Postgame Quotes: Wisconsin vs. Ohio State

Feb. 9, 2020
Kohl Center  |  Madison, Wis.

Wisconsin Head Coach Greg Gard

Opening Statement
"Obviously proud of our guys and thought they really responded today defensively in the first half. That's some of the best we've played on that end of the floor this year and we were able to turn some defense into offense. They told me it was a 26-5 run at one point and when you can do that and get some confidence and energy going it's really good. It was good to have the 2000 team back and to where those uniforms, the guys really liked them. We may try to wear them again, I don't know if we can do that but I'm just proud, all the way up and down the lineup, of the guys that played. Everybody did something positive to help us out."

On recognizing the 2000 Final Four Team
"It was awesome, it was really great. There was a large portion of them that were back yesterday and were at practice. I got to spend some time with Coach Bennett in my office before practice and I popped by the reception they had last night. It was good, it was neat to watch them all interact as we practiced on the Kohl Center floor up there in the stands. They didn't pay attention to practice. I kept looking up and they always had their backs to the court and they were talking to the people behind them and reminiscing and catching up. Like most teams the further you get from that time period that you played the more the stories grow. I'm sure there was some tale-telling going on yesterday and last night but I heard the halftime ceremony was great. It's special to be able to have those guys back, they realize how, like I've told my guys, the further you get from that last one, you're going to reminisce and enjoy the people that you were on that journey with and it's very evident with that 2000 team."

Redshirt Junior Trevor Anderson

On team's bond helping overcome adverse week
"I think this shows the character of the team. It's not easy, there's been some hard times, but I think we've come together as a unit and to have big wins like that and the fans still sticking behind us - it's awesome."

Redshirt Junior Aleem Ford

On Ford's increasing offensive production
"There's been more opportunities so I've been trying to take advantage of that and be more aggressive. And at home, of course, the crowd gets behind you and you have a little more intensity, so I've just been playing with more emotion overall."

Graduate Student Brevin Pritzl

On Wisconsin's dominance at the Kohl Center
"I think that's what it is with every team in this league. You have a little more familiarity at home, you get more shots up - so maybe it's a little bit of a comfort thing but everybody's been struggling on the road. Every day you try to do your best to bring that same kind of intensity and energy on the road."