St. John's University Athletics
Postgame Quotes: St. John's 77, Fordham 63
3/22/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
March 22, 2015
Head Coach Joe Tartamella
Opening Statement:
"This is another opportunity for us to play in the postseason so I am very happy with the way we were able to play in this second game. I thought this was one of our most complete games of the year. Seventy-seven points is something we haven't seen from us in a while. We did a great job on both ends and withstood some runs. We didn't turn the ball over, which was a big emphasis going into the game. Eighteen assists and 10 turnovers is a good day for us, and having four in double figures was good to see. Overall I'm very proud of these young ladies. Like I said the other day, anytime you have an opportunity to play in the postseason you can't take it for granted. We're very excited to have the opportunity to move on and continue our season."
On four Red Storm players scoring in double figures:
"All year we've had to play similarly with five, six players at the most. I thought foul trouble was an indication of our patterns. Our starters gave us some good minutes today and we used a few timeouts to get us some rest. You try to give [Aliyyah Handford and Danaejah Grant] a blow but it's tough and your offense is going to get a bit stagnant at times. I thought Kyra Dunn gave us some great minutes. I was happy with how we played as a group tonight regardless of if a kid played one minute or forty. I was proud of the effort of all of them. To have four guys in double figures was fantastic."
On St. John's motivation to advance in the WNIT:
"We will never take for granted the opportunity to play in the postseason. I've been in this now 11 years full time, I've been a part of postseasons for a good portion of that and it doesn't get any less fun. That's something I always stress to our players. There are a lot of teams that are at home and a lot of teams resting. We have an opportunity to play for an invitational championship, something that can propel you into the next year."
On the Red Storm's play in the paint:
"When we're successful we'll have good numbers in the paint. I thought we did a great job of getting out and being able to convert. That's been the difference. We were to convert tonight compared to other night against Army when I thought we left a lot of points at the rim."
Junior Guard Danaejah Grant
On the Red Storm's defensive gameplan against Fordham:
"We were pretty undersized. They have three post players on the court. We emphasized helping off of non-shooters. We tried to make sure no one was getting buried underneath and that we were staying with shooters on the perimeter as well."
On four Red Storm players scoring in double figures:
"It means a lot. On any given night someone can step up and collectively we can step it up at well. It shows a lot of potential for next year as well."
Junior Guard Aliyyah Handford
On her first half scoring performance:
"I was on a roll. After my first made shot I was into the game. All my shots started falling."
