Chattanooga Basketball Postgame Quotes
South Alabama at Chattanooga
McKenzie Arena – Chattanooga, Tenn.
Friday – Nov. 15, 2019

Lamont Paris, Head Coach
On shooting at a high percentage and if that was the point of emphasis.
"It wasn't, to be honest. Our emphasis was on the defensive end because those guys are aggressive, downhill, strong athletic finishers. I can't say enough about two things, one how we competed physically and two, how we stuck to the game plan. The first half was a phenomenal job, best thing we've done since I've been here on that end and it isn't even close. I was really happy for our guys."
 
On handling the pressure from South Alabama.
"They've shown pressure and we've seen them do it against Auburn. We knew they were going to try and press us after they saw our EKU game because we weren't great there. We thought for sure we'd see some pressure. It's one of the last things to come around, typically, handling pressure. I think we've been getting better at it. Turnover numbers have been decreasing over the first three games. All in all said, I thought we did a good job against a variety of pressures."
 
On the change after allowing four early points.
"We defended. The first four points weren't even real. We did completely the opposite of what we talked about. That was within the first minute of the game so I asked where are we mentally? It wasn't that they scored four points right away, but it was things we specifically talked about that we didn't do. We got quickly back into what we were doing, and that feeling I had in the first minute, I started to feel confident in what we were doing and how the guys were grasping concepts, and sticking to their responsibilities. That's a great feeling for a coach."
 
On going into half with a large lead.
"I told the guys at halftime, and our guys never been in this position, that it's a lot harder playing with a lead than playing from behind. I'd take playing with a lead rather than being behind, but it's so hard playing with a lead like that because every second and every play made, you're looking at the clock. You're supposed to win in everyone's mind. Their back is against the wall and have nothing to lose. I told the guys that."

Ramon Vila, R-Jr.-F
On playing solid for all 40 minutes.
"Coach always says that we have to be a solid team. The last two games we've had rough first halves and solid second halves. That's not being solid, that's just solid for 20 minutes. This was the first time being solid for all 40 minutes and we're happy because that's what we're looking for. That's why were so excited because coaches have been talking about."
 
On handling South Alabama's pressure.
"We didn't know what to expect from their pressure. We had been very solid at pump faking, ball stopping, and we were just solid all around. That's how we handled pressure."
 
On moving forward against a tough upcoming schedule.
"It's going to be a really tough road trip. It helps being 3-1. It's very exciting because South Alabama is a good team. That gives us a lot of confidence and we're excited."

David Jean-Baptiste, R-Jr.-G
On the key to keeping the lead.
"I think the biggest part, especially playing with a lead, was to stay aggressive. We couldn't get complacent or get comfortable to allow them to come back. It was always staying aggressive, taking smart shots and not quick shots. It was mostly about staying aggressive and staying smart. It feels a lot better coming out strong tonight. It was a great team effort."
 
On the biggest takeaway from tonight as a team.
"It's very fitting with this team coming together. This team shows a lot of fight every day in practice. We come in and compete and it's great to see it all come together. It's awesome to see this team together."