George Washington University Athletics
12/17/2008 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Dec. 17, 2008
NCAA MEN'S BASKETBALL
December 17, 2008
American 50
@ GW 63
Post-game comments
GW Coach Karl Hobbs
What did you think of playing another local team with so many of their fans in the stands?
"I thought it was tremendous. Obviously they're a very good team. They're coming off an NCAA tournament It was a very well played game by both teams."
What was your key to defend Garrison Carr?
"Our key was Noel Wilmore in practice. We came in and said, `we're not going to allow him to get any shots in practice.' By the way, he must have scored 30 in practice. We wanted to treat [Carr] like Noel Wilmore; every shot he takes, we want to contest it. I think our length bothered him a little bit on some of those shots. All the shots he took seemed to be under duress, and pressure shots that they sort of needed. We never allowed him to feel comfortable."
Your 3-point shooting helped you build a lead early on.
"Noel saved us early. He kept the game within reach, he kept the pressure on AU, and allowed us to maintain the lead. We just needed to settle down a little bit. There were some situations where we had guys open, but didn't read the situations correctly. The thing that was consistent all night was on defense, and I thought we were throughout the game."
Was there a concious effort to get stops down the stretch?
"Yes, coming into the game, we thought that our advantage was to go inside. We thought the pace of the game was going to be a little fast for their big guy [Frane Markusovic], and they would have to go small to defend it. That would let us go inside to Robert."
GW senior C Rob Diggs
You had a good run of shots down the stretch.
"Yeah, I felt real good that my teammates started to find me. They saw I had a mis-match and took advantage of it."
How do you feel this team is coming along?
"Right now, we're just trying to be consistent. Early on, we would play a different type of basketball in every game. We're still finding out about our teammates, and where they want the ball on the court."
American coach Jeff Jones
Do you feel you got an honest effort from your team?
"Without question. I'm very proud of the effort under what were difficult circumstances...We fought hard. I can't say we played partically well. We didn't shoot the ball well, and you have to give GW credit for that with their defense. Unfortunately, we couldn't get the ball to go in when we did have some opportunities."
Why do you think Garrison Carr had difficulties after the first few minutes?
"I think maybe it's in his head because he got more looks tonight than in the last three games combined. I think the way other teams have played him, he was anticipating because GW is so quick and athletic and so long, they were going to be there. We were encouraging him to put shots up. Even with him doing well, we're not an offensive juggernaut, so even on an off night we need him to keep plugging."
Do you like playing these kinds of games against other area schools?
"Absolutely. I know it's good for us. We're very grateful to have the chance that Maryland, and Georgetown, and this year GW have given us. You had two teams just battling hard. It wasn't pretty, but for those people who appreciate good defense, you had guys out there really scrapping tonight."
What happened after you pulled to within 3?
"I think you have to give GW credit. That's when they took control of the game. At that point, we had the momentum, and they started pounding the ball inside. Diggs really, really became a big factor. He's a really good player. He's amazingly strong for being as thin as he is, but he does a good job getting inside position. We had opportunities down the stretch, but didn't convert any of them. But GW did what a good team does; they made the free throws, they continued finding good defense."
