St. John's University Athletics
Postgames Quotes: DePaul 84, St. John's 75 (OT)
1/16/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Recap | Final Stats | Photo Gallery 
Jan. 16, 2015
Head coach Joe Tartamella
Opening Statement:
"This is obviously a tough loss at home against a great team. I thought we let another opportunity get away from us here at home. We weren't able to finish down the stretch. Free throws came back to bite us and we gave up too many threes today. We had the game somewhat in control towards the end but gave up a big three to a great player and then had a tough time in overtime. We were a little gased in the overtime and they made their plays. However, I thought we played extremely hard throughout and we gave great effort. We were right there, so from that standpoint I'm pleased."
On the Red Storm playing in front of a sellout crowd for Field Trip Day:
"The atmosphere was awesome. The kids were great. Seeing them dance and get ready for the game, that's what it's about. They were excited about the game and it was close throughout, which was good for them. It was fantastic. They told us it was going to be sold out and it was every bit sold out. It's great for women's basketball and it's great for both teams, to be able to play in that kind of atmosphere. It certainly gave us some energy throughout the game. It was a great feeling."
On the Red Storm's performance at the free throw line:
"We've been very good usually at the end of games closing things out. Today we weren't. When Danaejah [Grant] or Aliyyah [Handford] are at the line, I expect them to close the game out. They've done that in their career and they'll do it again. Today we just weren't able to do that."
On the developing rivalry between St. John's and DePaul:
"I'm hoping it can continue to be a rivalry and that we can keep going back and forth. They're a team that's at the top and won it last year, so you have to go after them. That's what we're shooting for. Today gave us a good barometer of what we have to be able to do and adjust. You need that in your conference, teams that are going to have rivalries and that are going to improve and increase the level of play. You always have to be sharp against those teams and today was no different. I thought both teams played extremely hard."
Junior guard Danaejah Grant
On the Red Storm's performance at the free throw line:
"You never want to miss free throws, but I think it comes down to game-time situations. As much as we practice it and as much as we shoot them on the floor, it's all situational. I feel like some games we're on and some games we're off. It just comes with the day."
On the developing rivalry between St. John's and DePaul:
"They're definitely a rival, especially when it concerns the new-look BIG EAST Conference. We always play hard against each other and always want to beat each other. It's always going to be a fight between these two teams."
Junior guard Aliyyah Handford
On playing in front of a sellout crowd for Field Trip Day:
"It was amazing. I'm not sure they knew who to cheer for at times, but it's a great thing to have such a big crowd here at home. They gave us a lot of energy and helped up get hype."
