Dec. 30, 2008
Guard James Harden
On winning their final non-conference game and beginning Pac-10 play soon (it starts January 2):
"We did some pretty good things today, but now it's time for the Pac-10. It's a tough game every game, no matter who it is. We've been waiting; we're excited to do some things in league play."
Coach Herb Sendek
Thoughts on the game:
"I was especially pleased with our play in the first half and I really liked the fact that once again we had a high number of assists...I think that really reflects that our guys are really playing unselfishly. We did do some good things in the second half, but we didn't play as well as we wanted to for a stretch. I can't let our guys buy into the notion that it was because of human nature."
On starting their Pac-10 play against Stanford on the road (the Cardinal are 9-0 entering their final non-conference game):
"We're going to go up and have our hands full with a very tough first weekend. I feel like we've done some good things. But in a sense, we have a whole new season. There's nothing that you carry over. We have a very tough first draw."
On their team play and willingness to pass the ball (in the last two games, 48 of their 60 field goals have been assisted):
"It starts with James. He's always so unselfish; setting guys up. You have to love the fact that he had six assists, Jamelle McMillan had five and Derek Glasser had four, leading us to those 23 assists. When you watch them you kind of get the sense that they like each other."
On coming off of two straight resounding victories (the Sun Devils have won their last two games by a combined 72 points):
"We've played better together the last two games. It's been fun basketball to watch. It's been unselfish good basketball to watch. So from that standpoint it's a very positive note."
Forward Jeff Pendergraph
On the teams play of late:
"Things have just been really flowing for us. It's a matter of us playing well together and clicking, like a band of brothers instead of just being teammates."
On the main reason for their dominating performances the last two games:
"Guys are playing well off each other, especially James. Instead of guys worrying about how they're going to get their shot, they see James do his thing, and they just move where he can see them and they get open shots. It's helped everybody.