Men's Basketball

Post Game Quotes from Villanova/Virginia

Jan. 29, 2017

Recap | Final Stats | USATSI Photo Gallery

Philadelphia, Pa. -

Villanova Head Coach Jay Wright

Opening Statement:

It was an unbelievable basketball game. We have so much respect for their team and their program. We were looking forward to this game, we just knew that we would be tested and we knew we were going to come out of this game learning a lot. We got a little lucky at the end, Donte made an unbelievable play, obviously not drawn up. Everything in the first half, the way they guarded us, the way they executed offensively, we're going to learn from that. We're going to learn so much form this game. I just love playing Virginia. I think Tony is one of the best coaches ever and I think that program is outstanding.

On this game being similar to a March game: This game was just great. There was incredible electricity in the building and you're playing against a good team. You can tell your players all you want, that you might get away with this in this game, but when we play the best teams, were not. They were saying it to each other, that we need to keep grinding and these guys are good. It was great, what a great experience.

On Josh and Kris not being able to shoot in the first half: It's something that great leaders do, I was just so proud of those two. Virginia had a great game plan, everyone knows to watch Virginia and what they do and now they are going to see what they did to Kris and Josh. They forced those two to make plays to other people and if you go after two great players like that and they can't get their points, a lot of times they slip defensively and the big ship slips. Those two showed great leadership, their defense turned up another level. I'm so proud of them, it's what our program is all about for those two and our three seniors.

On Kris making back to back shots towards the end of the game: The shooter has to do a lot of other things to remain in the game. If he's just a shooter and he's missing shots, but he's not defending, not rebounding, not passing, you can't keep him in the game. The beauty of Kris is that he's doing everything else, so you can keep him in the game. You know eventually, he'll get one and when he does, it's going to come again. It really shows the team how committed he is. This building explodes when he makes those shots.

On Mikal Bridges keeping them in the game: I'm so glad you asked that, he was awesome. He did the little things, he made blocked shots, steals, making turnovers, he did everything. We didn't really run anything for him, he just got offensive rebounds and made the right passes. He was awesome in this game. If you guys don't ask, I'm not going to talk, but I'm glad you let me talk about him because he was incredible. He defended everyone and he just did awesome.

Donte DiVincenzo:

On going through the atmosphere for the first time: It was a great atmosphere, especially being at home and in front of our fans. The focus is with my teammates, I wasn't worried about who was there or who was watching. We're all brothers and one unit, we can't worry about anyone else.

On his mindset on the last play: Josh made a great play. He saw the lane open and the defense turned their head, there was only a couple seconds left. If I didn't get it, I knew we were going into overtime. We just had to lock down defensively, but luckily I got a last second tip in.

Josh Hart

On people questioning who made the last play and how he watched it all happen: It was cool, I think I had a little different view. I think I was on the ground. I just look up and I saw the ball on the rim. I was like wait a minute, I thought I missed it and I honestly thought it was Mikal that tipped it in at first and then I saw everyone running to Donte. At that point my reaction was to just run to Donte. I was so happy, but it was just a great Villanova basketball game and a great Villanova basketball play by Donte.

On his thoughts when his shots weren't falling: At first, I was frustrated, but I need to know that I have to focus on different things. We played a great defensive team like Virginia, who's going to try to stop to. I think a couple shots I tried to force, where I should've just drove in the lane. It's a growing experience for me, but I can't worry about making shots. This is a prime example game of not making shots and playing a great opponent. It comes down to the last possession and making a great play.


Virginia Head Coach Tony Bennett

On the game in the second half: I thought we defended pretty well. Of course, they missed some looks. We were good most of the way. I think we kind of let them get going when we had some turnovers that led to transition buckets, and they got to the line. They're hard to keep out of the lane. They started getting to the paint on us. They're so lethal with that outside shot that you have to press up on them. Those guys made some big plays. We had chances. London Perrante's three rattled in-and-out. Ty Jerome's three was in-and-out. We missed a block out at the end. We played long stretches of good basketball for long periods of time, but we had just enough breakdowns to not be able to come away with a victory.

On what he is going to take away from this game: You play against a team of that caliber, as well-coached and as good as those guys are, obviously we all know what they did last year and how good they are. It's a different kind of team, and there are so many different styles in the ACC. Virginia Tech is terrific. They'll play four guards, five guards. It makes you play in a way that's challenging, and it really keeps you on point defensively. It was a great atmosphere. We had our chances, and we'll grow from it. I hope it was good for both of us. I wish would've came away with a win. It's the middle of the season - a little bit past - hopefully it will be good for us down the stretch.

On Josh Hart and Kris Jenkins leading the comeback: They're really good players, and we probably had some breakdowns. They made some tough shots. You can only keep shooters like that at bay for so long. I think some of our turnovers hurt us. They upped the ante defensively and stretched it out. Hats off to how they make some plays down the stretch. Games come down to late. Our kid, Ty Jerome, made a few plays. We had some plays that we made, and they made the plays.

Print Friendly Version

Players Mentioned

Donte DiVincenzo

#10 Donte DiVincenzo

Guard
6' 5"
Freshman
Kris Jenkins

#2 Kris Jenkins

Forward
6' 6"
Sophomore
Josh Hart

#3 Josh Hart

Guard
6' 5"
Sophomore
Mikal Bridges

#25 Mikal Bridges

Guard/Forward
6' 7"
Freshman

Players Mentioned

Donte DiVincenzo

#10 Donte DiVincenzo

6' 5"
Freshman
Guard
Kris Jenkins

#2 Kris Jenkins

6' 6"
Sophomore
Forward
Josh Hart

#3 Josh Hart

6' 5"
Sophomore
Guard
Mikal Bridges

#25 Mikal Bridges

6' 7"
Freshman
Guard/Forward