Postgame Quotes: Alabama vs. Kentucky
1/2/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Alabama Head Coach Kristy Curry
Opening statement:
"I think that when you go back and look at an effort statistic from our team - that's obviously the boards - and then you look at the fact that we then go turn the ball over 27 times and give up 39 points off turnovers. I think our kids have to understand that you have to channel your effort in the right ways. We channeled it right on the boards, but we didn't channel it right taking care of the ball, which was something we worked on for four days. Actually before their Christmas break and they probably didn't realize it. It's going to take some time, it's a part of the process. We're going to stay positive and keep teaching. This league isn't forgiving. They have got to understand that the game doesn't care how old you are. We've got to really understand that and get better every day. We will be better for today, continue preparation for Georgia, and go roll up our sleeves and do the best we can."
On Kentucky's comeback:
"I don't know that it was so much panic, but I think the thing that's amazing about through that time - I'll go back and watch it in a second - is the fact that we called two timeouts. I'm not sure what else you can do. At two critical points we called them when it was about to become a media timeout. You try to do everything you can, but they're going to have to make some mistakes. As silly as it sounds, that's how we are every day in life - you have to make some mistakes to be better. I just want them to learn as we go here. We can't be doing the same things two weeks from now that we were doing today. A month from now, a year from now, you hope they learn at some point."
#11 Hannah Cook, Guard
On Kentucky's comeback:
"I don't think the comeback was necessarily about Kentucky; I think we rattled ourselves. We weren't really prepared for their run. We let it get to us, and we can't let that happen in the future."
On physicality of the game:
"It was a physical game the whole time. I think it's hard to not get frustrated when you see a game that you believe that you should win just kind of slip away from you, right in front of you. We tried to stay together, but I think mentally it rattled us."
On what she learned about SEC play:
"SEC is a whole different ballgame. It's faster, more physical. People are mentally in-tune from the jump. Everybody wants to win SEC games because that's how you get to the postseason. We just have to come out and put some victories together."
#22 Karyla Middlebrook, Guard
On Kentucky's comeback:
"We did get a little bit rattled, but I think at some points we did step up, hit some shots and grab rebounds."
On the team's energy early and how Kentucky countered in the second half:
"They just came out more aggressive mentally and physically. They were tougher than us, and they picked it up. We learned a lot from this game."
On what she learned about SEC play:
"I learned that it is very fast-paced, and like any game really, it's anyone's ballgame - just have to come out aggressive and mentally tough. It's the SEC."
Kentucky Head Coach Matthew Mitchell
Opening statement:
"We are so happy to win our SEC opener, and especially on the road. Every road win that you can pick up is extremely valuable. We have a lot of respect for Alabama, they really took it to us in the first half. I was impressed with their energy level and their desire to win in the first half. I was very disappointed with our effort in the first half. I thought the rebounding showed you everything you needed to know. It was 31-13 in terms of rebounding at the half. I don't know if I have seen such a poor effort from our team on the boards. I also thought that we were very fortunate enough to only be down eight at halftime. I have to give the players credit, because they turned it around in the second half. We need to figure out a way to get some humility and responsibility about us so we can become the team that I think we can be. We dodged a bullet today because of our performance in the first half, but had a tremendous second half. I can't say enough about how Janee Thompson played today. Janee put us on her shoulders and took us to victory. I'm happy for the win."
On Thompson's performance tonight:
"I don't mind her stats or anything. I could just visibly see her making plays. One time they had a two-on-one in transition and she stole it, and we then went the other way and scored. Those kind of plays just get me excited and it just shows me that she is locked in ready to makes plays."
#3 Janee Thompson, Guard
On defensive pressure and forcing turnovers:
"The (defensive turnovers) started creating some offense for us. We started getting some energy and some excitement that you could even see on the bench. They were really excited about what we were doing on the floor, and I think that's the type of energy that fuels our defense."
#25 Makayla Epps, Guard
On any extra motivation for the Alabama game after the loss last year:
"I would say that some of the returning players, sophomores and up, had a little chip on their shoulder about that. Especially to have someone come in on our home court and beat us on a last-second shot really sticks with you. This is a new season now that we are in the SEC play, and every game is important. We wanted to come out and get a win against Alabama and that's what happened."
