Jan. 29, 2007

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PHILADELPHIA, Pa. -
Villanova Head Coach Jay Wright

Opening Statement

"First, I was to give Pitt credit. They played like a great BIG EAST team and they hit huge shots. I thought we played well, but timely mistakes on our part and timely shots on their part were the difference in the game. We had some crucial turnovers and they hit some huge shots at the end of the shot clock...I give them credit for coming in here, it is a tough place to play and they did a good job."

On Pitt's Adrian Graves and Levance Fields answering Villanova's runs...

"I think that was really the difference, those shots. We had great defensive possessions there. A couple times they were kind of stuck (offensively)...but those two hit big shots that were contested. I think that was the difference in the game."

Did the Pitt defense have an effect on some of the turnovers tonight?

"I think it was a little bit of us and a little bit of them. They never stopped playing and they did all the little things. A couple of times they got us and a couple times we made some bad mistakes."

On the grind game in and game out in the BIG EAST...

"...We have so much respect for everyone in this league. We just know that if you don't bring it every night in this league, you are going to get beat, no matter where you are playing. It you can survive the league, you have a great shot in the NCAA tournament, and I think that is a good thing. If you survive the league, you are going to play against all styles, physical play and tough arenas and I think that is a good thing.

Villanova forward Curtis Sumpter

How did you feel out there tonight?

"I just wanted to come out there and give them a spark off the bench and help my teammates. I hit a couple shots in the beginning and just went from there."