Jan. 23, 2009
Coach Herb Sendek
Thoughts on the game:
"It was a hard fought game that obviously could have gone either way. Both teams probably played better on defense than offense. Arizona played their zone and they did a good job of extending the floor."
On Derek Glasser's two clutch three-pointers in the final five minutes (the last one put the Sun Devils up by three with under two minutes remaining in the game):
"We needed someone to step up. We were ice, ice, ice cold tonight."
Guard Derek Glasser
On the intense in-state rivalry between the Wildcats and the Sun Devils:
"We know -- no matter anybody's record -- in this series between us and U of A, it's going to be a war, whether it's at our house or their house. They brought it tonight, man."
On the teams play of late, beating both No. 9 UCLA and heated rival Arizona on the road:
"I definitely think our team's starting to mature and come every single game. These are two big wins for us (at UCLA, at Arizona). We've just got to carry this into next week."
On sinking two three-pointers in the last five minutes of the game after missing his first four attempts:
"Coach Sendek looked at me and said, 'Derek, I just need five minutes. Five minutes, that's it.' I tried to give him everything I had. My teammates said to keep shooting; eventually they were going to fall."
Guard James Harden
On what they emphasized going into the game:
"Defense was a main key going into this game, as it is every game. We have been improving a lot [on the defensive end] and once our offense catches up, we're going to be a great team."
On winning all three games he has played against the Wildcats:
"We had a great win here last year, but I think this one is even better. It's a great team rivalry and we knew it was going to be a battle."
On scoring 17 of his game-high 21 points in the second half:
"I was just more aggressive and let the game come to me, as I always do. My teammates put me in a great position to score and make plays for them as well."