Dec. 4, 2007

Recap |  Final Stats

NORTHERN ILLINOIS MEN'S BASKETBALL 2007-08

NIU vs. Air Force

December 4, 2007

Postgame Quotes

Air Force Head Coach Jeff Reynolds

"I thought our basketball team played very uncharacteristic tonight.  The way we shot the ball and the way we turned it over, I felt very fortunate to be in the game with 3:46 on the clock and it was a one-point game.  Credit Northern Illinois' defense, they played us 40 minutes of zone and we didn't shoot the basketball or handle it very well.

"I felt our kids were rushing things tonight.  We played not to lose instead of playing to win.  We were very surprised with the way they [Northern Illinois] shot the ball, but they are a better shooting team than their stats indicate.  Anytime you play a schedule like they have played so far, the statistics may not give a fair indication. 

"I thought we got shots.  We had 17 shots inside the lane, we made two of them.  I thought we got shots, we got looks and our kids were rushed.

"This was our first true road game and we played like a young basketball team tonight.  We need to get our confidence back. 

Air Force F Tim Anderson

"The turnovers were a lack of focus and a lack of execution.  They had a lot of energy and they were aggressive forcing turnovers.  We need to step up to the challenge and execute our offense."

NIU Head Coach Ricardo Patton

"I'm very proud of our young men.  They showed a lot of poise in winning a tough basketball game.  We wanted to match up with them most of the game.  We wanted to make sure we didn't bite on the penetration.  This is only the second game we played that zone.

"Making the free throws (at the end of the game) was huge.  Jarvis Nichols, going to the line and making his free throws was key.  What he did tonight was OK.  I know he can play better and I've been telling him he can play better. 

"I think the fact that we have a nucleus of guys that have bought in is starting to show.  We have guys that have both feet in [the program] and that's what we wanted.  I thought we got a great contribution from the guys coming off the bench.  Bristan Kelley played huge, he made some big plays even in limited minutes.  Mike Hart provided a defensive presence around the basket.  That's what we need consistently.  

"If you are making shots, you can play with anyone."