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Post Game Quotes: Duke Vs. Virginia Tech

By Duke University Media Relations

Feb 1, 2008

Duke Head Coach Joanne P. McCallie

Opening Statement:

“I’m very pleased with what our team did particularly throughout the game defensively and in the second half offensively in terms of the attack by everybody. When we have a game where our first group goes after it so hard in the second half like they did, it just is inspiring and provides an opportunity to really mix it up, work on combinations, and give everybody a chance to get out there and play. It was a really nice game for us that way. Defensively, offensively, and also giving people an opportunity to get out there and do what they do. What I liked about the game is that whenever we subbed the level of play continued to be aggressive and very solid no matter who went into the game, and I think that’s a really positive thing. And, the rebounding was outstanding.”
On her reaction to the six-minute lull in the first half:

“I didn’t say anything special at halftime. I think the team understood. It was a good defensive effort, with the 22 points, but they were not pleased as group. I mean we should have had a lot more than 29 points on the board at that time. I think they felt that way. I did highlight Keturah Jackson because she had rebounded and had seven rebounds in nine minutes. I thought that was an incredible display of aggressiveness, and I was wanting everyone to get that mindset. So, that was something I was thinking about, and I think the team was thinking about maybe that, but also just attacking more offensively.”

On the upcoming game against Carolina this Monday:

“They’re a very good team; they’re obviously a very good transition team. They’re quick and fast. They run a lot, and it’s just a typical physical battle, nothing that we haven’t already seen in a variety of fashions. It is great competition and a great opportunity for us.”

On the Duke-Carolina rivalry:

“I think it’s a lot of fun. I think it’s special. I think that the ACC is the best conference. I just love it; I don’t know how else to say it. I just love games like that whether it’s Tennessee or North Carolina or any of those games because it just seems to bring the best out in everybody. Again, it is one game, but we can look forward to it, prepare for it, and go after it.”

On the importance of rebounding against Carolina:

“I always emphasize rebounding. It’s going to be a board game without question. It’s a very physical, athletic game. A lot of shots are going to go up, that’s for sure. It’s just who is going to get those second and third shot opportunities. You’re always looking at match-ups a little bit and how those work out, but to me it always ends up on the boards somehow. In those games it always ends up with who hits who first and who gets more attempts in a balanced kind of way, so it’ll be fun to see what we can do.”

Freshman Center Krystal Thomas

On playing with more confidence in the second half:

“I just thought that my teammates did a great job of getting me the ball in the right places for me to score. I just credit them because they did such a great job. I’m just working on being more aggressive in the post and being a good target for my teammates to find me.”

Junior Guard Abby Waner

On the team’s performance:

“Coach P hit it when she said it was a total team effort. When you have so many different ways to score … Krystal was scoring every time she touched the ball, then you have the outside shooting, you know, [Wanisha] and my sister.”

On the Carolina rivalry:

“There’s nothing like it. If you think about all the great rivalries in sports, Carolina-Duke is one of the best. Our two programs have been very successful in the past, and we’re both playing very well this season, so it’s going to be a great match up. We love having those kinds of games, like Tennessee last week, North Carolina on Monday, so it’s really exciting.”