20 Quotes by Steve Merfeld

We answered the first run, but the next one floored us. We didn't have a good enough defensive effort at that point and we didn't have any poise at the offensive end.

We cut it back to three (after Northern Iowa's first run of the second half). The next run, they just floored us.

Drake does a great job with its defensive system. But we were only 5-for-19 on three-pointers and I don't remember many of those being tough shots. Basically, they hit shots and we didn't.

It's been a long time since we won on the road.

That's Southern Illinois basketball at its finest. That's what they do. They certainly took us out of any offense in the first half.

Every one of the five incoming guys can play multiple positions. We expect all of these newcomers to challenge and compete for immediate playing time.

They came out in the second half and threw a pretty good wave at us, and we never responded. We were 5 for 19 on three pointers, and I don't remember many of those being tough shots. Drake just made shots, and we didn't.

They lost a ton of experienced players this year and certainly other guys have stepped up and taken on significant roles.

Their defense is different in that they have the athletes and the ability to get on you one-on-one. Other teams pressure through different schemes. They are very good at what they do and have been good at it for five or six years.