Feb. 1, 2006

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Maryland Head Coach Brenda Frese
On the game
"It was a tremendous game on both ends. We knew Miami was going to come in here and play inspired because they are a tremendous team. We knew at halftime they weren't going to quit, and they made a big run on us at halftime, but the main factor was that we had so many key contributions on both ends of the court. I thought we really played unselfishly by moving the ball around and having dominance on the glass, and that is what we're going to have to continue to do."

On the starting line-up
"We feel like we have a lot of starters on this team. Anyone can start on any given night for us. In the last four games we were concerned with our starts, so tonight we were trying something different. As I told the team, with the talent we have it can change based on the line-up, or who is having good rhythm on the night. Tonight we were looking at a defensive assignment, and we ended up having great overall energy to start the game off."

On playing with a high ranking
"I think the toughest thing they need to overcome is the fact that every team that comes in here is going to be giving them their best shot, especially teams that aren't ranked. For them, it's their opportunity to knock off a ranked opponent. I think we've done a great job keeping our composure and our poise. Ultimately, it is just a number in front of our school name and we still have opportunities ahead of us. We still need to get better with certain aspects of the game."

On the recent overtime games
"From our end, I think we're going to be able to learn from these games. In this conference you're going to get everyone's best game because it's such a tough league. Our goal is just to continue to build momentum throughout the games in February."

Sophomore Forward Laura Harper
On how it felt to start the game
"It was definitely a great feeling. I just want to bring anything to the team, whether it's coming off the bench or whatever. Tonight I had a different role and it was a great feeling."

On playing with a high ranking
"Ranking is just a number. We're going to play Maryland basketball regardless of the number that is assigned to us."

Junior Guard Shay Doron
On Miami's comeback in the second half
"We knew it came down to our defense and stopping them. Instead of increasing our lead in the second half we allowed them to get 11 points. Once we played defense, our offense improved as well. All the fast breaks and buckets led to an increased confidence, but it all started with our defense tonight."

On back to playing the number two position
"It's a more natural thing for me to be playing two versus point. I think I went out there today and played better because I'm back to playing the position I've been playing my whole life. It's not about the pressure [of playing point], it's about playing something that is a lot more comfortable. I know I'm going to have to be versatile in both positions, but hopefully Kristi will stay healthy."

Miami Head Coach Katie Meier
On forward Tamara James early foul trouble
"Tamara scoring and pulling their post away was a huge part of our game plan, and for her to get her second foul - that early - was very damaging to our team."

On her mindset at halftime
"I truly, truly believed that we were going to come back and win the game. We were playing the first half with freshmen and sophomores because of early foul trouble. I knew there were lots of points to be scored in the second half."

On Maryland's rebounding
"We missed a lot of shots, they had 39 defensive rebounds and we missed 51 shots. You can't do that when you are playing a talented offensive team, and I truly believe that Maryland is a wonderfully talented offensive team. When you are playing a team that can rebound like they do, that's just giving the ball back to much."

On Maryland guard Shay Doron:
"I think that Shay is the one who killed us. She did such a nice job moving around on the court. You look at her shot chart and she was just scoring from all different spots on the floor. It makes defense that much harder for our team."