Roddy Gayle reacts to win vs. Howard

I think we upped the pressure a little bit. They weren't as comfortable offensively, and that allowed us to be able to get out and run. They were— when they were challenged jump shots, we were able to get out and run and get easy baskets in transition.

Like, even though we had like a really good offensive first half, like we knew defensively we had a lot to work on. I feel like they were way too comfortable and we weren't playing with the edge that we needed to play with, especially coming off a loss to Purdue in the conference championship. So just reiterating to the guys that, you know, like we didn't deserve— like we don't expect to win every game.

We got to go out and earn it. So I think that in the second half we picked up the intensity, started pressing. Pressuring the ball a lot more and trying to disrupt the offense a little bit more.

You know, the March rally. Nimari calls it Marty. I don't know if you're a fan of that.

I kind of lean into the Marty a little bit, but it's just like, I think just the desperation. Like, you know, obviously there is no— if we lose, like, you know, we going home, man. I'm not ready. I'm not ready to leave, especially this group of guys.

It's a really, really group of guys I cherish. I really hold close to my heart. I feel like this is the best community I have been a part, especially with the players and staff. So just playing hard for them, emptying the tank and just living with whatever, as long as I gave my all.