St. John's University Athletics
POSTGAME QUOTES: ST. JOHN’S WOMEN’S BASKETBALL AT XAVIER
St. John’s Women’s Basketball Head Coach Joe Tartamella, sophomore forward Sa’Mya Wyatt and graduate guard Shaulana Wagner spoke to the media following the Red Storm’s 66-64 victory over Xavier at the Cintas Center.
Head Coach Joe Tartamella
On grinding out the road win at Xavier…
“[I’m] just really happy with the way we were able to finish the last two minutes. At the six-minute mark I didn’t think we were looking too good, but we shot the ball well early, rebounded well, got to the free throw line and were plus from three. We definitely shot it better, it helps.”
On players who stepped up…
“[Sa’Mya Wyatt], obviously, probably her best game. She was terrific. [Daniela Abies] also helped us. And I think [Shaulana Wagner] controlled the game. [Jailah] Donald hit a big three. Everybody that was in helped and our bench was much more energetic.”
On Sa’Mya Wyatt’s performance…
“She played really well, got the shots she needed to get. She felt like she was in a rhythm and got to the free throw line. That was a big piece for her.”
On Shalauna Wagner’s game-winning shot…
“She’s made that most of the year. She had a little drought. I told her the other day, ‘You haven’t made that one in a while. We need it.’ And she brought it out tonight. That’s the competitor that she is.”
On the defensive stop on Xavier’s final possession…
“Initially, ‘Oh no.’ But we did enough to bother the shot, didn’t foul and did just enough to alter it.”
On bouncing back after the tough night at Georgetown…
“They’re an interesting group. We’re still trying to figure it out and mix and match as we can. But these guys stayed connected tonight. Being shorthanded a little, this should give us a boost moving forward.”
Sophomore forward Sa’Mya Wyatt
On her career-high 28-point performance…
“I feel like the team overall played well. I appreciate them for trusting me with the ball and just continuing to keep coming to me after I miss shots. It really built my confidence.”
On how it felt to set a new career scoring mark…
“It feels great. I just love to see myself improve and I hope to continue to keep growing.”
On carrying momentum forward…
“Just continue to listen to the coaches and take this game as momentum for the next game, because the next game is the most important.”
Graduate guard Shaulana Wagner
On returning to Xavier and hitting the game-winning basket…
“It definitely felt good. Just coming out here and playing hard, and I just got that last bucket. Couldn’t do it without my teammates. We stayed composed and we just pulled it out.”
On what the team takes into next week…
“A win. Another win and just playing hard and playing together.”
On grinding out the road win at Xavier…
“[I’m] just really happy with the way we were able to finish the last two minutes. At the six-minute mark I didn’t think we were looking too good, but we shot the ball well early, rebounded well, got to the free throw line and were plus from three. We definitely shot it better, it helps.”
On players who stepped up…
“[Sa’Mya Wyatt], obviously, probably her best game. She was terrific. [Daniela Abies] also helped us. And I think [Shaulana Wagner] controlled the game. [Jailah] Donald hit a big three. Everybody that was in helped and our bench was much more energetic.”
On Sa’Mya Wyatt’s performance…
“She played really well, got the shots she needed to get. She felt like she was in a rhythm and got to the free throw line. That was a big piece for her.”
On Shalauna Wagner’s game-winning shot…
“She’s made that most of the year. She had a little drought. I told her the other day, ‘You haven’t made that one in a while. We need it.’ And she brought it out tonight. That’s the competitor that she is.”
On the defensive stop on Xavier’s final possession…
“Initially, ‘Oh no.’ But we did enough to bother the shot, didn’t foul and did just enough to alter it.”
On bouncing back after the tough night at Georgetown…
“They’re an interesting group. We’re still trying to figure it out and mix and match as we can. But these guys stayed connected tonight. Being shorthanded a little, this should give us a boost moving forward.”
Sophomore forward Sa’Mya Wyatt
On her career-high 28-point performance…
“I feel like the team overall played well. I appreciate them for trusting me with the ball and just continuing to keep coming to me after I miss shots. It really built my confidence.”
On how it felt to set a new career scoring mark…
“It feels great. I just love to see myself improve and I hope to continue to keep growing.”
On carrying momentum forward…
“Just continue to listen to the coaches and take this game as momentum for the next game, because the next game is the most important.”
Graduate guard Shaulana Wagner
On returning to Xavier and hitting the game-winning basket…
“It definitely felt good. Just coming out here and playing hard, and I just got that last bucket. Couldn’t do it without my teammates. We stayed composed and we just pulled it out.”
On what the team takes into next week…
“A win. Another win and just playing hard and playing together.”