Feb. 19, 2010
Recap | Box Score | Notes | Photo Gallery 1 | Photo Gallery 2
Georgia Tech Head Coach MaChelle Joseph
Opening Statement
“I was very pleased with our play in the first half. Defensively, we did as good a job as we could do, holding Duke to only 20 points. I thought our changing defenses were a factor in that. In the second half, we got a little complacent. I do not think we have figured out how to play a top-10 team. When you come out and foul five times and turn the ball over. I was very disappointed in our play in the second half. We got on our heels and never recovered from that. We battled back a few times, got back in but when they delivered a blow, we did not punch back. “
On playing against top-10 opponents
“Seven years ago I was trying to teach our team how to win. Today, I am teaching them how to beat a top-10 team. It is a process. Seven years ago, we tried to figure out how to show up a win. We now have to figure out to defeat a top-10 team. We have three great opportunities left. It is not what happens to us, it is how we respond to it. We were right there with Florida State and Duke but 20 minutes is not going to beat a top-10 team in the country.”
On turnovers in the second half
“I think [Duke] did a great job with their press. They are one of the best defensive teams in the league. We have been over that press for the last three days. It’s like a freshman running the baseline on a dead ball, they are things you have to learn with experience. Sometimes with a freshmen point guard you have to take your lumps. Life in the ACC is not always easy with a freshmen point guard, and our back-up is a sophomore. We are going to experience some growing pains against top-10 teams. When you play these top teams, they exploit your weaknesses.”
Junior Guard Deja Foster, #23
On falling short against the top teams in the ACC
“It is very disappointing. We know we are as good as them. We just have to put it out there on the floor. They got more aggressive. We just didn’t stay as aggressive as we were in the first half. Our defense is what triggers our offensive but we just didn’t get key stops in the second half.”
On playing more aggressive tonight
“I have tried to become more of a passer but that is just not my game. When I take it to the hole and people collapse on me, then I can throw it out. I have to take shots. Coach Joseph tells me that when I get inside that I need to go up with the ball. That is what I tried to do tonight.”
Duke Head Coach Joanne McCallie
Opening Statement
“I thought Jasmine Thomas’ leadership was outstanding and once again, I think she showed why she comes from the highest level when it comes to her play, whether it’s on offense or that type of thing. I was very appreciative of the help we help we got off the bench, Karuma Christmas being very strong and also Krystal Thomas. People really stepped up. The second half was better than the first for us. It was a great defensive battle. Georgia Tech is a really good team and they play very physical. It was a very good basketball game.”
On what the difference was in the second half in rebounding
“The players. They knew the stats were ugly for us in the first half, especially second shots. The players just decided to put their minds to it more and they started making that extra effort to get some of those loose balls. I thought the 50-50 balls went our way in the second half and the rest of the game. I thought everyone was a part of that.”
On Allison Vernerey
“Allison is a terrific fighter and for a first year student-athlete she’s not afraid of contact and doesn’t shy away from it. It was physical in this game and it was a great game for her. To learn that piece even more so, I think the ACC is a pretty physical conference. I think in particular when you get two strong defense teams and two attacking transition teams together, it could be interesting. I thought Allie did a really nice job.”
Duke guard Jasmine Thomas
On Duke’s winning 30 straight games against Georgia Tech
“I would just have to say our focus. We definitely didn’t play the way we wanted to in the first half, but then we came out in the second half playing our type of basketball, being aggressive and attacking and they do the same thing, so it’s always a battle every time we play. We just get it done in the end; whatever it takes.”
