Mark Schmidt Game Quotations

I don't know why that is, but everyone says that. But for me, every game is different. In terms of preparation, both teams know each other.

It is a little harder now, because every coach knows about players, and there aren't many gems who get overlooked. But this game was a perfect opportunity to see what other players could do. It is nice to see these guys get rewarded with playing time.

Our game plan wasn't for A.J. to get two quick fouls and sit out. Jeremy did a great job carrying us in the first half.

We can't worry about this being our best home record or best conference record, or any of that. I am pleased we are 5-0 and not 0-5, but we just have to worry about the next game because we have 13 more games to play. Five wins doesn't get you into the (NCAA) Tournament. We can't get complacent.

This was a big game for us because they are our in-state rival. It also was a TV game, so who wouldn't be up for playing on TV?

This next game is the most important for us for a number of reasons. We have lost three in a row. This is an important home game, and we are only three games out of first place.

The worst thing you can do in a game like this is come out and start slow and let them think they can compete. We showed them they wouldn't be able to compete.

A game like this builds chemistry. It's good for the walk-ons to get rewarded with playing time.

They got open threes and they knocked them down. That's why they made a game of it.

Derek played his best game since he's been here. He shot the ball with great confidence. He just was terrific. When he plays like that, we're a good team.

Derek certainly kept us in the game in the first half, and A.J. was huge in the second half after I challenged him. Everyone did something to contribute to this victory. In the final seconds, it was gut-check time, and we passed the test.

It was a game of runs. In essence, FDU had the last one -- and it was way too long. You just can't go dead for 10 minutes.

I knew it was going to be a close game because you have two good undersized teams who try to out-scrap each other. We didn't always play well but we played hard and we made plays when we had to.

If somebody told me that two days ago, let's play a game for 11 minutes, and you get a four-point lead, I'd grab that one.

He played really well. He's going to be a terrific player. I'm glad he's on our team. It was a big game and he's a big-time player. When he brings that effort every night and he brings it on a consistent basis, he can be a special player.

The game plan was not for A.J. to get two fouls in the first three minutes. Jeremy did a good job carrying us. He did a tremendous job in the first half.