Oregon vs. Arizona Postgame Quotes
03/06/11 | Women's Basketball
Oregon 65, Arizona 88
March 5, 2011 - Mathew Night Arena
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Oregon Head Coach Paul Westhead:
On the seniors:
“I talked to the team and thanked all of the seniors for their efforts. I'm grateful for their efforts and said to them to enjoy the festivities this week. This is the time for them to celebrate their time at the University of Oregon. Their efforts have been spectacular.”
On Arizona Senior Forward Ify Ibekwe:
“We cautioned our team that she could hurt us inside and out. She's a great rebounder and shot the ball with distance. Give credit to her, she's a great player. She did a terrific job today.”
On the Oregon's low shooting percentage:
“When you shoot 27% on offense, you better have a good defense. We do a fair amount of shooting in practice so I can't say it's mechanics.”
On preparing to play Arizona again next week:
“We'll study the tapes and make some adjustments. Shoot better than 27% and you can be in any game. The matchup doesn't matter as long as you can step up and generate some offense.”
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Freshman Guard Ariel Thomas:
On what to improve for Wednesday's game:
“We just need to push it faster. When we were going faster we were making our shots tonight, so it's just a matter of pushing faster.”
On her level of aggression tonight compared to other games:
“I really wanted to win the game tonight, especially for the seniors so I did play hard. My level of aggression was about the same as other games.”
On shooting 27.0 percent:
“We just had a bad shooting night. We definitely had open shots but we just weren't making them. But we're not going to stop shooting because that is our offense.”
On fatigue as a factor in the loss:
“I think fatigue did factor in to tonight, but it is something we just have to push through mentally and overcome.”
Senior Center Ellyce Ironmonger:
On her final game as a senior:
“The whole thing just came really fast. I took a minute on the court just to soak up everything. The support and the crowd noise was really nice. The fans were supportive no matter what was happening, which was really great.”
On her role on the team:
“I knew what my role was, and even when I was hurt, I really tried to fulfill that role by being really supportive.”
Her ultimate career goal:
“I am going back to Australia to finish my Masters, and ultimately I would like to do pediatric surgery.”
Favorite memory:
“Today was a great memory. It was different and fun. It was great to make that three-pointer and finish on a high note tonight.”
On the group of seniors:
“We're a really close group, the five of us. We've been resilient and have grown up and matured together since freshmen year.
On how Ify Ibekwe (Arizona Center) has improved:
“She has improved so much since freshmen year. She is such an all-around great player. She has worked hard and that really shows her strength.”
On her standing ovation:
“I didn't realize how loud it would be. It was great to have that recognition and that moment.”
