St. John's University Athletics
St. John's Women's Basketball vs. Creighton
St. John’s women’s basketball Head Coach Joe Tartamella spoke with the media following the team’s 75-56 loss to Creighton on Saturday at Carnesecca Arena
Head Coach Joe Tartamella
Opening statement…
“I mean, certainly we're in a struggle here over the last two games and Creighton is obviously a good team. They controlled it kind of similarly to the game we had with Villanova. I thought we had some spurts in the third [quarter] where we did some good things. We just give away opportunities left and right, in terms of trying to claw back in a game like this. We're not scoring enough to defend like we are and if we continue that way, it's going to be difficult. We're a little bit of an enigma. I feel we've shown the ability to play well against different styles. But obviously, over the last two weeks, we struggled. We're struggling to score and to rebound. So, not a great combination in terms of trying to have a formula to win, but they do that to you too. Obviously, Creighton has done a great job over the years and they're continuing to do that. They're very connected in what they do, they have shot-making ability and offensively they're extremely well coached. So, if you don't disrupt what they're trying to do, it becomes very hard. I thought the third quarter there were some bright spots, outside of that, I thought we struggled mightily today in terms of how we played.”
On Creighton…
“They ran the floor well. We knew they were going to push it, it's just how they play. They try to put stress on you in transition. Then it was offensive boards and sniper threes. You know, once you give up an offensive board, the highest percentage shot is most likely the kick out for a three from the three-point line. So, they took advantage of it, they make six [3-pointers] we make two [3-pointers]. That's a big gap. We didn't manufacture many points even when we got to the line.”
On his guards…
“Yeah, I mean, look, I think when [Lashae and Ber’Nyah] are both playing the right way, they're a pretty good combination. I think part of the reason we were successful was Skye was playing at a high level for us. I think that was a big piece to it. I thought to her credit today, a kid like Jade came in and did some good stuff for us. Lashae’s numbers were a little better today, which I'm happy with in terms of her efficiency. I think that's a big conversation with her. I think she missed some people in terms of distribution. But, at the same time, if no one's looking to attack and score, [Lashae] is going to have to take the bulk of the shots. I think when Ber’Nyah and her playing at their level, we're a different team, but we need everybody.
Opening statement…
“I mean, certainly we're in a struggle here over the last two games and Creighton is obviously a good team. They controlled it kind of similarly to the game we had with Villanova. I thought we had some spurts in the third [quarter] where we did some good things. We just give away opportunities left and right, in terms of trying to claw back in a game like this. We're not scoring enough to defend like we are and if we continue that way, it's going to be difficult. We're a little bit of an enigma. I feel we've shown the ability to play well against different styles. But obviously, over the last two weeks, we struggled. We're struggling to score and to rebound. So, not a great combination in terms of trying to have a formula to win, but they do that to you too. Obviously, Creighton has done a great job over the years and they're continuing to do that. They're very connected in what they do, they have shot-making ability and offensively they're extremely well coached. So, if you don't disrupt what they're trying to do, it becomes very hard. I thought the third quarter there were some bright spots, outside of that, I thought we struggled mightily today in terms of how we played.”
On Creighton…
“They ran the floor well. We knew they were going to push it, it's just how they play. They try to put stress on you in transition. Then it was offensive boards and sniper threes. You know, once you give up an offensive board, the highest percentage shot is most likely the kick out for a three from the three-point line. So, they took advantage of it, they make six [3-pointers] we make two [3-pointers]. That's a big gap. We didn't manufacture many points even when we got to the line.”
On his guards…
“Yeah, I mean, look, I think when [Lashae and Ber’Nyah] are both playing the right way, they're a pretty good combination. I think part of the reason we were successful was Skye was playing at a high level for us. I think that was a big piece to it. I thought to her credit today, a kid like Jade came in and did some good stuff for us. Lashae’s numbers were a little better today, which I'm happy with in terms of her efficiency. I think that's a big conversation with her. I think she missed some people in terms of distribution. But, at the same time, if no one's looking to attack and score, [Lashae] is going to have to take the bulk of the shots. I think when Ber’Nyah and her playing at their level, we're a different team, but we need everybody.