Women's Basketball Postgame Quotes vs. Wofford - March 5, 2011
3/5/2011 9:23:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Women's Basketball Postgame Quotes
Wofford vs. Chattanooga
SoCon Quarterfinals
Chattanooga, Tenn. - McKenzie Arena
March 5, 2011
Chattanooga Head Coach Wes Moore
Opening Statement:
"I felt like, since we were the last team to play in the tournament, that we would come out a little rusty, and we did. I think it is an advantage to play a game, but our kids did a great job on the first half on the defensive boards. They did a great job the whole game except on Mahagony Williams. We had a hard time containing her and keeping her off the glass. Give Wofford a lot of credit. They shot the three really well in the second half and came back some. It spoiled my hopes of getting some people rest in the second half, but it is good to get the first game under your belt. Now we can look ahead to a bigger challenge."
On team's struggle shooting:
"I talked to the team early how you are going to have one game in the tournament where you aren't going to shot the ball well. You have to win it with defensive and rebounding, and we are going to count this game as that game. Hopefully we got it out of the way today."
On playing at home for the tournament:
"It has been different in the past because we were the number one seed. Now we are the third team, the underdog. I think playing at home is a big advantage. We play better at home. We have some of the best fans in the conference, and better than a lot of BCS schools. The band and everybody gives us a lift when we are here on our home court. I think this time is it a good thing."
On relying on three-pointers:
"We rely on the three with our four out, one in offense. We feel we have someone who can score in the block and if you double we can kick it out and knock down a three. I definitely tried to get it across that we needed to attack more when the threes weren't falling. I thought the kids did a good job of that in the second half and even late in the first half we did a better job of attacking. You have to be able to do that this time of the year to get to the foul line and knock down the free throws."
On playing younger players:
"I wanted to see more people out on the floor to get their feet wet and see what they can do in this atmosphere. Alex Black did a great job in the first half when Tenisha (Townsend) was in foul trouble. Capriee did a great job on the block. I thought everybody that we put in did a solid job. I wanted them to get in the tournament mode a little bit, and hopefully that will help us over the next couple of days."
Sophomore Guard Kayla Christopher
On team missing first nine shots of the game:
"I don't think it was really frustrating. It was the first game; I just think we were so excited. I don't think it was frustrating because I knew we would calm down and make shots."
On defensive mindset:
"It is just a whole new level, for me especially, when it comes to tournament time. I just try to be extra aggressive. Even when my shots not falling I try and make up for it on the defensive end."
On playing Samford in the next round:
"We just have to keep doing what we have been doing the past 12 games. This is what we wanted to have another shot at them."
Sophomore Forward Capriee Tucker
On being ready to come in and play:
"Coach Moore harps on it all season that you have to be ready when your time is called. Whether it be supporting the team on the bench or going in for Hoody (Whitney Hood) for a few minutes. I just want to help and get us where we need to go."
On team's defensive confidence:
"I personally think I have confident in my team to get stops. Even if we go 0-9 on our first nine shots, I am confident we can get stops."
Wofford Terriers Head Coach Edgar Farmer
Talk about how the first half got away from you:
"I felt like we were rushing a little bit on our shots. We did not have shots falling in the first half. Chattanooga went on a run and we just could not respond. I thought in the last ten minutes we turned it on and battled back, but the deficit was just too large. I am really proud of our team. We kept fighting, attacking and showed great effort. We stuck together and never quit. I am proud of our team; as we played against the defending Southern Conference champs today and gave them a full 40 minute battle. Chattanooga shot the ball well and give them credit, bur our kids played until the final buzzer."
Talk about making it to the second round of this tournament:
"The way we finished the regular season is not how we wanted to finish. However, the ladies stuck to the plan and course of action, and realized we could do something special come tournament time. When tournament time rolls around, everyone is 0-0. My belief in this team and program never wavered at any part of the season. It says a lot about our team's character. We had a strong effort and again, battled Chattanooga until the end. This should give us confidence for next season. We have the right pins in place here at Wofford to turn the page. We closed the books on the regular season last week, and completely committed to each other leading up to this tournament. They completely bought in to what we were teaching as a coaching staff.
Talk about the success that your senior, Mahagony Williams had in her career:
"That young lady has been a pillar in this program. I am so proud of her. I wish we had more time in the season. I am proud of the way she played; as well as our other two seniors. We have so many freshman and sophomores coming back so the future looks bright for this program even though we lose three important seniors."
Talk about senior, Maddie Helms and her leadership:
"Maddie played big Thursday and was one of the reasons we made it to Saturday. She was a spark for this team. She was encouraging her teammates all week in practice and really stepped up as a leader on this ball club. I am very proud of her."
Do you think you rode April Moorhouse too much in the 1st half of the game today?
"April has been on a roll so I think she earned it. She had a heck of a game versus UNC-Greensboro so we felt it was important to get her the ball. She just did not get it rolling today, but I have no doubt that April will bounce back and be ready next time out."
Talk about your message to the team to close out the season:
"I will tell them that this gives you a glimpse of what March is all about. If you put everything into your teammates and become one mind and one heartbeat, we will succeed. These young ladies bought in this week and I am very proud of them. It just did not work out this time for us."
Senior Forward Mahagony Williams
Obviously, you did not want to end you career like this, but talk about another double-double and a big day grabbing a career high in rebound:
"I was trying to play hard for my team and just do anything I can, but we came up short today. I just want to add that my experience at Wofford was really all I could ask for. I could not think of a better school to play at - both athletically and academically. I really learned how to be a leader as an athlete and student."
Junior Forward April Moorhouse
April, you had 20 points on Thursday, but the shots did not quite fall tonight did they?
"Unfortunately not. However, I think we came into this game ready to play and no one gave us a chance. I think we wanted it more than Chattanooga. Things just did not go our way. I think when shots were not falling early, we scrambled a little to try and find some offense and we just could not."
Was their added pressure on you to carry this team after your recent success?
"No, I think our team all carries themselves well. I know I missed some shots and made some mistakes, and that is my fault, but everyone plays a role on this team, win or lose."
