Colorado University Athletics
Colorado-Arizona State Quotes
February 12, 2012 | Women's Basketball
Colorado Head Coach Linda Lappe
General
“I'm proud of the effort of our players at the end of the game. They did a nice job of playing hard and bringing energy, just playing with the effort and playing for 40 minutes. We just have to get better. Arizona State is a team where most of their players have been to the NCAA Tournament. We've gotten better since the last time we've played them but we're just not there yet.”
On the Things That Hurt the Team
“I thought turnovers and second chance points [were what hurt the team]. I think they had 39 of their 60 pts on those two things. Both teams turned it over. But I think they hurt us the most in offensive rebounds. Those killed us when we were trying to get on a run.”
On Intentionally Fouling G/F Kimberly Brandon
“It's tough to score, you contemplate fouling, you try to foul someone who doesn't make free throws very well. They really try to control the tempo; we just couldn't get back to even. We fouled her with about 2:30 left I think. She wasn't a very good free throw shooter. But players and teams that have been to the NCAA Tournament, they step up. If she makes them we probably don't do it again. She stepped up and knocked them down.”
On the Energy Level
“I wanted to find a lineup that could give us a lot of energy. Ashley gives us a lot of energy. Jasmine [Sborov] gives us a lot of energy. Lexy [Kresl] was doing some good things on the offensive and defensive end. Jen Reese was the one that kept everyone together on the offensive end. When you're down like we're down, you play your young kids. We wanted to see what our young players could give us; I thought our freshmen and sophomores got a lot better. I think we just have to continue to do that.”
On the Team Stepping Up
“We didn't get very many easy baskets or looks. It's about players stepping up with energy. I don't need any dynamic three point shooters, though it'd be nice to hit some. I don't need any All-American post players. We just need players who play with effort. We couldn't leave those players in the entire game, they got tired. We need all 11 players to step up and provide what they can provide and stay within their role. They need to be able to make plays. We need to be able to make plays. Arizona State made plays. When nothing was happening for them, they just threw it into the post and were able to make plays.”
On Players Saying They Have More to Learn
“It's exactly what you want to hear especially from two young players (Jasmine Sborov and Ashley Wilson). Our whole team has a lot to learn. You can't fault their effort. We've had a really good week of practices. We've come and been ready to go. I was proud of our defense tonight with the exception of giving up too many offensive rebounds. For them being able to realize that we have to learn, move on and self reflect, that shows maturity.”
On the Importance of Winning at Home
“You can't make any waves in conference unless you win home games. For instance, Utah has two home games this week and they win both. If you want to be in contention in the conference and get a post season bid, you have to win your home games. We have a great opportunity we've got to take advantage of it.”
On G Ashley Wilson's Energy
“You can never fault Ashley's effort. It doesn't matter whether she's playing good or bad. She brings the same amount of enthusiasm every day. She hasn't been able to play the whole time with her knee injury. But it's good for our other players to [feed off her energy]. I feel like she's done a great job of getting better everyday in practice and doing a great job in her role.”
Colorado Players
Jasmine Sborov, Fr., G
On ASU's Defense – “They're just in your face. That's what they focus on most. They focus on turnovers and getting points in transition. I think we did a better job handling that pressure than we did last time. We definitely got better.”
On The Turnovers – “We could've cut down a lot of turnovers. It would've been a lot better if we did on our offensive end.”
On ASU's Scoring Runs – “It's tough to give those up. It messes with your head, it messes with everything. That was definitely not something we should've given up.”
On ASU's Offensive Rebounding – “We could've boxed out a little bit more and prevented those put backs.”
On Home Record – “It definitely could've been a lot better. It is our home floor, and we should protect it, but I think we've learned a lot from these losses, about ourselves and each other. I think we've gotten a lot better, and it will only continue to get better.”
On Having A Week Off – “I think it's a good thing. We take a day off, relax, come back to practice, forget about this game, learn from it and move on to Utah. I think this week will definitely do us some good.”
Ashley Wilson, So., G
On The Disappointment – “We are disappointed of course, but we did make a step to get better. We are still getting better. We saw some things we liked, and few things we didn't like. We need to take something out of this loss. We can't just hang our heads low. It's something to take out of this loss. We did get better.”
On The Improvement – “Hopefully it starts now. We don't have too many games left. We need to make moves and start going. Not too much to say, but put the foot down and keep going.”
On ASU's Scoring Run – “We can't give that up to any team. With their defensive pressure you have to be on point. There are no runs you can give up, there's no slack. You just need to be on it for 40 minutes straight. Once we put together a 40 minute game we will be a great team.”
On Post Game Attitude – “We're upset, but we can't just sulk about it. We know we lost, we know we made mistakes. So now it's time to get in the gym, fix it, get ready for Utah, keep pushing and keeping putting up wins.”
On Her Impact On The Game – “I wouldn't say it's tough. I feel like as long as we win that's all that matters. I just stay ready. Whenever [Coach Lappe] calls I need to be ready...We didn't get the win, so it doesn't mean much.”
Arizona State Interim Head Coach Joseph Anders
On the team's performance
“It was our toughness. Without toughness, you don't win on the road. The way Colorado made their push at the end, our center (Kali Bennett) fouled out and other players were playing out of position. Overall, just great team toughness.”
On finishing the season strong
“I tell them to stay in the moment. You can't worry about anything but today. If you get ahead of yourself, you lose focus. We are trying to enjoy it as much as it's worth. Hopefully we'll position ourselves for a wonderful March.”
