Texas Tech University Athletics
Texas Tech vs. Oklahoma State Postgame Quotes
February 26, 2011 | Women's Basketball
Feb. 26, 2011
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2010-11 Texas Tech Women's Basketball
Lady Raiders vs. Oklahoma State (United Spirit Arena, Lubbock, Texas)
Feb. 26, 2011
Texas Tech Postgame Quotes
Head Coach Kristy Curry
On making the NCAA tournament
"I think what is important is I try to get my team to understand we have two great opportunities next week, and we need to embrace that opportunity a little bit better than we did today in spots. Hopefully I got their attention, and we will continue to work on that Monday. It is the time of year, as a player, what you really need to do is grab a hold of it and make sure you make the most of it. It is about opportunity, and we have a great opportunity next week. All we need to do is worry about Texas and winning the next game and let our tournament hopes take care of themselves."
On Tech's overall performance
"It says a lot. There were points like Teena's (Wickett) big basket, she was just ferocious inside and just trying to get her hand on every single board she could on both ends. Kierra (Mallard) was the same way. It is the passion that those two tried with and Casey to have the guts to take that shot. We kept telling her to shoot it. There were a couple of times on the defensive end, it was incredible the way Monique (Smalls) got her body in between a box out, loose ball or getting her hands on things. Then with (Christine) Hyde, those five down the stretch, it just said a lot about them. Things didn't go our way today, but the perseverance we showed down the stretch was enough to get us a win."
On the hiring of Tech's new athletic director Kirby Hocutt
"I just want to welcome him to the Texas Tech family. I got out of shoot around today, and I had the nicest voicemail message on my cell phone with him telling me how excited he is and how much he looks forward to working with all of us coaches. I left him a message back, so hopefully I can catch up with him next week. We are excited about the future. Coach (Gerald) Myers means so much to all of us, and we are so thankful for what he has done for so many student-athletes over the years. Now it is time to pass it on to Kirby, and we are so proud that he is going to be leading the way. We all look forward to working with him, and we are really excited."
Guard Casey Morris
On her performance against Oklahoma State
"I think it was mostly because of my teammates' penetration and kick. They were being smart, and any open shots we had we took them because they were leaving us open. So, driving and kicking is always helpful for open shots."
Forward Teena Wickett
On her defensive matchup
"I started off matching up against Toni Young. I just tried to keep my feet moving and stay on the right side. When Toni shoots she elevates, and I just tried to keep my hands on the ball when she was dribbling and take her out of her shot."
On her role for the team today
"It doesn't matter to me if it is four or five. It is pretty much the same thing, and I can play either one. I just try to help my team wherever I can."
On getting the 20th win of the season
"It feels good, and we work hard everyday in practice. We come out and play hard every game. We just have to keep doing it."
Oklahoma State Postgame Quotes
Head Coach Kurt Budke
Opening Statement
"I know Kristy (Curry) doesn't want to hear this, but this win gets her into the NCAA tournament. There is no question in my mind her résumé is good enough. Seven wins in our league is enough to get you in a tournament of 64, and I am proud of her. Kristy and I are friends, and I think she has done a fantastic job here. This team could be a very dangerous team in the NCAA tournament, they are tough to match up with.
On Oklahoma State's performance
"I am very proud of my kids tonight. I thought my youth showed what they have showed all year long, a will to fight back and give themselves a chance to be in just about every game this year. We are going to look back at the end of the year and see there are six or seven games that could have gone either way, and I thought tonight was one of those. We had our chances but what has been hurting us all year long hurt is again tonight. The inexperience of not having a go-to player hurts you at keys time in a game, but I am proud of my kids for fighting back."
On what has changed for Tech since losing in Stillwater
"They look like a more confident team. They look like they understand their roles a little bit better of who needs to do what and when. They are very efficient, and (Monique) Smalls does a very good job of running the point and getting the ball where it needs to be. I think it is a big, physical team, and obviously, if you can beat Baylor you can beat anybody. So, I think it is a tough matchup in this NCAA tournament."
