St. John's University Athletics
POSTGAME QUOTES: St. John's Women's Basketball vs. Rhode Island
St. John’s Head Coach Joe Tartamella, guard Skye Owen and forward Phoenix Gedeon talk to the media after St. John’s 55-44 win against Rhode Island
St. John’s Head Coach Joe Tartamella
Opening statement…
“ Really proud of our effort today coming back from a difficult loss on the road to a talented team up in Fairfield. So for where we were and what this game meant to us, it was really important for us to win. We found a way. The first half was a lot like the games we have played – very low-scoring. Scoring four points in a quarter is not the goal, however, we were tied [at the half]. I was really pleased with how we were able to finish the game playing the way we did in the fourth quarter. Doing enough for us to make and create good shots and be able to get stops. As I said to our team before the game, this was a pivotal moment for us to show and validate some of the things we are capable of. It was a great win for us.”
On pulling away in the fourth quarter…
“ We made shots. At the end of the day, we made some that I thought were executed well and we made some that we just happened to have talent and make the shot. At the end of the third quarter, we executed where we needed to which I thought set the tone for the fourth quarter. But, we made the proper reads for the first time in many games. Plus to be able to get the stops when we needed to.”
On playing at Madison Square Garden next Saturday…
“The Garden is so unique. I’ve been able to coach in there for 10 or 11 games, but we don’t get a ton of time in there – people think we practice there, we don’t really do a lot of that…But the opportunity to play there will never get turned down because of what it means to our program, our university and the game of basketball especially in New York and New York City. It’s a place we can call home which no one else can on the college level…I’ll never take for granted personally as a coach and I tell our players that no one should ever take for granted the opportunity to play at Madison Square Garden. I can’t be more amped about that.”
Forward Phoenix Gedeon
On her first career start…
“It felt really great. I felt like the whole game we were grinding and stretching it out. Having the support of my team was really great and just feeling the energy. Just knowing that we all contributed and played a part in this big win felt great.”
On facing the URI post players…
“[URI] had a lot of strength but we had a lot of strength on our team too so it was just a battle. I just used my own strength to battle down at the basket and do my thing.”
On her rebounding…
“I think it's all mental and being tough with your body. I think it's about reading where the ball is in the air and positioning myself. When you make big plays it's all about where you position yourself before you even touch the ball.”
Guard Skye Owen
On her big second half against Rhode Island…
“I feel like I came out with more energy and pace. I was just looking to be aggressive and set my teammates up and I think that worked.”
On playing at Madison Square Garden next Saturday…
“My preparation before the game won’t change, I’ll probably still take about 300 shots before the game. It’s just another game, just a new gym. Being from New York it's big to play at MSG and I love the environment but it's just the same thing as normal.”
Opening statement…
“ Really proud of our effort today coming back from a difficult loss on the road to a talented team up in Fairfield. So for where we were and what this game meant to us, it was really important for us to win. We found a way. The first half was a lot like the games we have played – very low-scoring. Scoring four points in a quarter is not the goal, however, we were tied [at the half]. I was really pleased with how we were able to finish the game playing the way we did in the fourth quarter. Doing enough for us to make and create good shots and be able to get stops. As I said to our team before the game, this was a pivotal moment for us to show and validate some of the things we are capable of. It was a great win for us.”
On pulling away in the fourth quarter…
“ We made shots. At the end of the day, we made some that I thought were executed well and we made some that we just happened to have talent and make the shot. At the end of the third quarter, we executed where we needed to which I thought set the tone for the fourth quarter. But, we made the proper reads for the first time in many games. Plus to be able to get the stops when we needed to.”
On playing at Madison Square Garden next Saturday…
“The Garden is so unique. I’ve been able to coach in there for 10 or 11 games, but we don’t get a ton of time in there – people think we practice there, we don’t really do a lot of that…But the opportunity to play there will never get turned down because of what it means to our program, our university and the game of basketball especially in New York and New York City. It’s a place we can call home which no one else can on the college level…I’ll never take for granted personally as a coach and I tell our players that no one should ever take for granted the opportunity to play at Madison Square Garden. I can’t be more amped about that.”
Forward Phoenix Gedeon
On her first career start…
“It felt really great. I felt like the whole game we were grinding and stretching it out. Having the support of my team was really great and just feeling the energy. Just knowing that we all contributed and played a part in this big win felt great.”
On facing the URI post players…
“[URI] had a lot of strength but we had a lot of strength on our team too so it was just a battle. I just used my own strength to battle down at the basket and do my thing.”
On her rebounding…
“I think it's all mental and being tough with your body. I think it's about reading where the ball is in the air and positioning myself. When you make big plays it's all about where you position yourself before you even touch the ball.”
Guard Skye Owen
On her big second half against Rhode Island…
“I feel like I came out with more energy and pace. I was just looking to be aggressive and set my teammates up and I think that worked.”
On playing at Madison Square Garden next Saturday…
“My preparation before the game won’t change, I’ll probably still take about 300 shots before the game. It’s just another game, just a new gym. Being from New York it's big to play at MSG and I love the environment but it's just the same thing as normal.”