Postgame Quotes - Cavalier Classic II

Story Links

Postgame Quotes
Virginia 63, Liberty 54
Dec. 29, 2009

Virginia Head Coach Debbie Ryan
Opening Statement:
“I knew it was going to be a really highly-contested game tonight. Whenever you are playing someone that close in proximity, and of course (Liberty Coach) Carey (Green) has coached against me for his whole life, I knew it was going to be a really good game. I thought we did a nice job of getting some people out of the game early who could have hurt us. That was a key, making people pick up fouls. To their credit they kept the score down and kept us from busting through their pressure. We were able to get some points in the paint. We did a nice job of not letting them get back in the game and just closing the door. That was what we talked about before that game.”

On the combined 50 turnovers:
“I thought some of it was good defense and some of it was bad mistakes. A lot of it was seeing things but being a second late on the passes. We are usually not a high-turnover team. That was not a good night for us turnover-wise.”

On Monica Wright:
“She played outstanding for us. With everything that has been going on with her, she did an outstanding job of stepping up tonight and making things happen.”

On Wright closing in on the scoring record:
“I don’t think that is part of what she is thinking about. She is about making this team better and that is part of her job. She is helping to develop some of these other kids.”

On the Marriott Cavalier Classic:
“It means a lot to us and Marriott and the people who sponsor this tournament do an awesome job. To be able to come back to our home court after Christmas and have back-to back games really helps us get our rhythm and timing back. These were two great teams here tonight, teams that will be in the NCAA Tournament. There are all sorts of things that come into play.”

On Simone Egwu:
“She definitely has gained a lot of confidence and we went to her a lot tonight, forcing her to step up and make a difference in the game. She is someone you have to pay attention to or she is going to burn you.”

On China Crosby:
“Tonight was not a bad night for her. She played a very good game, controlled the game, ran the offense and got through the pressure most of the time. She took charges.”

Senior Guard Monica Wright
On moving into a tie for second place in all-time points:
“For most of the season I have been able to ignore it. Recently, having everybody say things about it, it has been out there more. But we are practicing, doing scouting reports. I am sure my dad knew, but I didn’t know.”

On the scoring record:
“It is there – somewhat – but it is really a non-issue right now. It is not in my mind right now. It is a great accomplishment – being in some good company. I will be honored but I am really trying not to pay attention to it.”

On in-state rivals:
“In terms of rivalry, it is about who wants to be the best team in Virginia. There is always going to be a team that wants to beat us and be that No. 1 team. You are always going to have a battle when it comes to games like this. As the year goes on it is going to get harder but as Coach Ryan reminded us, this is a game that is going to be looked at when it comes to NCAAs.”

Liberty Head Coach Carey Green
Opening Statement:
“We would like to congratulate the Cavaliers. It was a hard-fought ball game and obviously there were some up and down moments for both teams. It felt like they did what they needed to do to take advantage and win the game. Did an excellent job of getting to the foul line. I was pleased was the overall effort of our team. We had some breakdowns. The difference was points off turnovers.”

On the 50 combined turnovers:
“I don’t think either team wanted that many turnovers. You can blame it on Christmas break and timing but both teams were pretty aggressive on defense. As teams compete, you are going to have turnovers, I just wish ours were ones we could defend and not give up so many points.”