| | March 10, 2000
We knew Virginia would make a run tonight because they are a good team, but
when they did we didn't start pouting, we just kept playing. We covered each
other and we went back to what was working well and we weathered the storm.
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Inside the Locker Room
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Throughout Championship Week, ESPN.com and FANSonly.com are presenting an inside look into the ACC tournament from some of the league's top players, including Kenny Inge of North Carolina State. For more on the ACC, visit the conference's official web site.
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We came in at halftime and didn't really talk about losing the big lead. We
were still up by nine and we just wanted to hold it. We stuck to the game
plan and pulled away.
The key to tonight's victory was keeping them off the glass. We made some
good stops too and they got some rebounds, but when we kept them off the
glass, that's when we made our runs.
We knew we had to match their intensity
or they would have blown us out of the gym. In order to play a team like
Virginia, you have to fight tooth and nail. I think everyone on our team
knew that from our starters to the people coming off the bench. That's what
pushed us over the edge.
It was real important that I personally get going like this, but as a team
we did a real good job. My knee's been hurting for the last few days, but
this is the ACC tournament, so you just suck it up. For me to have a game
like this, it really lifts my spirits and now I think I am ready to go and
move on.
I can't tell you how much it helps to have Ron Kelley back in there. He
helps the team so much. Just having him in there brings a whole different
presence. Me and Damon (Thornton), we bring certain things to the table, but when he
gets in there it's a bigger body, he's got post moves, plus he can shoot. He
just opens everything up for the whole team.
We really haven't thought much about our last lost to Maryland since it
happened. Now that everybody is going to be bringing it up, I remember the
bad taste I had in my mouth after that game. We feel good heading into this
game with Maryland, because the last two games we have played a full 40
minutes and are pressuring real well. We just need to keep our composure
this time. Rebounding will be the key. We need to keep Lonny Baxter off the
boards and that's the biggest thing.
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ALSO SEE
Championship Week
Atlantic Coast Conference tournament
Inside the Locker Room: Jason Collier
Inside the Locker Room: Ron Hale
Inside the Locker Room: Lonny Baxter
Inside the Locker Room: Robert O'Kelley
Inside the Locker Room: Mike Krzyzewski
Inside the Locker Room: Darius Songaila
Inside the Locker Room: Terence Morris
Inside the Locker Room: Johnny Hemsley
Inside the Locker Room: Morris Peterson
Inside the Locker Room: Mark Dickel
Inside the Locker Room: Rahim Lockhart
Inside the Locker Room: Jamaal Magloire
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