Cougars in New Orleans

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NEW -- In preparation for its Sweet 16 matchup with Florida, BYU men's basketball practiced at the New Orleans Arena and addressed the media.

See quotes from Jimmer Fredette, Jackson Emery and Coach Dave Rose below:

Opening Statement from Coach Rose

"We're excited to be here in New Orleans and looking forward to a very competitive game with Florida. We're playing a great team. I think our players have done a really good job the last couple days in putting the excitement behind them and focusing on our preparation. I've said this many times, that I think this team thrives on preparation."

"we're kind of familiar with Florida, because we played them last year in the tournament. Right now I think our guys are in a good place. We need to come out and play one of our best games on Thursday in order to be successful and we're looking forward to that."

Rose on comparing Fredette to LSU legend Pete Maravich

"A lot of players can get to a certain point where they might be satisfied or comfortable. But I think the common denominator between Pete Maravich and Jimmer is they're relentless. If they have 30, they want another basket. If they have 40, they want another basket. I can vouch, in Jimmer's case, that it has nothing to do with points. What it has to do with is trying to get his team to win games."

Fredette on the defenses he's faced this season

"I've seen both ways, both different types of defenses. It just depends on the team. Sometimes they'll try to let me get my points and then stop everybody else, or really double team me hard and let the other guys beat them. So I've seen both, but it just depends on the situation. You've just got to go out there and read what they're doing and take what the defense gives you and see if you can win the game."

On finding different ways to win

Fredette: "When we do shoot the ball that well, it makes it that much harder to beat us. But we've won a lot of games this year where we haven't shot the ball very well and we've grinded out victories. That's what you have to do. We have a 32-win season going on so far and hopefully it will continue. In order to win that many games you have to find different ways to win every single night. You're not always going to shoot the ball really well. But I think we've done a good job of doing whatever it takes to win, whether it's defense, rebounding, offensive rebounds, getting some steals at the end of the game, whatever it is. I think we've done a good job of doing that and I think that's why we've been so successful."

Emery: "I agree with Jimmer. When we shoot the ball well, it makes it a lot easier for us to win. But we know at times we're not going to shoot the ball well. I think a great trademark of our team is we always find ways to win, and we take a lot of pride in that."

"I thought the last game we shot the ball really well versus Gonzaga. They're a really big team and we fought really hard with the rebounds and I thought guys came in and gave us a huge lift."