Nov. 10, 1999

Coach Bernadette Mattox Quotes

“I was very disappointed in our defense. We did not come out and play theaggressive defense we’re capable of playing. You can’t go into any gamewithout playing the absolute best defense you can play. But tonight thatwas a lesson we learned and that’s why you have exhibition games. When itcame down to the end of the game and we had to turn it up, I was happy tosee that we could do that, but I was not pleased that we did not play likethat the entire game.”

On areas that need improvement

“We need to improve our execution. The players know the plays and we haveto do a better job. We did a better job down the stretch and Erica(Jackson) really stepped up and took it upon herself to get done whatneeded to get done. We need Tiffany (Wait) on the floor and that means shecan’t foul and she has to play tough defense.”

On the inside play

“We hit the boards, but we could have had more. I felt we didn’t block outenough and we were just waiting on the ball to come down instead of goingto get it. We have to do a better job of that. Our post players got someshots, and that’s the way it should be. But we’ve got to finish more ofthose around the rim.”

On Rita Adams

“Bringing Rita in allows us to move Erica (Jackson) to the No. 2 becauseshe’s such an outstanding shooter and penetrator. Rita came in and gave asuper job and in the most part, I’m very pleased with her effort.”

Rating the game

“We turned it on when we needed it and I’m pleased with that, but thattells me that we were capable of doing that for the entire game. I’m alwaysexpecting more. I know what the players are capable of and whenever theydon’t do what they’re capable of, I’m disappointed. I know we’re muchbetter than we were tonight.”