Michigan State University Athletics
Michigan State's NCAA Second Round Press Conference Quotes
3/19/2007 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
March 19, 2007
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State Head Coach Joanne P. McCallie
Opening Statement
"We really appreciated our second half last night better than our first. We did a much better job rebounding and attacking, and on Tuesday night we need to do more of it. We need to put that into two halves. More attacking, better rebounding, and try to put together a more thorough game of everybody getting after it. We anticipate a very physical game, and we hope to improve on some things. Again, rebound aggressively. "
On how the team has improved since the last game against Rutgers ...
"Really, I think a lot of ways. Our ability to defend. In terms of our full court, half court and quarter court defenses, I think our ability to rebound and pursue the ball more aggressively. I think our IQ has gone up. We've learned each other a little better over the course of these games. I think our players have all improved, whether people are taking people off the dribble more effectively, or shooting more effectively. I feel the team has improved every practice, every game. Our schedule has been very difficult. Again, that Purdue loss was tough in the Big Ten Tournament, and I think we took a lot from there also. So I would like to say most, all areas, we've seen some improvement."
On being out-rebounded by Rutgers in the last meeting...
"Well, there's no excuse for that. They got to the ball quicker. That wasn't a high point for us, if you remember, we were coming off a Penn State loss and then traveling to Rutgers. To me, just being on it in terms of going after the ball and being really physical. I think we did some great things in that game. I think we made some great shots, but we really didn't get into the fight like I believe we needed to at that time. They were definitely more aggressive, and it definitely worked in their favor."
On competing at home in a playoff atmosphere...
"Well it's just great. This time of year is great, and of course the atmosphere has been phenomenal. Our fans have been outstanding, and we hope for a huge crowd. At this point in time though, it's almost any opponent. All the opponents are very, very good, and we're excited to play, period. And we're excited to play the way we're playing now, more aggressively. Again, we kind of got the rust off a little bit in the first half last night and now we need to get after it from beginning to end. Kind of put your stamp on what we want to do. So that's what we're excited about. Rutgers is a very good opponent. Any opponent we would play at this time is very, very strong."
Michigan State Senior Guard Victoria Lucas-Perry
On what the team can improve upon against Rutgers...
"Definitely rebounding, when you give someone almost twice as many rebounds as you get, that gives them a lot of opportunities. Especially since the game was so close. Definitely defense, really packing it in, those are the two things I think that you can control, your shots and stuff. Any night it can be off, but I think our rebounding and defense is really what we're about and what gets us wins."
Michigan State Senior Guard Rene Haynes
On Rutger's press...
"They are really aggressive. They kind of get up in your face sometimes, kind of laid back sometimes. I think that it is just us executing and working together, being patient, moving the ball, finding each other."
Michigan State Senior Forward Katrina Grantham
On the second chance to play Rutgers...
"Obviously you always want to get revenge on somebody who beat you especially when it is an opportunity that slipped away from us. It is not really about avenging that loss, it is more about continuing on in the Tournament. It is more about if we lose this game it is the end of our season. So for us, it is more of the urgency of we want to advance to the Sweet 16."
On preparing Allyssa DeHaan for the physical play of Rutgers...
"We just tell Al to stay tough and be strong. We kind of picked on her a little in bit practice. I can think back to August, Al was a bright eyed, bushy tailed freshman, she was a little new to everything and I remember an open gym. I was beating the crap out of her and finally Al got the ball and turned around, threw an elbow in my face and broke my nose it two spots. Al has it in her to be aggressive and dish it right back. I think you've seen her grow and be more aggressive as the season has gone on."
