March 18, 2000
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Box Score
BLACKSBURG, Va. - Maryland head women's basketball coach Chris Weller, and sophomore forward Deedee Warley, in the Terps' postgame press conference following a Women's National Invitation Tournament second round victory over Virginia Tech. Maryland, 16-14, after the 68-60 win in overtime, travels to Gainesville, Fla., to meet the Florida Gators in an NIT quarterfinal contest on Tuesday, March 21 at 7 p.m.
Weller on the win: "We're obviously delighted to be in this situation. Considering that we didn't even know if we'd be in any postseason tournament and considering our record last season, we think this tournament just defines who we are and where this program is headed. This was a great win. We had momentum and then lost it, and then came back in front of a very vocal crowd, on the road, to beat another very good team. I am so proud of this young team. We're going to the NIT quarterfinals."
Weller on winning in the paint: "In the first half, we did a great job of getting the ball in the paint where we wanted it. We were ahead on the boards 17-11 at the half, and you could tell that Virginia Tech's conversation in the lockerroom was all about getting the ball in the paint. They did a great job. Fortunately, we were able to get the ball back in the paint, ourselves. Basically, that's what it came down to - which team could get the ball effectively inside. We got the ball to Deedee down the stretch and I think that was critical."
Weller on the defense: "I'm proud of our team's defense. I think we played very tough `D' throughout the whole game. I thought Virginia Tech played very fine defense, as well. This was obviously a match of two very evenly-matched teams.'
Weller on a special tournament: "We're delighted for the win. It's a very special tournament for us. Last year, we were 6-21 and this year, even though we had a nice turnaround, to be able to get into postseason play --- either NCAA or NIT --- is tremendous for us. We want to take advantage of playing these extra games."
Warley on taking a charge in overtime, which forced the turn in momentum: "I was just focusing into the game. I was just trying to play good defense and see the ball into my man. I saw [Amy Wetzel] driving and I just tried to take the charge."
Weller on the new season: "Since last season, which is the way we're referring to the regular season, we've learned a lot. We're a better team now because of the experiences we've had. Now that we have a new postseason, we're a better team. We're more seasoned. We know this could be a very short `season' so we want to play every single moment as hard as we can, and try to make it last as long as it can."
Warley on damage inside: "I was just posting up like I usually do. I was just getting the ball and trying to score."
Warley on reminding her teammates to pass her the ball after a second half drought, and before taking over again: "I don't have to remind them. I don't want to be the only one shooting. [`I reminded them,' joked Weller.] I just take the chances when they come to me."
Warley on battling emotions during the game: "It really was an up and down game, but we're used to that because we play in the ACC. We've had a lot of games like that."
Weller on the strength of the Atlantic Coast Conference: "We think that the ACC's pretty tough. When you go through a season in the ACC, you have learned a lot if you stay positive. We have a really young team and we've grown a lot. A lot of people have told me that they think we're one of the most improved teams in the country. We take that as a compliment, but we take it as a compliment to our conference because they have schooled us well. There is a lot to learn and a lot of challenges playing in the ACC."
Weller on falling behind and coming back again in a hostile environment: "It's huge. It's the biggest win we've had all year. We beat Duke at Duke and everyone talks about that being our biggest win, but this is a postseason win in a place that was really, really tough. And I do have to say that I am really impressed by the atmosphere at Virginia Tech. They have a great group of fans --- I don't necessarily like being on the other end of it --- but I'm excited that they have such a great following. It's such a great atmosphere for women's college basketball. Being able to play well in such a great environment really means a lot."
Weller on thoughts of Florida: "I really don't know anything about them. Hopefully we can get a tape or two. Really, we're just focusing on us. We've had a whole season to develop a personality on the court. We're not going to change anything, really. We're just going to play our game. It will be interesting to see what kind of lineup they have, but we won't change anything that we do. They play in the SEC, so you know they're going to be pretty physical."
