Head Coach Brenda Frese
Opening Statement:
“I thought we had a really sluggish game, especially first half - we came out really slow. Loyola did a great job, they were really well prepared. Their motion offense is really hard to defend, especially because you have to do a lot of switching. I thought we played harder in spurts in the second half. Our defense was able to really change the three-quarter press, trying to not allow them to use the whole shot clock, and just a lot more aggressive in the second half.”
On protecting the ball:
“Some of the turnovers aren’t under pressure, they are unforced. Our focus has got to be greater and more locked in. We still have to get more games under our belt to get a better feel for one another. Once that happens, I’m sure that will clean up.”
On holding Lisa Mirarchi:
“She did a terrific job in terms of getting open looks. I just think we locked in a little bit ore and didn’t give her as many open looks from the 3-point line.”
On the focus in Puerto Rico:
“We're trying to find our consistency level. When we’re locked in and consistent, we can beat anyone. Defensively where we are at, our transition game, our offense, how we move the basketball. When we lose that concentration, anybody can beat us."
On increasing pressure in the second half:
“When we went to our press, we got quick turnovers and quick looks at the basket. I think the pressure in the second half worked well for us.”
On what Maryland needs to work on:
“Just focusing. We have to come into the game prepared to play defense, prepared to play offense, and just staying focused and being consistent every game.”
Junior Center Malina Howard
On Maryland’s shot selection:
“We focused a lot on zone offense, and I think that we had open 3s. When we have open shots, we take them. I think that we could have gotten the ball in the paint a little bit more but I think we were taking open shots.”
Sophomore Center Brionna Jones
On if Puerto Rico was a distraction:
“I think that could have been an effect, but I still think we need to come in and start the game off how we did the second half and it doesn’t matter if we’re going to Puerto Rico or not.”
On the aggressiveness of the team:
“I think we started off sluggish but I know we can be more aggressive and I know we will be next game."
Senior Guard Laurin Mincy
On being the only senior:
“I try to be an example. We have juniors and sophomores that have had Final Four experience as well, so following suit is really important. We have all been there and know what to do so freshman should follow it.”
