QUOTES: Markell and Lennard talk to the media after Presbyterian

Markell Johnson

On the defense stepping up and forcing turnovers…

“We were just playing the passing lane well, getting deflections, and deflections lead to steals. That’s how we came up with a win.”

On sparking the press in the second half alongside Lavar Batts Jr…

“I feel like we did the best job we good. Lavar came off the bench giving us a good spark with defense and the press.”

On digging down to win after playing a tight schedule to start…

“In the summer, we conditioned ourselves so that we’d be in greater shape, and that’s where the second wind kicked in. Conditioning.”

On facing Arizona next week…

“(We’re focused on) just coming in with the right mindset, coming in knowing that we’re going to have to lock in defensively all the way, from the start of the game to the end of the game.”

Lennard Freeman

On if he worked on free throw shooting during his rehab…

“Yes, because I wasn’t able to run and jump, so I had to touch a basketball. I was just in there shooting free throws. It’s translating, and I’m feeling a lot more comfortable.”

On Coach Keatts’ halftime message…

“He was just saying we weren’t playing hard enough or defending, and we aren’t getting back to what got us here. He said they were shooting 60 percent and to take that personally.”

On gaining a second wind to earn the win…

“(We get it) just from practice, practice in the summer. We are one of the best conditioned teams in the country. Coach said we aren’t going to be as tired as other teams during the season.”

On if he expected to be playing this well…

“That was the plan. I know this is my last year and that I’ve worked extremely hard. I was told (that) if you work hard for something, you get it.”