Below is the transcript of head coach Keith Dambrot's discussion with the media on Monday's Mid-American Conference teleconference.

On the difference between the MAC’s East Division and West Division:
“I don’t think there is that much difference. The West is getting much better and they are competitive on their home floor. Everyone in this league is just about the same so you have to play every night.”

On preparing for Wednesday’s game against Miami (Ohio):
“We played a good game last time and probably should have won (lost 64-51 in overtime on Jan. 10). They are playing much better with Antonio Ballard. They are very strong, big and physical. We have to do better on the backboards and just have to grind it out, like you do every time you play Miami.”

On the progression of his team this season:
“We made good progress, but I was a little disappointed last night (83-79 loss at Northern Illinois). There were some positives too, we showed some resolve and fight (came back to tie the game after being down 19 points in the second half). We regressed in some areas and that’s typical when playing 31 games in a season. I just try to make my team better on a daily basis. I believe that the results will follow the process. I have always said that and believe that, and think that’s how you have to coach. I think the championship will follow if your process is correct and if you have enough good players.”

On the biggest disappointment in Sunday’s loss at Northern Illinois:
“I thought we tried very hard. They made a lot of shots, we made some mistakes, and we had some balls go in and out. We got down 20-6, but you can’t foul 30 times and win many games.”

On the status on redshirt-freshman Ronnie Steward (sidelined due to compartment syndrome):
“He is day-to-day. He will practice one day and then three days he can’t. It is pretty much on his health. It is basically how he feels. If you can’t practice on a daily basis then obviously we aren’t going to play him.”

On the importance of having walk ons on your roster:
“They bring the thirst and hunger and lack of spoiledness. (Tim) Carroll and (Eric) Coblentz come everyday to play, and it kind of sickens me at times that I can’t play them. I want to play them because they play so hard and work so hard. I think Carroll would have played if he didn’t have that hamstring injury (missed seven games). They have unbelievable thirst and hunger and don’t take things for granted like the scholarship guys sometimes do.”

On the final six games of the regular season:
“I think weird things happen this time of the year. Look at yesterday in our league. That was a weird day in our league, and it is a hard time in the year. It is hard to be good for 31 games and mentally ready for 31 games. So you have to rally yourself. Our six games are difficult because three are on the road. We went to Northern Illinois, then we play home against Miami (Ohio),  go to Valparaiso, who are playing better, and that’s a long trip, and then to Buffalo. If we can survive the next couple, I think we can rally ourselves because we have no travel after that.”