payback. Coach (Anderson) doesn't want me to say that, but it was.These next two games are pretty big. But I think we've passed the test so far. "