University of Tennessee Athletics
Buzz Peterson Q & A
January 11, 2005 | Men's Basketball
Jan. 11, 2005
INTERVIEW OF COACH Buzz Peterson BEFORE GAMES WITH MISS. STATE AT HOME WEDNESDAY AND AT SOUTH CAROLINA SATURDAY
1. How strong are the Mississippi State Bulldogs, who come to Thompson-Boling Arena for a game with the Vols Wednesday night?
A - "They're a team with size and speed. They do a tremendous job on the boards, with more than 700 rebounds to their credit. You've got to take away Lawrence Roberts' touches and get on the boards with them. You can't let it come down to a running match. They are athletic, and they are quick. You especially need to control the tempo against Mississippi State."
2. What will it take for the Vols to snap Mississippi State's 16-game road winning streak, which began after UT defeated the Bulldogs in 2003 at Knoxville, 59-49?
A - "Winning 16 straight on the road is impressive. It's testimony in part to their toughness. We can't have a running match, and we need to play our best on the boards. Keep the ball away from Lawrence Roberts. State has people who can shoot from outside. We must control the tempo to stand a chance."
3. What problems will South Carolina present when the Vols travel to Columbia Saturday night (7:00E) to meet the Gamecocks?
A - South Carolina has a great environment that helps them play well at home. They bring toughness on the defensive end. Carlos Powell inside is good. It seems he has been there forever, playing with intensity and scoring. They will hurt you bad, also, if you allow a lot of turnovers."
4. Given the balance in the Southeastern Conference, how important is it to play games at home as opposed to going on the road?
A - "You love to be at home, where you can be more aggressive and play better because the crowd is with you. It reversed for us last week. We went to Georgia and played well, came home and lost badly to Vanderbilt. You need to take care of home court and steal some wins on the road."
5. How well is guard Chris Lofton adapting to playing major-college basketball in his freshman season with the Vols?
A - "Chris is doing an excellent job. Early, he was scoring a lot. He was really hot. In the last month opponents are picking up on what he can do. Now people are sticking with him on defense because they know how dangerous he is. We need to continue getting the ball to him so he can learn how to get open."
