Pitt vs. South Florida Quotes
1/20/2007 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Jan. 20, 2007
PITTSBURGH - Quoting Pitt Head Coach Agnus Berenato
Opening Statement:
"I thought we came out really prepared today. We had some tough practices coming in and really improved on a lot of things. Usually at this point in the season, you're just trying to maintain what you're doing well, so to get better is something really special. Our scouting report was excellent, and I think our game plan surprised them from the opening tip and carried us through the whole way. We're learning how to win here and today we maintained our focus for forty minutes, which is also a big step."
On starting Karlyle Lim:
"Jania Sims has done a great job playing point guard this year, but getting into Big East play is a whole different animal. I thought we needed the focus and intensity that someone who's been through it before brings to the table. I actually think both of their games have improved, which is something we need as we get ready for February and the Big East Tournament. Karlyle has worked very hard to earn this opportunity."
On Pitt's offense today:
"I thought this was our best day in transition and as always we got excellent play in the paint. We didn't come into the game looking to not shoot any threes, but when those things are working so well you stay with them. I think if you can get a good look closer to the basket then you take it."
On the significance of this win:
"We played some close game with South Florida last year, but that's history and means nothing to me right now. This is the Big East where every game you have to play hard and every victory is important."
Quoting Pitt's Shavonte Zellous
On they key to winning the game:
"I think it's pretty easy. On the scouting report before the game coach wrote `make sure you have the will to win.' We just brought that energy and determination onto the court and it carried us."
USF head coach Jose Fernandez opening statement:
"I have to commend Pitt. They had a lot of energy today. I'm disappointed in our efforts. We didn't shoot well in the first half and we dug ourselves a big hole. When your two best players go 4 for 30 from the field, that hurts. It hurt us to not have those points from [Shantia] Grace and [Jessica] Dickson. I do have to commend Pitt, though. They're a good team. We had a few good games against them last year and we came into this game coming off two good wins. But that's the thing about this league, you have to come out 100 percent for every game or this [loss] is what happens."
On USF's low shot percentage:
"You're not going to beat too many people shooting the way that we did tonight. Defensively, we gave up too many looks. Pitt came out with a 2-2-1 press early on and we just missed a lot of shots that we should've made. I think we missed like four or five layup's early on. Pitt matched up to us man-to-man and just beat us inside. We were out-rebounded by them. They're two big players, Selena [Nwude] and [Marcedes] Walker each had eight rebounds at halftime. Pitt shot well and was able to get the shots they wanted."