Husky Classic - Washington vs. Idaho
November 23, 2007 | Women's Basketball
Nov. 23, 2007
Recap | Box Score | Notes Head Coach Tia Jackson:
General Statement:
"In all, I thought we came out and executed our game plan defensively. They weren't known to be a very good outside shooting team so we were giving them a bit of a cushion that played into our hands, creating 39% shooting for them in the first half. That was good for us. We've definitely got to do a better job boxing out though. We're really hoping that we can see some carry over as we get ready for Arkansas State on Sunday. But all in all it was a great effort. We had four people in double figures and Kali Bennett with a double-double. I like seeing that. They were put into a situation where we had two bodies down going into this game in addition to Andrea Plouffe being out - to see them step up and take on the challenge like they did - we're very excited about that. "On being back home: "I forgot what this place looked like. Five games on the road. For a young team, it's nothing we had not seen. Everything that this team was running we've seen already. We've been on the road in every conference and we're ready to take on whoever whenever."
On the second half not being as efficient as the first: "I think it's indicative of our first game being back. We go up right away by twenty. I think that was great for us. That's new for us. We're up twenty, we feel great about it. Now we've got to find a way to sustain those leads and build on those leads. It's a work in progress all year round. We're glad to see us come out with the victory today."
On the fast start: "I wanted [Sami Whitcomb] to get hot. We wanted to get her an isolation play. I wanted her to get the ball. She's our scorer. Any time we could get them the ball we want to get it to them. And I think our press had a lot to do with it. It got us juiced up and ready to go."
On the free throw situation: "We want to shoot 70% overall and to shoot 77% from the free throw line is awesome. We wanted to attack. We knew it would be a man-to-man, we wanted to be in attack mode. We did that, we got to the free throw line."
On injuries: "Everybody's hurt, one through thirteen is hurt. Every time I turn around another body's going down. Our players are stepping up. Katelan's playing a four for us now, Sami's playing a four. You name it. Everyone's playing the roles that I throw at them. They're doing a fine job trying to make those adjustments. They're always asking questions... The nine that we have we're trying to keep healthy."
On taking on a larger role:
"I think all of us returners are taking a larger role. We have to step up and take charge out there. Even some of the freshmen do a great job of that. I don't know that it is a conscious thing; we just take what we're given out there."
On getting off to a fast start:
"I think in a lot of our games we have let them be the aggressors early on. This game we really came out with an attack mindset and it really helped. Once we got up we kept going that way instead feeling like we had to fight back like we were down the whole time."
On coach Tia Jackson's sideline demeanor:
"I don't think she is reserved, but she's not a yeller. She's a motivator. She has a fierce personality and it's contagious with all of the players. When she gets pumped up, whether it's mad or angry, it gets people going."
Freshman Kali Bennett
On getting a chance to play with Jess McCormack injured:
"I've been waiting for it, but not like this. I love Jess. She is a great player and I love practicing against her. I can't wait to get her back. But having the opportunity to finally get out there and play is what I've been waiting for."
