Oregon-USC Postgame Quotes
02/21/08 | Women's Basketball
USC 67, Oregon 58
February 21st, 2008
Oregon Head Coach Bev Smith
“In the first half we didn't do a good job of executing our offense, but you've got to give some of the credit to the defense of USC. They are playing very good defense right now. They kept us at bay, and really didn't let us run.”
“The turnovers really hurt us. In the first half it was tough to take. We missed some open looks that we have to hit to put some doubt in their minds defensively, and take some pressure off of some of our players on offense.”
“It's up to us to create our own energy and belief right now. We have the opportunity to get a couple games coming up. These games right now are part of our postseason, because they determine our Pac-10 tournament seeding.”
F Nicole Canepa
“This game was a battle the whole way. In the second half we were able to get more of a flow and we were able to run our offense a little better.”
“Every time we got within five of them we couldn't get over the hump and close the gap. It was frustrating, but we were really fighting.”
“We always believe in ourselves and what we can do, but we can't seem to get that one defensive stop to get over the hump.”
On the turnovers:
“It's individuals making the wrong decisions at the wrong times, and our offensive system breaking down at times. When we feel rushed and try to make plays that's not what we're best at.”
USC Head Coach Mark Trakh
“Every game is very important. We have 17 wins, and if we get one or two more than they are really going to look at us.”
“We are a really good team defensively. The kids are definitely getting after it. Every game Simone [Jelks] adds something to her defensive resume.”
“Nadia [Parker] had 17 points in 16 minutes; we just have to keep her out of foul trouble.”
“We have become a more aggressive team these past three weeks. Our guards can defend anyone.”
“The team is coming together and learning how to play together. We just have to win the game ahead of us, and we'll be okay.”
#4 Simone Jelks
On Taylor Lilley:
“I respect her a lot as a player. She is always moving and she moves well with the ball. My goal for this game was to always be where she was at on the floor.”
“Fighting through screens is a communication thing. In the first half we were a little bit uneasy, but in the second half we were talking a lot more.”
#44 Nadia Parker
On fouling:
“I just get too involved in the game. I need to slow it down and not try to do everything at once. With help from my teammates and more communication, I can stay out of foul trouble.”
“It's one thing to play hard and not box out. It's another thing to play hard at both ends.”
