Feb. 26, 2007

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QUEENS, N.Y. -

"It was such a quick turnaround since we played on Saturday. It was important for us to play everyone and commit to a total team effort. Everyone scored and everyone rebounded and that is exactly what we needed tonight to beat this team who is fighting for a tournament berth. The great thing about this conference is that the game is never over in the first half. St. John's came out fighting in the second half. We are just happy to get the win, win our 24th game of the season and get ready for the BIG EAST Tournament."

About the first round bye in the BIG EAST Tournament:
"It is extremely important to us to have this rest. We look forward to the time off and to be able to scout our next opponent one more time. West Virginia made that incredible run last season but just ran out of gas in the second half of the championship game."

About now playing for seeding in the NCAA Tournament:
"It is all we talk about. We know the conference will have many teams in the conference will go, but a higher seed just betters our chance to advance in the tournament. We ask our players to come with passion and to contribute. It is time that we maximize our strengths and minimize our weaknesses."

About St. John's
"We knew what they needed to do to get in the BIG EAST Tournament. They came out with urgency to get it done, so this was a great test for us. Every game on the road is tough. Even though the conference tournament is on a neutral floor, it is still on the road."