March 20, 2009
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Coach Herb Sendek
On Pac-10 player of the year James Harden:
"It's a tremendous asset and gift. At the end of the game, as much as it may not have been his afternoon, he made a number of plays that allowed us to win. The best part about James is he's all about the team. Just because it wasn't his day, because he wasn't the centerpiece, he didn't disengage from his team. He recognizes the contributions other guys make. When the game was on the line, he was still able to have the presence of mind to reset himself and play the last home stretch exceptionally well. That's not easy to do when you're not having your day, to rest yourself mid-streak and then step up and make a number of plays that your team needs you to make."
Thoughts on the game:
"I'm obviously very proud of our guys, a good team effort by our squad today. We have such great respect for Temple's program and the job that Coach Fran Dunphy and his staff does, and we knew coming in today we would have to play a very good game to be competitive. Different guys stepped up for us at different times, but most certainly Derek and Jeff had outstanding games for us and allowed us to come away with the win today."
On junior guard Derek Glasser:
"Derek has been playing his career-best basketball here the last couple weeks. He's a significantly better shooter. He has really worked hard on that part of his game, and it has helped our team tremendously."
On Harden's tough game (the two of them played high school basketball together in Los Angeles before joining up again in Tempe):
"It's frustrating, just because if there's anybody who knows what he's capable of, it's me."
On scoring a career-high 22 points in his first NCAA tournament game:
"Our offense just created open looks for me. I was open, so I took them."
On being able to overcome his 0-for-6 start from the field:
"Credit to my teammates -- they picked me up. That's why we're still playing on Sunday."
On teammate Derek Glasser:
"These last couple days he's stepped up and made big shots. It's a credit to him, he's playing well and the entire team is playing well."
On hitting the big three-pointer to put the Sun Devils up seven with just four minutes to play:
"You're a basketball player; you live for those moments."
Thoughts on the game:
"It was one of those games where my shot wasn't falling. My teammates picked it up, definitely--Derek throughout the entire game. The last couple of minutes I started to be a little more aggressive and just create. Throughout the game I didn't play my best, but the last couple minutes I wanted to give my all and go out with a fight."