Jan. 2, 2009

Recap | Box Score | Notes | AP Gallery

Head Coach Scott Drew

On the game:
"I thought we did a very good job effort wise on the boards early on to outrebound them 21 to 12, but then we only outscore them by one, 16 to 15 in second-chance points. Obviously we have to do a better job scoring those when we do get second-chance points. (The) second thing is at the beginning of the year we wanted to improve defensively and obviously you have to rebound to improve on the defensive end. They shot 54 percent which obviously is not going to get it done and let us do what we need to do to accomplish what we want to accomplish."

On Devan Downey:
"Downey is a great player. He had 37(points) against Clemson. He controlled everything and created not only for himself but he had eight assists and one turnover and we really struggled with answers."

On preparing for Big 12 play:
"Defensively, we have to get better. Obviously we will work on things-guarding ball screens will be a start and then obviously we will continue to work on the rebounding side of things. Every team that you play poses a different challenge."

Senior Guard Curtis Jerrells
On Devan Downey:
"He is small and a lot of short guys have quickness €¦ It is really difficult to find him coming off of screens. He is small, but he did a good job of getting into the paint."

Senior Forward Kevin Rogers
On the USC offensive in the second-half:
"I think we made it too easy for Downey to get into the paint and make plays for him and the other guys. That is credit to a really good player. He knew where to find his guys and he knew when to make plays for himself."

Senior Guard Henry Dugat
On the second-half comeback by USC:
"In the second half when we had the lead, they were getting a lot of easy buckets in the paint. That breaks down defenses when a guy (Downey) can get in the paint and create for himself and others on his team and it made it a lot easier for them to get back into the game."

Head Coach Darrin Horn

On the game:
"I think what everybody just saw was a terrific college basketball game. It had a March feel to it; two teams fighting. Literally could have gone either way at the end. We are really fortunate that we were able to come out on top."

On the difference in the ball game :
"[I] can't tell you how proud I am of our guys, the toughness we displayed led by these two right here. I would not trade these two (Zam Fredrick and Devan Downey) for anybody in the country. They bring it everyday, they have huge hearts and they are the guys who made the plays for us down the stretch on the offensive end."

On Baylor:
"Baylor is a terrific team, this is a big win for us. They are one of the most talented teams in the country, so we are really proud of our team. We are really proud to get a win on the road."

On USC's final scoring play:
"He (Zam Fredrick) just went and made a play. That is our style of play. That is something we have been preaching since we got here in April as a staff. It is something our team has been learning to do and it was great to see it come to fruition on such a big play. He just went and made a play, a big play for him."