2016-17 Chattanooga Mocs Basketball
Post-Game Quotes vs. Samford
Chattanooga, Tenn. – Jan. 21 – McKenzie Arena

Matt McCall, Head Coach
Opening statement after 82-78 win.
"Obviously we had great energy to start the game off, and for that I was really pleased with. With a whole week off, that's something you worry about. I thought the game got slowed down a lot since we were fouling a lot. That allowed them to get back into the game with the slow pace. They're a really good team. Every game they've played has been close. They are really good top to bottom. Guarding the three was the biggest concern coming into the game. I was proud of our team. Down the stretch we didn't do a great job closing the game out at the free throw line. No matter what we didn't flinch and kept playing the game. It was a big win for us."

On rebounding the offensive glass.
"Tre' [McLean] was unbelievable getting us second chances for the team. Especially late, I thought we were bad offensively as we got stagnant. We have to get better there and have to improve. When you miss, sometimes it's tough rebounding out of the zone. So I thought we did a good job at that. That's effort and playing hard. That's what you have to do get big wins in this league."

On Makale Foreman's play.
"I'm really proud of him. The reason he plays is because he impacts winning. He has a winning attitude. During practices when we go over scouting he's on the baseline asking coaches questions. That's how I know he's locked in. For a freshman to do that, that's special. He's impacting winning for our team right now and I'm proud of his effort."

On Nat Dixon and bench's play.
"Nat also impacts winning. All the things he brings to the table. When he dives on the floor for loose balls, that brings an energy to our team, and we know that. Our bench will take us to the next level."

On the energy from the crowd.
"Awesome. I knew it was going to be good. A lot of people were texting me saying they would be there. This senior class deserves to play in front of a crowd like that every single night. These guys sacrificed a lot to be here, they love playing here, for this town and for this university. They deserve playing in front of that crowd every night. I thought our administration did a tremendous job promoting this game and getting people here."

Justin Tuoyo, Sr.-F
On last second open three look from Samford's Triston Chambers.
"Oh, he's going make it. He's a great shooter, he's been shooting all night on us. When he was wide open I thought he was going to catch it and we would go into overtime. I was shocked when he missed the pass, it was good for us, obviously."

On the bench play.
"We can't win a game with five guys and the young guys came up and had great minutes for us. Rodney [Chatman] did what he always did for us, he's the floor general. Makale [Foreman] hit three big threes for us. So, we just have guys we can count on, we can leave everybody on the bench and when it's their time to step up, they do their job and help us all in any way we need them."

On playing in front of the home crowd.
"We love playing at home, we have a great home crowd, they're always into the game. They're a huge part of us, and we appreciate them every night we're here."

Tre' McLean, Sr.-G
On motivation in tonight's game.
"I was just motivated period. We're playing Samford and I knew it was a big game. I knew we couldn't come out flat because they're a really good team. I had to be motivated from the time I woke up."

On last second free-throws.
"Yeah it's different. You have people in the stands, and there's a score and time on the clock. That's really the only difference. The more you shoot, the more confidence you have about shooting. We just have to slow down and put them in."

On bench stepping into bigger roles.
"It's going to be a great thing for us. Especially now with finishing out the season. Last year we were able to turn to our bench and that's what we're working on this year. It took a little longer because we have some younger guys, but we're working and it'll be positive for us.