Jan. 3, 2008

Recap |  Final Stats |  Notes

Cleveland State Head Coach Gary Waters:
"I thought our guys fought and that was one of the keys, especially on the glass. What won this game was our defense and we were able to shut them down in the first half to get back in the game and take the lead. Down the stretch, we did some things to control them."

"You are not going to go 0-for-tomorrow. The thing I kept stressing was we had to keep defending. I also told them to make the extra pass because we were taking the first opportunity and you are never going to get the best shot with the first opportunity. It's the second offensive rebound that gets you the best percentage."

"It took us awhile to figure out what to do against the 1-3-1, but once we figured it out, they had to get out of it."

"We told the team that they are in control of their own destiny. Nobody knows who we are and the only way we are going to do something is prove it ourselves. The only way we can do that is hold serve on our home court. We've got to fight and battle."

Cleveland State's Cedric Jackson:
"I was just taking what the defense gave me and they trapped me on the ball screen. I hit whoever was open to get them the easiest shot."

"I had to play a lot smarter with two fouls. I know what I need to do to contribute to the team on defense."

"We were anxious at the start and needed to calm down and take our time. We really rushed out there and once we calmed down, we were able to get into the game."

Cleveland State's Kevin Francis:
"I was thinking that we had to step up to win. It's time to change things around and start a good thing here It's a new year and we can't worry about the past."

"In practice, we always make the extra pass and get the ball to the open player for the best look."

Loyola Head Coach Jim Whitesell:
"Congratulations to Cleveland State. We made a little run at the end, but they made plays down the stretch. We got off to a good start, but turned it over to muchand they were able to get back in the game after a slow start. We've got to be a little smarter offensively, but give them credit, they took us out of it."

"Gary's got a team that is very athletic and strong. (J'Nathan) Bullock and (Cedric) Jackson are two great players and (Kevin) Francis made some really big baskets for them down the stretch."

"Cedric (Jackson) makes so many plays for them and can make a basket anytime down the floor. He gets everyone involved and watching tape on him, he has been an impact guy on our league. I am very impressed with his play."