Syracuse vs. Presbyterian College
November 16, 2009
Carrier Dome – Syracuse, N.Y.
“It was a very good game by our girls, we played really. The most encouraging part about this game was that our minutes were spread out. We had a lot of balance in playing time. We had six players in double figure scoring and if we continue to do that we’re going to have a lot of success. I’m very happy for Kayla Alexander and Vionca Murray with throwing the ball inside, they really scored the basketball well and we want to play inside out. Our game plan was to throw the ball down low and see if we can make things happen. We really wanted to play fast and force turnovers. They had 28 so I thought that overall we did a good job of getting them to play at our speed. They shot a high percentage, but we had them playing that fast and they had trouble. At the end of the day we want them to play at our pace and our tempo. We were able to do that and I’m very impressed that we only had 12 turnovers playing that fast. I was really pleased with our effort, our balance. If we keep playing this way we have a chance to be really good. There is room to get better with guarding the ball and not giving them open looks, but I’m very happy with the win.”
On taking off the full court press
“We wanted them to play fast. Out of respect for the game, because I’ve been on the back end of some of those, we did come out of it and play half-court defense at the eight minute mark. I respect the game and I respect the other team. We definitely wanted to play fast and work on our press but also it’s about the basketball game, it isn’t about embarrassing anyone. We are going to try and play that way for the entire game. Overall, they came in here after they played the other night and shot 45 percent from the field and 75 percent from the free throw line, they only had four free throws but still they did a good job of competing at a high level.”
On Presbyterian breaking the full court press
“It is hard when you’re in a scramble situation and trying to get the ball stopped. What they did a good job of was taking two or three dribbles and passing the ball out to that long corner. Then we’re asking the person in help to make that long run to the deep corner. That was the one that was killing us. We have to go work on that and work on that back line getting out to the deep corner to stop the ball.”
On not switching off the screen
“We will have some opportunities where we won’t need to switch on the screen, depending on who we’re playing, that is part of the game plan. We’ll look at personnel to see if we can guard their posts with our guards, see if they can get down there and keep them out of the paint. Down the stretch they did a good job of in bounding, got by us a few times and we didn’t sprint ahead we starting slapping a little bit. We have to make sure that we guard the ball well, but we did a good job of not fouling, we only had 13 team fouls.”
“All we talked about was throwing the ball inside to Vionca (Murray) and Kayla (Alexander) and they did a good job. Vionca was 4-for-4 and Kayla was 5-for-7 and they each had a ton of free throws. If we can get that production from them every night we’re going to have a lot of balance because Nicole (Michael) will make shots, Erica (Morrow) will make shots. Tasha (Harris) was feeling a little under the weather tonight so she didn’t play as well as she could have, she had some good looks, she could have not played tonight but she really wanted to come out and help the team.”
On Lynnae Lampkins
“We’re been talking about Lynnae taking care of the ball and not throwing the ball away. Tonight she did a really good job and that will really help us. She and Tasha (Harris) are playing equal minutes and we’re playing Tyler (Ash) some at the point, which is good for us because we need to play fast and to do that we need three viable options at that position. Right now we have three players that can play that position without any drop off.”
On Shakeya Leary and Troya Berry
“They’re both a little under the weather right now so we’re trying to fight through this bug. Knock on wood it hasn’t hit our whole time. They’re doing well and both probably could’ve played tonight but we’re trying to get them back fully healthy and not waste them.”
On limiting Presbyterian offensively
“That was impressive; we did a good job of getting them called for five seconds and even not letting them get shots off on their possessions. We were playing pretty good defense but I give them credit, when they got shots they made them.”
On Vera House
“It is great. I wish we had 70 points last game so I could keep supporting Vera House. It is a great cause, one which my wife and I really wanted to get involved with the charity. I saw one of their commercials on TV and it really touched me, made me want to get out and help. We’ve been talking about it since we got here, getting out in the community and giving back. We’re helping families that are in adverse situations, it is a blessing. My wife and I are very privileged and very honored that Vera House has allowed us to help out and be an advocate for them. We’re very pleased and I’m looking forward to giving them money.”
“We know that when you have young ladies that are active in different activities, involved in sports that it does cut down their risk of being involved in domestic violence. I went to graduate school and studied sports and society and studied how women who are active are stronger, more powerful and less likely to be involved in adverse situations.”
