St. John's University Athletics
POSTGAME QUOTES: St. John's vs. DePaul
St. John’s Head Coach Joe Tartamella, redshirt senior guard Jayla Everett and graduate student forward Jillian Archer spoke with the media following a 77-61 win against DePaul at Carnesecca Arena on Saturday night
St. John’s Head Coach Joe Tartamella
Opening statement…
“I thought the first quarter [tonight] was great for us. We haven’t started well the past few games. That was a point of emphasis today. I thought we were really focused out of the gate. We struggled through the middle part, but we were able to finish. I thought our effort level changed in the third quarter. We pulled away somewhat, and I think we broke their spirit somewhat in the way that we guarded. I was pleased with how we rebounded. They’re a difficult team to guard in how they shoot the basketball, and we guarded the three-point line really well tonight, and we’ll need to do it again. Jayla [Everett] was terrific, and I thought Jillian [Archer] stepped up in the second half. When you watch go for rebounds, it’s a sight to see. It was a big game for us; we have to protect the home floor, and we have another big one coming up.
On the win…
“We didn’t play well at home the last time we were here [against Seton Hall]. In the last two games, I think we have done a better job of being locked in. Winning at home is important, sometimes more important than on the road. The [BIG EAST] from top to bottom is the best it’s been in a long time, so you have to be ready every night. It’s another chance to put another win in the column, and we have to move on.”
On the fast start…
“We were able to see the ball go through the net, and I thought that energized us. It gave us a boost. When shots fall early, it helps you defensively as well. We got some stops when we needed to. It felt eerily similar to the first game in some ways when we jumped out in front, but this time we were able to put them away.”
Redshirt-Senior Guard Jayla Everett
On her 26-point effort against the Blue Demons…
“I take a lot of pride in shooting the ball. I like coming off the ball screen, and we work a lot of sniper threes, trusting on kicking the ball out. I’m just seeing the hole.
On leading the team in both points and assists…
“My first thing is to pass. They tell me that I pass too much. I just trust they will catch the ball and knowing when to take my right reads.”
Graduate Forward Jillian Archer
On her fifth double-double of the season…
“It shows that when I lock in and have the right mindset I can really do it.“
On playing alongside Rayven Peeples…
“We compete together at practice, we hold each other accountable, and it shows on the court every game.”
Opening statement…
“I thought the first quarter [tonight] was great for us. We haven’t started well the past few games. That was a point of emphasis today. I thought we were really focused out of the gate. We struggled through the middle part, but we were able to finish. I thought our effort level changed in the third quarter. We pulled away somewhat, and I think we broke their spirit somewhat in the way that we guarded. I was pleased with how we rebounded. They’re a difficult team to guard in how they shoot the basketball, and we guarded the three-point line really well tonight, and we’ll need to do it again. Jayla [Everett] was terrific, and I thought Jillian [Archer] stepped up in the second half. When you watch go for rebounds, it’s a sight to see. It was a big game for us; we have to protect the home floor, and we have another big one coming up.
On the win…
“We didn’t play well at home the last time we were here [against Seton Hall]. In the last two games, I think we have done a better job of being locked in. Winning at home is important, sometimes more important than on the road. The [BIG EAST] from top to bottom is the best it’s been in a long time, so you have to be ready every night. It’s another chance to put another win in the column, and we have to move on.”
On the fast start…
“We were able to see the ball go through the net, and I thought that energized us. It gave us a boost. When shots fall early, it helps you defensively as well. We got some stops when we needed to. It felt eerily similar to the first game in some ways when we jumped out in front, but this time we were able to put them away.”
Redshirt-Senior Guard Jayla Everett
On her 26-point effort against the Blue Demons…
“I take a lot of pride in shooting the ball. I like coming off the ball screen, and we work a lot of sniper threes, trusting on kicking the ball out. I’m just seeing the hole.
On leading the team in both points and assists…
“My first thing is to pass. They tell me that I pass too much. I just trust they will catch the ball and knowing when to take my right reads.”
Graduate Forward Jillian Archer
On her fifth double-double of the season…
“It shows that when I lock in and have the right mindset I can really do it.“
On playing alongside Rayven Peeples…
“We compete together at practice, we hold each other accountable, and it shows on the court every game.”