Marquette University Athletics
Postgame Quotes
1/16/2010 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Jan. 16, 2010
ViLLANOVA, Pa. -
Head Coach Terri Mitchell
On the team's performance overall...
"I thought the biggest thing that stood out for the game was how steady we were, how we looked for each other and got everyone involved. It all started with our defense. Villanova is such a great shooting team and when they hit a couple of threes, we didn't get rattled. We talked, we pressured the ball, we were able to get in their passing lanes. Offensively we did a great job of getting it inside, our guards penetrating into the paint and because of that we had four players in double figures. The second half we talked about settling down. We only had six turnovers and I thought our shot selection was outstanding. I walk away from this game, knowing there is a maturity about this team of how they approach playing on the road and staying steady. Nothing rattled us. When I had to get on the team a few times, they responded with more energy."
On the early 8-0 run in the second half which included three consecutive Villanova turnovers...
"I think that was the turning point of the game. Villanova is very good at taking care of the ball, and for them to end up with 17 turnovers says a lot about our pressure. Harry (Perretta) does a fantastic job of teaching his players fundamentals and to take of the ball. In turn, we took the pressure up to another level, got in passing lanes and didn't allow they to settle. We met them on the catch instead of allowing them to catch and make choices with the ball. We beat them to the stop and took away their vision. That ball pressure was the difference in that stretch and I think we gained a lot of confidence when we made that run."
On getting to free throw line...
"Jessica Pachko did a great job of posting up and converting, and our guards did a great job of finding her. She converted on the free throw line, Angel the same way. Overall, we saw advantages and went after them. It was a great game. Now we have a couple days rest before we play Rutgers. We are looking forward to the next challenge."
