March 23, 2005
COLLEGE PARK, Md. -
Maryland Postgame Quotes vs. Ohio State
Head Coach Brenda Frese
Opening statement:
It was a tremendous game, we're extremely disappointed, but I'll tell you what, I just wouldn't trade this group for anyone and I just thought we did a tremendous job of battling for 40 minutes. We really came out with a lot of fire, especially with our defensive intensity and we knew they were going to have the big three. I really thought Stephanie Blanton was the difference as far as stepping up and having a big night. We have a lot of respect for Ohio state, they're a very talented team.
On Maryland struggling in the second half:
I think in that second half, which we've had some problems with all season long, when we hit the wall. I think still with this young team, they're still learning how to push through that. Ohio State, with the talent that they have, the strength, I thought they did a tremendous job pushing through that wall. We're going to gain some great things from this game, and with so many returners coming back, with the graduation of only Anesia, we're going to be able to build on this.
On defending center Jessica Davenport:
We definitely wanted to mix it up, using Jade's power inside, then when Aurelie came in we wanted to make sure we doubled a little bit more and I thought we did a tremendous job. Jade really was a force defensively until she got into foul trouble. Jessica Davenport and Crystal Langhorne are two of the best post players in the country and it was tremendous battle to see them going back and forth tonight. There's no question, in terms of what a difference it makes to have Jessica Davenport, at 6-4, how much she can alter a game. I look at the positives we gained with the progression that Jade and Aurelie made this season, when we get Laura Harper back, the experience that these young kids got will just help us get better and better.
On Ohio State slowing down the Maryland offense:
They did a tremendous job as far as their defensive transition, I think that some of that was our fatigue. A lot of our best offensive was when we were pushing the tempo and trying to attack. But they did a tremendous job as far as getting back defensively and transitioning.
Sophomore Guard Shay Doron
On the game:
I thought our defense did a great job, and I thought that they hit a few extremely lucky shots that were key in the game with shifting the momentum towards them. We couldn't find the bottom of the basket tonight.
On how physical Ohio State's defense was:
I don't think it was too physical compared to the ACC. They definitely knew where I was at all times tonight. I got more than enough good looks, but they just weren't falling for me tonight and I just could not knock them down.
On the end of the season:
That's the part of ending your season, this team is never going to be a team again. Every year it's a different team and every year it's a different mentality and a different personality. And this year's team is one of the best teams I've ever been on, personality wise and basketball wise. It's just a shame to see it end right now. That's what hurts the most right now, the fact that this team is never going to play together again.
Senior Guard Anesia Smith
On converting opportunities:
Like Shay said, we went on a little drought where we couldn't find the bottom of the basket. We got good looks, we got the ball, we just weren't able to convert. When they needed to step up and finish they did and that was the difference in tonight's game.
Freshman Center Crystal Langhorne
On her first NCAA Tournament:
I learned a lot, it was a great experience, unfortunately we had to lose so early but you see how tough it is playing in the NCAA, everyone's playing really hard.
