49 Quotes by Oliver Purnell

Momentum in sports is a powerful force. One could make the argument that we're playing better than any team coming in ó so I'll make that argument.

Nobody felt sorry for Virginia Tech when they were 0-6, and nobody's gonna feel sorry for us that we lost four in a row. It's important to understand that it's a man's league and we've gotta keep working.

Obviously we are very pleased to advance in the NIT. A home game was a major step forward for our program, as was a win.

NC State lost the other night, but it was kind of a classic setup: out of the league, they just played Duke, in the middle of the ACC season at home, and they probably just took things for granted a little bit probably. You can be rest assured that on Sunday we'll see NC State at their best.

I wouldn't say there's no trouble because I think there is frustration and disappointment at going out early in your conference tournament. But this has been a resilient team all year long. We'll be ready to go (tonight).

If we can get something going at this point, we don't have that two- or three-game road swing. The schedule is favorable in terms of we've played that tough part. That doesn't mean anything's easy from here on out by any stretch, but we probably have passed the toughest part.

I have every confidence come Wednesday night our team will be hungry and focused.

I'd love to see us be in a close game with them on their home court. And getting a win would be a much-needed boost for us, a great jump-start to finish out the year.

Certainly our condolences go out to him and the people of Virginia Tech. (Coleman) is a great kid, and that's a very tough deal. We'll say a special prayer for him and his family.