2016-17 Chattanooga Mocs Basketball
Post-Game Quotes at Western Carolina
Cullowhee, N.C. – Dec. 31 – Ramsey Center

Matt McCall, Head Coach
Opening statement after win.
"It was physical and ugly. I told our guys after the game, every time we step in between the lines every team is going to throw the kitchen sink at us. Especially in this league. Our guys handled it and I thought our bench from a defensive standpoint was terrific. Games like this you have to find ways to win and you can't get frustrated with how things are going. I was proud of our guys that we stayed with it and didn't flinch."

On slow start to offense.
"With not playing for ten days, there was going to be a little bit of rust offensively. It's hard to play fluently on offense with the way they play. With the way they play defensively, they want to make the game ugly. I was really proud of our team for keeping the course and playing the game."

On what made the difference.
"Getting to the free throw line really helped and shooting well from the three gave us a little separation. I thought the second half difference was Rodney Chatman and Nat Dixon defensively. I thought those two guys were terrific and really gave us a boost. The plays those two made in the second half gave our team some energy that you need in a game like this."

On handling Western Carolina.
"I think we handled their pressure well and played great on the defensive side of the floor. They are one of the most physical teams in our league. It's hard coming here and playing the game you normally play. I am really proud of our team for how they handled everything."

Justin Tuoyo, Sr.-F
On what sparked second half jump.
"Our impact players off the bench. Rodney and Nat came off the bench and really gave us energy. They made us get stops and we fed off of it. Everyone got on board and it was a total team effort."

Priding on team defense.
"We try to pride ourselves on that. When everyone is on edge it's tough to score on us. When they ball goes up and we all gang rebound, it'll be tough for offenses to score on us."

On having a senior loaded team.
"Composure will always be there. We know that every road game and trip we make is our last one. So you don't want to lose somewhere that it's your last time being there. You want to win every time you're out there."

Greg Pryor, Sr.-G
On getting passed slow start.
"Our teammates ran our offense and played Chattanooga basketball. I had a couple open looks and hit them and I give a lot of credit to all my teammates and coaches."

Defensive efforts.
"We work on our defense and we know that's the easiest way to play the game. You'll win a lot more games playing good defense rather than relying on your offense."