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Villanova vs. Akron Post Game Quotes

Jay Wright Opening Statement

"That was a good win. That's a good team. We didn't start slow today. They're really good. They know how they want to play. They're upperclassmen. They came in and executed. They're tough and physical. We got some good shots. They were just physical at the rim. I thought Antino Jackson getting into foul trouble was big. In their game against Arkansas he just dominated. We couldn't press them as much when he was in the game. He got two fouls early and him getting his third quick was big in the second half. They're a really good team. I think that's an NCAA tournament team. I'm glad we beat them. I would not want to play them in Akron."

Jay Wright on Hart's performance:

"They're certain teams that have size and length that don't need to get extended defensively. They force you to take the one-on-one, and the only way you can do that is if they're afraid of your three. Josh hit some three's and got to the rim. He's real good at that. It's hard to do that against teams with length like that. He's the best on our team at that."

Wright on getting Akron out of their rhythm:

"You know, we haven't played against a team like that. It is funny Eric Paschall, who played in the Atlantic 10, said to me at halftime they're just like Davidson. Creighton is kind of like that. I think we were just a step behind just not expecting they could get their shots of that quick. I just think we settled in and had a feel for them. Then we locked it down defensively pretty well. When Phil Booth and Mikal Bridges come off the bench defensively they really take us to another level."

Wright on Ryan Arcidiacono's 22 assists and one turnover on the season:

"It's incredible numbers. He's always played great offensively, but I think he's playing the best offensively since he has been here. His numbers may not be as high but his efficiency is off the charts. Every year for three years he has not shot a high percentage in the beginning of the year. He waits until it really counts. He's shooting a high percentage now, and his assist to turnover ratio is off the charts. He's really playing well."

Josh Hart on getting to the rim:

"We were able to get downhill and get to the rim. We were able to get into the lane, pivot, and get other people open shots. It was just really seeing how they played it. After that, we kind of knew how they played it in their end."

Josh Hart on Akron's length:

"They're a great team. A lot of times they played with their two bigs. We knew when they did that we would get into a lot of ball screens and draw their big guys away from the basket. We knew Daniel was big enough to give it to him in the post. He made great plays and was able to kick out the ball to other people. Daniel only had four points, but he got other people shots."

Ryan Arcidiacano on the Akron team as a whole:

"We knew they had a great point guard, great shooters, and had size. I don't think we expected them to get the shots off as quickly as they did, and how efficient they were offensively. We just tried to wear them out with our defense. I think getting three fouls on Jackson in the first half was big."

Arcidiacono on Villanova's experience and staying the course against Akron:

"I think one thing Daniel [Ochefu] and I always try and tell the younger guys and even Josh. We've been here for so many years and Daniel and I were really the only ones to actually lose some games at Villanova. We've been through it all, the good and the bad. We always try to keep everyone even keeled and just stick to what coach preaches."

Arcidiacono on Hart's 15 points in the first half:

"It's definitely important to put up numbers, but if that was anyone else we would have been happy with that. It just so happen to be Josh tonight. I think that's one thing that is very tough about our team is you can't defend one person. We are very well-balanced."