Jan. 19, 2008

Recap |  Box Score

Ohio Head Coach Tim O'Shea

On Whittington's performance:

"It was great to see a guy like Bert Whittington step up. He got an opportunity and he made the most of it. He's a great player with a lot of energy who takes the right shots at the right moments."

On his team's defensive ability:

"The difference between this team and the teams from past years is that they are good defensively. If we stay healthy, I'm confident that we will be able to make it through the long haul."

On the victory:

"It meant a lot for us psychologically to beat Kent State. They are a tough team, probably the toughest that I have watched on film, so it's a great confidence booster."

Ohio junior forward Jerome Tillman

About the six free throw attempts in a row:

"I have never done that before, so it's something different. It was kind of awkward for me but I mean you got to make the play."

On winning in the MAC:

"There is always a sense of urgency for every game. We always need to win every game. You can't take nights off in this league because it's always so competitive."

On the team's defense this season:

"It starts with everybody's mindset. Coach (Bacari) Alexander has come in and given us great defensive principles. It's a defensive mindset, if you want to do it then you can do it."

Ohio junior guard Bert Whittington IV

On his role in the offense:

"I let the game come to me. I just want to be there for the team. I'm going to pass first but if the shot is there, I'm going to take it."

On Bubba Walther's assistance from the bench:

"Bubba told me to be calm and just run the offense. When it got down to crunch time he is a senior and knows what he is talking about so I really listen to his advice."