George Washington University Athletics
Massachusetts Post-Game Quotes
1/14/2007 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Jan. 14, 2007
NCAA WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
#12/14 GW 61
UMass 48
Post-Game Quotes
GW Coach Joe McKeown
On winning his 400th game at GW.
"When you're in the middle of your season, your thoughts are on the next opponent and the next game. But it does make me think of all the great players we've had here, who made it possible. The outstanding student-athletes we've recruited and the fact that we haven't really had a losing season, makes this a special university to coach at."
What had to be done to correct the poor shooting in the first half?
"When Kim Beck has a first half like that, you know she has the capability to start burying shots in the second half, and that's what she did. Same with Kenan. These guys have been around the block, and I have a lot of confidence in them. We were playing great defense, but could never break the game open until near the end of the second half."
You've tied the record for the best start in the school's history. What is this team capable of?
"We're actually very young, and still trying to find ourselves in a lot of ways. I think we're good defensively, but we haven't put it together offensively. But it doesn't feel like that `97 team that won 23 games in a row...But this team may surprise me in March. I hope so."
Did you limit Whitney Allen's minutes in the second half because of her three fouls?
"No, UMass made a couple of shots and Jazmine played so well in the first half, so I wanted to go big. I thought that hurt UMass a little bit."
Senior guard Kenan Cole
On the improved scoring performance in the second half.
"In the second half, we did a lot better job of moving the ball around. We were getting wide open shots, and did a lot better job of attacking their zone."
On the team's improved shooting today and in Friday's game.
"We had a balance of inside and outside shooting, which makes us even harder to defend. We had 10 days off [before Fordham] and that gave us a chance to get in the gym and get some shots up."
How important is it to get the younger players a chance for some game time?
"It's very important because if somebody has foul trouble, we can bring somebody else in, and maintain a high-tempo game where we're always pressing. That means we always have fresh legs coming in."
Sophomore forward Jessica Adair
What did Coach McKeown talk about in the locker room regarding shooting?
"He wanted us to come out and play harder, and that our shots just weren't falling. Just be confident in your shots in the second half."
This is one of the best starts in the school's history. Does that influence what you do?
"It's just playing basketball. That's not having any effect on the team. We're just playing."
Sophomore forward Jazmine Adair
How is your role different when both you and your sister are playing?
"It's kind of hard because I have to move up to the wing on defense sometimes when we go zone. It's a change because I'm so used to playing center. Other than that, I enjoy it when we're both out there."
