March 20, 2000

Steve Cleveland

General comments about the game: "Obviously, it's a real benefit to be able to play at home.  We can create energy and emotion from the crowd.  I really want to thank the crowd for being here tonight.  Maybe in a small way we recaptured some of the magic that a lot of people have enjoyed here over the years."

On facing Notre Dame next: "We'll have our work cut out for us at Notre Dame.  They have a great team.  They beat UConn twice.  We'll have to make baskets there.  No matter what happens [there] we've done what we had to to get there.  It's been a long time coming for this institution."  

About playing in the NIT:  "It's another great experience for these young people to look back on.  Who would have thought we'd be 22-10 and in the third round of the NIT.  They believed in themselves."

On being hoisted on the cheerleaders shoulders after the game:  "I'm a little embarrassed by that.  I'm excited that there are young and old people excited about BYU basketball.  This community needs something to believe in."

If he would rather have gone to the NCAA tournament and lose instead of winning two games in the NIT:  "The NCAA tournament is where we are trying to get.  If we went and got beat by Duke by 30, that's what happens.  This is a great secondary option.  This is where we're supposed to be.  It is a positive for our program."

About coming back out to salute the fans: "I felt like I wanted to say 'Thank you'.  We don't have a chance to say 'Thank you' to our fans."

Michael Vranes

About mingling with the fans after the game:  "This is exciting.  It was fun to go back out and see the fans hoopin' and hollerin'.  They've supported us all year.  It's nice to give something back to them."
 

Mekeli Wesley

About mingling with the fans after the game:  "It was a lot of fun actually.  Got to rub shoulders with some of the die-hard fans that have supported us." 
 

Bruce Weber (S. Illinois' Head Coach) 

Comments on the game: "They played very good.  We had a goal to get Wesley in foul trouble.  However, to their credit, Nielsen and Wesley played strong.  Lyday was the difference.  Their defense and the crowd made us lose our poise."

About the NIT giving another home game to Notre Dame:  "There's no doubt in my mind Notre Dame was getting the home game.  They want Notre Dame in New York.  They decide who they want there and try to get them there.  I hope BYU will recover and give them a game.  I think physically they can."

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