Syracuse Postgame Quotes
No. 9 Syracuse vs. No. 16 Seton Hall
Game 2 – First Round, March 4, 2011
XL Center – Hartford, Conn.
Head Coach Quentin Hillsman
Opening Statement:
“Obviously, I am very happy with the win. Thought we played a very solid game all the way around. The big thing with this game was getting shots and not turning the ball over. We had twelve turnovers the entire game, so that was a good job by our team as well as not throwing the ball away, pressure defense and also half court offense. Throwing the ball to the inside is good for us and Iasia (Hemingway) played a tremendous game and she has been stepping up big for us since the first game she has played. Kayla Alexander is a dominant force inside once she gets catches and makes shots. Erica (Morrow) and Tasha (Harris) have probably played one of their more complete games this year as far as taking care of the ball and making great decisions. Overall, our defense was really good and I didn’t want to give them a bunch of threes, we didn’t do that. So, we are very happy with the win and effort and the fact that we are moving on”.
Junior Guard Iasia Hemingway
It seemed like in the first half you kept the team afloat, scored a lot and got to foul line a lot. What did you see out of the defense that had you driving more?
“(Morrow) told me you are strong going to the basket and that’s your bread and better and from what Coach told me, I knew I could keep driving and make shots. By me attacking the basket, I knew I could make those shots. That’s why I did it.”
Senior Guard Erica Morrow
With a 12-1 run coming out after halftime to give you a cushion, is this what you wanted and how did you do it?
“Execute and go to our key points and keep options going. I know I didn’t do what I was supposed to do coming off ball screens. But feed the ball to (Alexander).”
Junior Guard Iasia Hemingway
How did you feel about making that 3-point shot, being the first of the year?
I was feeling good and thought I could hit another one, so I just shot it.
Seton Hall Quotes
No. 16 Seton Hall vs. No. 9 Syracuse
Game 1 – First Round, March 4, 2011
XL Center – Hartford, Conn.
Head Coach Anne Donovan
Opening Statement:
“My opening statement is this long season has just come to an end.”
The game stayed pretty close throughout the first half and then Syracuse went on a 12-1 run to start the second. Was that a punch in the stomach to set the pace for the rest of the game?
“Yea. We came out of halftime feeling like we had to pack it in a bit since (Kayla) Alexander and (Iasia) Hemingway had 22, I think, of their 33 points in the first half. Then they came right out and killed it from the three point line, so right away that game plan went out the window. Tough matchup for us. They shot better than they normally do from the three point line and inside we knew Alexander would be difficult. We were trying to trap her when she caught it low, but that was tough to do as deep as she was catching it; it was a tough night.”
What was the main defensive focus going into the game?
“We were trying to trap Alexander in the low post, but not necessarily from Hemingway’s man. Hemingway getting past us, continually, with her left hand was a little bit frustrating because we had talked about that during the scouting report. She hit a couple outside jumpers which pulled our big out towards her and she hadn’t hit too many outside shots prior to the game today. So we were trying to play her for her drive, but not give up her left hand; we didn’t do that.