Chattanooga Basketball Postgame Quotes
Mercer at Chattanooga
McKenzie Arena – Chattanooga, Tenn.
Thursday – January 17, 2019

Lamont Paris, Head Coach
On the versatility of this team to have any one step up on any given night.
"We're not relying upon one guy and I like it that way. We have a lot of guys that can make it happen. It's nice to have more guys having the capability of making some plays. Whether they do or don't, that plays itself out, but they are capable. We have some guys who can shoot, some guys who can make decisions off ball screens. That's one of our strengths."

On change of offensive production from first half to second.
"I thought our shot selection in the first half wasn't great. We were shooting some uncharacteristic shots. It was just uncharacteristic at times. I think a big part was that we settled early. We try to get the ball side-to-side at least two times. In our particular offense, statistics show that the quality of shot goes up  tremendously each time the ball gets turned. We just weren't doing that. We were attacking the first side and they were ready for that. We felt like we needed to make something happen in those situations so I think that was a big part of it."

On winning close SoCon games & the experienced gained out of it.
"I would like a blow out. At the same time for this team, in retrospect, if I could draw it up this way I would. Kev [Easley] had to make two pressure free throws. I can't simulate that at practice, it's impossible. Now that's two free throws when he looks back to his memory bank when the opportunity arises again, he knows he can do it because he did. He's going to at least believe he can. You don't have to talk yourself into the situation because you've done it. Those are vital experiences for this team."

On improving to 4-2 in the conference.
"I'm happy where we are. Our two losses were on the road to two of the better teams. I try not to get too excited or too low. We just need to focus on getting better and staying true to everything that has made us successful. That's a really tough thing for young guys. I think we have done a pretty good job at that, but we need to keep doing it and keep improving on it." 

Ramon Vila, R-So.-F
On matchup against Mercer.
"It was a tough game to play. They played small ball and were crowding the paint the whole time. They didn't allow much space in there and we had to rely on a lot of three-point shooting. It worked out for us. We knew we had to move the ball to score today, they are everywhere on the floor. We had to trust each other on offense and defense to pull out this win."

On the home court advantage and atmosphere.
"I love to play here in McKenzie [Arena]. I want to thank all the fans and supporters who came out tonight. The student section was amazing and it was probably in the top three of best student sections I have seen since coming here. They help us a lot. Not only the students, but everyone that comes out. It's nice and we really appreciate it."

On making big time block on Mercer layup attempt on one of the game's final possessions.
"I know he wanted the last shot. He had 22 points and he is one of their best players so I knew he was going for it. I just left my feet, jumped straight up, and the ball literally ended up in my hands. It wasn't anything special. If we would have played better ball-screen defense, it wouldn't have been a one point game."

Jerry Johnson, R-Jr.-G
On creating spark for the team with three at the end of the quarter.
"Every time we need a bucket or need a spark, I try to be that guy. I'm thankful it went in because I probably would have came out ten seconds later. I've just been in a lot of situations where I'm confident enough to believe in my shot and confident that I will make that shot."

On improving to 3-2 in the SoCon & moving forward.
"It's huge. It's a confident booster. It really doesn't mean anything.. not until end of conference play. We play like we're 0-0 again trying to get that next win. We'll try to stay off our feet as much as possible and get ready for practice tomorrow. It's going to be a big practice because Citadel runs the entire game and we have to be ready for it."

On Ramon Vila's clutch block late in the second half.
"I was right on the goal. He did an incredible job of staying vertical all game. He did a great job and we need that. Guards try to take advantage of the bigs when they swipe down on the ball. Through the season, he has progressed so much in staying vertical."