Men's Bracket Game Three

No. 1 Sam Houston State 62

No. 8 Nicholls 57

Wednesday, March 10, 6 p.m.

Postgame Quotes

Sam Houston State Head Coach Bob Marlin
Opening Statement - "Pretty good eight seed, huh? They've got a nice team. They played hard. We got in foul trouble in the first half trying to guard their cutters. Clavell and Preston had to sit for a long period in the first half. We were fortunate to go in with a lead. Arthur Zulu came in and gave us a boost off the bench and Marco Cooper chipped in. In the second half we had a chance to get the lead up a couple times but couldn't do it. But again, give Nicholls credit. They play good defense, one of the best in the conference. We knew Anatoly Bose was going to cause us problems. He's had high scoring games all season. But to get 40 points on Josten Crow is a credit to Anatoly's ability. The game tonight was very similar to the one in Nicholls. In both games we only had about 36 or 37 shots taken and only four rebounds. But we're moving on form here and look to get better in our half court pressure and execution."

On Arthur Zulu and Marco Cooper - "Arthur got loose a few times and got some baskets. Cooper took one in and made a tough basket late in the first half. Both those guys made some key contributions. If we're going to move on in the tournament we will need everyone to step up. Because from here on in it doesn't get any easier."

Sam Houston State senior guard Ashton Mitchell
On winning first tournament game - "It feels really good. Usually the first one is always the hardest game and today it really was. Nicholls is a good team. We were fortunate to play well enough to win today. They gave us a serious push in the second half but we rallied together like we have all year and got it done. I wanted this really bad. It's my last shot. I've been here four years and the previous three tournaments we've been knocked out. In the second half I told coach I want the ball in my hands."

Sam Houston State junior forward Josten Crow
On Nicholls defensive play - "Nicholls is a great team. We knew they were going to come after us and try to slow us down and I have to give them credit they kept the game close. We could have executed better, but as a whole we got it done."

On guarding Anatoly Bose - "He's a great player. He's going to make some shots. I knew I would have to be ready and just make it tough for him."

Nicholls Head Coach J.P. Piper
Opening Statement - "Just really proud of our guys. I felt we gave Sam Houston all they wanted. We hoped we could give them a game. I have a great deal of respect for Bob Marlin and his program. I knew they were capable of humiliating us. I love the way our guys played. I'm very proud of them. They were just a little bit better than we were. I have to tip my hat to them. A great effort on their part. I wish them the best."

Nicholls junior forward Anatoly Bose
On first round loss - "It's hard not to come away with a win today. We got away from what gave us the lead and it cost us. There was a lot of things that happened but the bottom line was we just didn't perform well enough."