Dec. 21, 2007
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SDSU Postgame Press Conference | UCONN Postgame Press Conference
Postgame Quotes
SDSU vs. No. 2 Connecticut - Cox Arena at Aztec Bowl - Dec. 21, 2007
San Diego State Head Coach Beth Burns
Opening Statement:
"Thank you, San Diego. We've had an exciting week. To echo what Gene (Auriemma) said yesterday at the (San Diego Hall of Champions) luncheon, it's not often that you can get the No. 2 team in the country to play you on your home court. So, without question, the opportunity to do this at home and have our home represented means a lot. The arena was electric and I really felt that this was an Aztec arena. It was exciting for our team. I am proud of our team and I thought we showed all kinds of glimmers of great stuff to come. The goal for this game was to see what we could gain to help us win the Mountain West Conference. (Connecticut) has great size and great speed. We were nervous. I thought that once we relaxed and played, we did fine."
San Diego State center Paris Johnson
On playing No. 2 Connecticut: "I love the experience. To play a top team like (Connecticut), is a good (experience). Being a freshman, I really felt that it would help me out later on in my career as an Aztec. I am grateful that we had the chance to play them. I went in there and did the best I could. I played my hardest. Just like (Coach) Geno (Auriemma) said at the luncheon, when you play a good team you will do all you can and play your heart out. That is what I tried to do every moment (of the game)."
On playing against former San Diego High teammate Charde Houston:
"She was just a regular player to me. I didn't see our friendship or a former teammate on the court. I just put it all aside and just guarded like I am supposed to."
San Diego guard Jene' Morris
On the team's plan on defense:
"We went into the game focusing on stopping their transition. We decided that we would have to give up something (defensively). We focused more on interior defense and trapping their posts, because that is what they rely on most. They were making their shots outside, but like I said, we had to give something up."
Connecticut
Senior Charde Houston
On playing in San Diego:
"I am thankful for the opportunity to come back and play in San Diego. It is so much fun to be able to play in front of my family and friends. I also enjoy playing in front of those I might not know who are University of Connecticut fans."
Junior Renee Montgomery
On playing without starter Kalana Greene:
"It definitely affected us tonight. Our team is use to having her as a defensive player and a bigger player out on the floor. We miss her ability to crash the boards. Maya (Moore) took her starting position, but then you have to think who will take her position coming off the bench. We have to adjust and cannot view this as a loss for the entire season."
UConn Head Coach Geno Auriemma
General Comments: "I thought the first half was played quickly. There were a lot of moments when I thought we were a little too fast and rushed. Some of that I contribute to the familiarity of having someone who is usually on the floor (Kalana Greene) and tonight was not. Also at the 15-minute mark we are use to bringing in instant offense (Maya Moore) and now that has been taken away from us.
"At halftime we talked about the fact that we scored 49 points in the first half and I do not know if we executed anything other then our fast break. I thought (SDSU) made it really hard for us and they wanted to speed up the game. It was an unusual game, it did not seem like we were up by as many points as we were."
On San Diego State's athletic ability:
"San Diego State's athletic ability definitely helps them win games. People do not give the Aztecs enough credit. If you take where they are now compared to where they were two years ago, it is worlds apart. One thing I really give them credit for is sticking to their style of play instead of catering to UConn basketball. They kept the pace of the game up, which made it difficult for us to execute our plays at times."