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Texas A&M Basketball

Locker Room Chat: Alex Caruso after win against ASU

December 6, 2014
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On his individual effort in the comeback win over Arizona State…
“I didn’t know (that the stats were as good as they were). Honestly, if a player watches his stats, he’s not trying as hard as he can. So obviously I’m not doing that. But I sat out a little bit in the first half. The last two games, I felt myself getting in a groove and then I picked up two fouls and it was frustrating sitting with so much energy on the bench.

"I tried to turn that into second-half energy and I think I did a good job of just flying around and trying to make plays happen.”

On four-time NBA champion Will Purdue coming up to him and giving him a huge compliment right before our interview…
“That (means a lot). That’s the type of player I am … I’m going to try as hard as I can to do whatever it takes to get a win. I told my guys in the huddle, ‘Come on. Just grind with me and work with me and let’s get this win. Just chop it off a little at a time.’ I think they did a great job of following the lead.”

On getting six rebounds, six assists and six steals against the Sun Devils…
“That’s another little ironic thing. It’s a testament to us making shots because we’ve been in here working hard. I probably should have had more assists that I missed some guys on, but my teammates made shots and occupied people for me to go get boards. They’re doing a good job of making me look good.”

On knowing he’s feeling good when he hits a step-back three-pointer…
“It was in the rhythm of the game. At that point, with four minutes left, I’m trying to get a win. It was necessary.”

On his up-and-down stretch in the closing minutes: his first turnover, followed by a steal and a missed dunk, then another steal and layup to make it 71-69…
“I didn’t realize that was my first — or only — turnover of the game. I was just trying to hustle around and make plays. I had messed up two in a row so I had to make some type of play happen. Luckily, they held the whistle (on the steal) and I went down and made the layup and we went ahead.”

On the made free throw by Kourtney Roberson after a near-air ball to give A&M the lead and then the final play on defense to close it out…
“We got Kourtney to the line with about five seconds left. He missed the first one and we just tried to instill adrenaline and confidence because he knows how to make free throws. He doesn’t have to think about it. He made the second one. Then they brought it up and the big thing is to try to get them to catch it going back toward the ball so they don’t have a head of steam going. From there, keep them in front and contest the shot. Alex Robinson did a great job of slowing the ball up (the floor). He missed the shot and we won the game.”

On quickly getting into foul trouble and coming in with two fouls late in the first…
“I have to do a better job of feeling out the game and adjusting to the referee’s calls. I think (Coach Kennedy) realized that we needed some more formation out there and getting people in the right spots. When Robinson picked up his second foul, we didn’t want two point guards to (be out of the game). He chose me and luckily I didn’t pick up any more fouls and stayed in the game.”

On the adjustment on Arizona State’s shooters down the stretch…
“They missed shots and we’re thankful for it. The biggest difference too is that we didn’t allow penetration as much in the second half. They were getting wherever they wanted in the first half and dishing to wide open guys. They made some tough, contested shots (in the second half) but the penetration really slowed down and slowed their offense down.”

On being a part of a “hugger” like that against a real non-conference opponent…
“That’s the first step toward the (NCAA) Tournament. Win games against good teams, and especially at home — that’s where you have to make your money. We did a good job of taking a look in the mirror at halftime and realizing that if we want to take necessary steps, we have to fight.”

On there being plenty of room at Reed Arena for the A&M fan base…
“We’re not going anywhere. We have a number of games left so they need to come out and have fun with us.”

On finally getting the chance to play Baylor in a game that he’s always looked forward to playing…
“I’m really excited. All of my friends and classmates tell me that they need to beat them and take it to them and that they hate Baylor. They’re more outgoing about it than I am because I have to play, so I can’t get too crazy. But I’m really excited and I think our guys are really excited to go to Waco. Even the guys that didn’t grow up around the Big 12 rivalries, they realize how big of a game this is for us.”

On whether this will feel like his high school days and A&M Consolidated vs. Bryan…
“Yeah, it will be something like that. I have to make sure to not pick up those two early fouls … especially on the road.”
Discussion from...

Locker Room Chat: Alex Caruso after win against ASU

5,989 Views | 1 Replies | Last: 9 yr ago by txag72
Gabe Bock
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Locker Room Chat: Alex Caruso after win against ASU
txag72
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quote:
On there being plenty of room at Reed Arena for the A&M fan base
"We're not going anywhere. We have a number of games left so they need to come out and have fun with us."


AMEN.
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