2021-22 Chattanooga Mocs Men's Basketball
Game 24 – vs. Mercer – Feb. 5 – McKenzie Arena
Postgame Quotes 

Head Coach Lamont Paris:
Opening statement:
"The guys competed at a really high level in the second half. Defensively, being able to hold them to 68 in the game… there were a few things we didn't manage well but I was happy how we played defensively in the second half. Overall, great effort by our guys and I mean that in the truest sense. Effort was really high and it was fun watching Josh Ayeni have a really good game. Now, we're on to the next one, back-to-back with Mercer."

What the halftime message to the team was.
"Offensively we talked about making strong moves as we attacked. Defensively the message was, 'our body of work and our DNA is that we are a low-60s PPG team. If that's who we are then that's what we do. We had to do a better job defensively. You have to play defense with urgency. That was the message at halftime and I was happy with the performance in the second half.

On Josh Ayeni's performance.
"That guy. After the game he told me, 'see I want to win, man.' He is a competitive guy. It was fun to watch him flourish on the offensive side of the ball instead of normally his main role is to defend and rebound. In the last game, we ran a play for josh to take a jump shot, I don't value those a lot normally, but that's his deal. He made that and then he was off to the races today. That's my real enjoyment… seeing a guy flourish like that."

Patience in the second half.
"We talk a lot a gas pedal and a break. You have to know when to do what on both end s of the floor. We have the ability to step on the gas when it's a good situation or a guy is out there cookin'. We also have to know time and circumstances. It's amazing how much information is being processed by these guys on 70-some possessions per game. The ability to manage both of those is incredibly important in the game of basketball and they did a great job of that today."

On four of the last six games being at home.
"It's really important. As you're on this bender of all of these road games, you keep thinking when that bunch of home games is coming. Everything from being in your own bed the night before, to your own routine of playing at home… all of that stuff is really important and a big advantage. The next one [at Mercer – Monday night] is going to be a tough one in Macon."

Grant Ledford – So., G/F
Difference in the two halves.
"We knew we needed to lock in on defense and make some big stops. For me personally, I stayed aggressive and have faith in my shot."

On the team's aggressiveness in the second half.
"I think we were a lot more active setting screens and in the post. We were just trying to make winning plays and get each other open."

Malachi Smith – So., G.
On the team's mentality coming out in the second half.
 "Coming out with a chip on our shoulder in the second half. We know we need to win and get stops. We are getting every team's best shot. Everyone wants to beat us."

On Josh Ayeni's play today.
"It's not shocking for me. He does it in practice all the time. Today, he was on a different level. 8-for-10, we'll take that every day. He's a confident player."

On the importance of the crowd. 
"It helps a lot. What they are doing is helping. It causes other teams to not run their play correctly. It's fun to see."