George Washington University Athletics
GW/Ohio Post-Game Quotes
11/30/2010 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Nov. 30, 2010
NCAA WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
November 30, 2010
Post-Game Quotes
GW Coach Mike Bozeman
Opening statement
"We had a pretty good start. Ohio made a run at it, and when we get to be a better team is when we respond better to it. We lost our composure a little bit, including the coaching staff. So we got it together. I was glad to get that kind of challenge and see my team respond the way it did - to get down to a one-point lead and then push it back up to 10. We've been working on that kind of stuff in practice, and it's rewarding to see it work. This is our first opportunity to play a team that beat us last year, and it feels good to come out on top."
You've been looking for the team to gain a measure of maturity. Have you made progress in that regard?
"I think so. The periods of time where we're inconsistent are shorter, so that's growth. To see them fight back under pressure like that was encouraging to me."
How are you keeping the team motivated, especially in the second half?
"We're changing what we're doing in practice - doing some drills at the end that normally take place at the beginning. To reach the target numbers, you have to be focused. I think they were able to refocus themselves when Ohio made that run on us, and it really helped."
What did you talk about at halftime?
"The mentality was for us to relax. Ohio wanted to make it a frantic pace, but that doesn't mean we need to up our urgency in taking shots. I asked a couple of individuals in the locker room if they were taking shots they take in practice. They said no, so I said take those shots. Tara was one of them; she came in and had a great night for us."
Junior forward/guard Tara Booker
You really exploded offensively today. Is that something you've been working on?
"Definitely. All the coaches have been stressing on offense. I know I just need to get back to game speed, and working on not panicking."
Do you feel you're starting to assume a leadership role on the team?
"I think all of us juniors have taken on that leadership role because we were so young last year."
Do you feel any pressure being the go-to shooter?
"I don't think so. Coach Bozeman and the other coaches have a lot of confidence in us. We have strengths in all areas. Anywhere you look, you can get shots off."
