March 7, 2009
Iowa Head Coach Todd Lickliter
On Jake Kelly overcoming a fever to play
“As the game went on, I was just thinking about what a gutty performance it was by many guys, but especially by Jake Kelly. He did not have to play, he had the option. But he is highly competitive and chose to play.”
“It probably would have been our preference to win it in regulation, but I guess getting Cyrus Tate ten more minutes in Carver-Hawkeye Arena is nice. It was just an incredible gutsy performance by the group. I can’t think of a moment where these guys weren’t competing.”
On the 2008-09 season
“It’s been a tough time. We’ve had some setbacks and some rough times and these guys never hung their heads or felt sorry for themselves. They just seized the next opportunity and what a great lesson for everyone. I hope that people look at them and respect them for the way they approached it. It’s not the year we wanted it to be as far as wins but this is a group that is truly a pleasure to work with.”