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Bruce Weber Issues Statement: 'I Spoke Out Of Frustration'

(CBS) Illinois head coach Bruce Weber issued a statement Thursday to further explain the comments he made after Wednesday's loss to Purdue.

Here's is Weber's statement in its entirety:

"I would like to expand on my comments from last night's press conference. I spoke out of frustration following another difficult loss. I am disappointed in myself, as I said, for not developing a culture of toughness with our team up to this point in the season. The difference between winning and losing is toughness and having the will to win, and that is something we will continue to try to instill in our team.

Photo Gallery: Bruce Weber Through The Years

"We have a young group that has now been involved in 13 games decided by five points or less, which I believe is the most of any program in the country this season. Our players, our staff, and I know our fans are frustrated because we are so close to putting it together.

"As I told our team last night, we have a lot to play for over these last five regular season games as well as the Big Ten tournament. We still have an opportunity to make the NCAA tournament, and I'm looking forward to practice today and working with our players to help us reach that goal."

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