University of Minnesota Athletics
Post Game Quotes
12/11/2011 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Dec. 11, 2011
Minnesota vs. Alcorn State 12/11/11
Minnesota Head Coach Pam Borton
Opening Statement:
"We're excited to cap off the weekend with another win and a championship. Hopefully there are more championships down the road. I was very pleased with our play this weekend, especially yesterday and the first half today. I thought we played a great first half and we learned a lot. You have to give credit to Alcorn State for coming out and being an extremely aggressive team."
On the offensive focus:
"I don't think our offense is focused on Rachel Banham at the top. I think Rachel brings some calmness out there with the basketball in her hand, and really has the team under control. I think everybody feels a lot of calm when she has the ball, but our offense isn't centered around her. Our offense is centered on our perimeter guard, especially Kiara Buford and Rachel. These two come off of ball screens, creating space for other teammates, putting our post players in situations where they're going to be successful. I thought Alcorn State was able to throw our game off a little and pressured our ball handlers a lot, so it took us a little more time to adjust in the first half.
On the team's next step:
"I think it's continuing to get on the floor, offensively and defensively. I still think we have a lot of work to do as a team. It will be key to get back from Denver with a win and then take some time to rest. I give our players a lot of credit for everything they've been through, with the road games and having less than 24 hours to prepare for this game. We knew this game was going to be taxing in a lot of different ways, especially for our guards. "
On out-rebounding Alcorn State today:
"This team shot 16 percemt in the first half, so there were going to be a lot more boards than in yesterday's game against Harvard. I think Kionna Kellogg had a big part in our 54 rebounds today. If Kionna plays like this every game it will be hard to take her off the floor."
Minnesota Players:
On preparing for this game:
"I think that we knew they were a very good team and we knew what we had to do. I just think as a team we are focused on the idea that we have bigger things ahead of us and trying to get better each game." On your improvement shown in todays game: "I'm working on my consistency. I'm taking it one game at a time and worrying about what I need to work on and focusing on my strengths for each game."
On the teams success during the Best Buy Classic:
"I think each game we're learning a little bit more and developing a little bit more as a team." "I think that by staying consistent in practice we learn each other's strengths and weaknesses and what everyone's roles are. I think when we put those things together, we play pretty well together."
On how it feels to be MVP:
"It feels great!"
