March 8, 2006

NO. 5 SEED COLORADO BUFFALOES

Head Coach Ricardo Patton
Opening statement:
"It should be a very interesting tournament. All of the teams have shown the ability to play well. There have not been any easy wins in our league, so it should make for an interesting weekend."

On the mindset of his team:
"I think our guys realize that every team in our league is capable of beating another. It has been a long, tough season, but for the most part, I think our team finishing fifth proves that we are a formidable foe."

On Baylor:
"I think their game-timing is a lot better. We played them in their third game of the season and not having to play a non-conference game sets you back a little. It takes a while to get accustomed to the grind and the physical play of the Big 12 especially for the new players, the freshmen, who play for Baylor. It takes a while to get accustomed to the style of play. Their guards do a tremendous job of pushing the ball up the court and the big guys feed off their perimeter. "

Sophomore Guard Richard Roby
On the team's approach to this weekend:
"We have to come out and get wins. We don't want to leave it (NCAA bid) up to opportunity. We want to win the tournament and get the automatic bid, but we have to take it one game at a time."

On Baylor:
"They are a more confident team. They have games under their belt now. It was their third game of the season when we played them and they were still finding themselves. Now they are playing well and it will be a tough game. They are a totally different team from when we played them last time."

On playing in the American Airlines Center:
"It is definitely a more wide-open place so you have to adjust your eyes a little bit. We played in the Pepsi Center, so that helps us a little bit."

Senior Forward Chris Copeland
On the nature of this year's team:
"I think our ups and downs have helped us and taught us what not to do. We are focusing for this tournament and we'll be ready for tomorrow."

On senior forward/center Julius Ashby:
"Julius has been working really hard in practice and I think it will show tomorrow."

On beginning games strong:
"I think it starts in the warm-ups and pre-game. We have to come out hard, be loose and ready to play. If we focus, we'll come out stronger."