University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Mountaineers Down Panthers, 69-54 in Pittsburgh
1/17/2010 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Jan. 17, 2010
Recap | Box Score | Notes
POST-GAME QUOTES
No. 13 West Virginia 69, Pitt 54
January 17, 2010 – Petersen Events Center
Quoting Pitt’s Head Coach Agnus Berenato
Opening Statement...
“It was a tough day at the office. We came in here preparing and expecting for a win and we didn’t do it. We felt extremely prepared for this game and we didn’t get it done. I thought the difference in the game was that West Virginia scored 20 points off of our turnovers. That’s unmanageable. We had a lot of players score points today, but they had five in double figures and we only had Jania Sims at 18. That was the difference.”
On their final two point deficit in the game...
“When we were down by two, we were on a roll and we called a timeout and we said that we needed to tie the game or go up by one. We went out and turned the ball over. We were able to play defense and get a stop, but then we turned the ball over again. West Virginia came down and hit a three and I thought that was a dagger for us and we never recovered.”
On Pitt’s mistakes...
“Today when Jania Sims stepped up and hit that three, I thought that was big. We preach to our players in practice that when you get a big play on offense, they have to get back and play defense without fouling. West Virginia came down and Chelsea Cole fouled a player and she made the shot, giving them a three-point play. Those are the things we have to realize that we can’t do. We preach this every day in practice and it’s going to start clicking soon.”
Quoting Pitt’s Shayla Scott
On the four Big East losses...
“Before the game, we knew we needed to get this game so that we can breathe a little as we go on the road. But, I’m tired of losing. After every loss, we keep saying that we’re going to be okay and it’s a messed up feeling when you say it and we keep losing. It’s frustrating. We’re still saying that we’re going to be okay, but it’s tough. We just need to go on the road and get that win and things will start rolling for us.”
Quoting Pitt’s Jania Sims
On non-conference play leading into Big East play...
“During our non-conference schedule, we were winning games by two or three or in overtime to teams that we should have beat comfortably. We were able to outlast those team, but coming into Big East play, the teams are smarter, faster, and stronger and we’re on the other end. We just need to stay positive and learn from what we’re doing in order to get better and to get a win. Once we get that win, there will be no looking back.”
West Virginia Head Coach Mike Carey
Opening Statement...
“In both games there was hard, physical play and both teams were very well prepared. Even though our last game was just a week ago, both teams tweaked how they played. We hit some threes and foul shots in the second half. Our girls played hard; we had five different girls in the double figures. You have to give credit to Pitt, they played hard as well.”
On baseline drives...
“They got all the way to the rim. We tried to budge, but they have quick guards. We can’t put a player out on the plateau with nobody to help. We have to get people over to help out. We did well, but not good enough.”
On getting the ball inside...
”Asya (Bussie) started out well. They have a lot of posts though, their whole team, and we were having foul trouble. We all came into the game very aggressive and with great defense. Although we wore out in the first half, we got better in the second.”
On how good their team can be...
“I think we can be very good as long as we continue to work hard and practice. We have a great team, with a great work ethic and great attitude. Are we where we need to be? Absolutely not, we need to continue to work hard and become better.”
On playing out of conference against Marshall...
“We’re looking forward to Marshall. It’s tough to play out of conference. We have to be prepared against Marshall because it’s a big game for them. A lot of girls don’t understand how they’re going to come after us, because it’s the biggest game on their schedule.”
Vanessa House
On her shot...
“After the first shot I recognized that I needed to set up, and take my time. Once you start hitting them, you just hit them.”
Sarah Miles
On what makes this year’s WVU team different...
“We stick together at the end of the game. Last year, we were just a young team. Now, we have great leaders that keep us together, and keep us going.”
Liz Repella
On the win...
“Pitt’s a good ball club, and good program. We knew they needed to win, being 0-3 in the Big East, and we needed to match their intensity going into the game.”
On whether or not WVU has played their best game yet...
“Individually some of us have, but collectively, no. We’ve had good games, but we can do better.”
Korinne Campbell
On winning against Jania Sims...
”It means a lot. Beating Pitt is important, because they’re our biggest rival. For WVU fans, Pitt is definitely a must win.”