Texas A&M
5-1
Minnesota
4-2
Aggies Shock No. 22 Golden Gophers, 66-65
Nov 29, 2009 | Men's Basketball
Nov. 29, 2009
ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP)--Derrick Roland scored 19 points to lead Texas A&M to a 66-65 victory over No. 22 Minnesota in the 76 Classic on Sunday.
B.J. Holmes and Donald Sloan scored 10 points apiece for the Aggies (5-1).
Colton Iverson had 14 points and 12 rebounds for the Golden Gophers (3-2). Paul Carter added 13 points and Damian Johnson scored 12 points.
POST GAME QUOTES
Coach Mark Turgeon - "Well, thank God we can really defend the ball. After the first five minutes we really starting to get going defensively and that made the difference in the game."
(on wins against two ranked opponents) "I feel better, but honestly I didn't enjoy this game. We didn't play great, but in the big picture, we are what we expected and we can get better. The players know how good I think they are."
(on A&M's free throw issues) "I thought BJ (Holmes) and Donald (Sloan) would have made their free throws. Earlier in the year we were 19-of-23 from the free throw line. Hopefully the guys will get so mad at themselves for all the misses that it doesn't become a bigger problem."
Player Derrick Roland (on his poor performance the first two games) "I was really frustrated the first two games because I was injured, but I got some rehab and played a little better and looser today."
Minnesota
Coach Tubby Smith - "First I just want to compliment Texas A&M on a good game. We had some chances there. It was a hard fought game and a good experience that we plan to learn from and take back home to build on. During the game, the team tried to figure out how to make the players stay positive and we were forcing turnovers, but we had trouble finishing, things were falling out of place and we just couldn't pull it together at the end. We just need to find out what is more effective for our offense. We also need to continue to do what we're doing as a team because I'm impressed with my guys and the energy that we put into it. Specifically, I'm impressed with Iverson and his stamina and endurance. He needs to work on finishing a bit more, but I think his playing today helped his confidence as well as the rest of his team's confidence in him."
Player Damian Johnson "(In regards being a leader and what he plans to tell his team in regards to the two losses in a row following a good start in the tournament) "Well, we just have a long season ahead of us and the guys know they need to put these losses behind us and be competitive in our future games. The guys know that we have a good team and learn from our mistakes. We plan to come out and play harder next time and input what we learn in practice from Coach."
