Postgame Quotes
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2010-11 Virginia Basketball Postgame Quotes
November 22, 2010
EA SPORTS Maui Invitational
Washington 106, Virginia 63
Virginia Head Coach Tony Bennett
Opening statement after the loss to Washington.
“We were thoroughly outplayed in every facet of the game. Washington is an experienced, explosive team. When they have an open look they don’t miss. When I look at the stat sheet and see 40 points in the paint and 18 in transition, they could really do whatever they wanted. We were not sound enough. We’re very inexperienced and it showed.
“If you want to be in a game with Washington, and I’ve played against them many times, you have to make them play against a set defense, you have to take care of the ball and be somewhat sound and patient, and that was very much lacking tonight. We have to regroup and come back and fight and that’s what I’ve challenged the guys to do”
It’s probably tough to simulate that kind of pressure in practice, but as familiar as you are with Washington and their style, were you surprised at how quickly things got out of hand tonight?
“I know they are explosive, you can see it. We don’t have that kind of foot speed or quickness. Until you go through it, it’s like cold water in the face how quickly they get down on you and how they can hurt you in a lot of different ways. It did get out of hand and some of that was our turnovers, 26 points off of turnovers, we got a little sped up. Was I surprised to be down that much that early, yes I was surprised but I know they’re capable of that and we have a long way to go.”
Was that nearly a perfect first half for Washington?
“They played very well, but I think we certainly contributed to that with our foolish play. You have no chance against Washington, we don’t, if you’re turning the ball over, you’re not getting back, if you’re shooting quick and giving them second chance points.
“Lorenzo’s got a heck of a team. They’re deep, their guards keep coming at you and they’re a beautiful shooting team. I’m sure they’ll be challenged more tomorrow.”
Virginia freshman guard Joe Harris
I assume you haven’t faced anything like Washington’s pressure before. Can you talk about what it was like to experience it first hand?
“They got after us. You could tell from the get go. Like you were saying earlier it’s tough to simulate that kind of pressure in practice. We didn’t really handle it as well as we expected to, but we knew it was coming from watching film. That’s what they like to do, to get up and pressure and run. We had a difficult time adapting to it.”