Jan. 20, 2012
Head Coach Gail Goestenkors
On Wednesday’s win over Iowa State: I think it gives us great momentum. We played, I thought, great defense the entire time. Our offense sputtered a little bit in the first half, but I thought we made some big plays, especially Yvonne Anderson down the stretch. So I think that will give her some confidence that we need going up to Norman.
On the level of competition in the Big 12 Conference: We talked about the fact that the Big 12 is such a war and we’re so evenly balanced throughout the conference. Many of the games are going to come down to the wire. There are going to be a lot of games that are going to be decided by six points or less. If the teams that can execute down the stretch hit their free throws and make the big plays, they’re going to win the big games.
On Cokie Reed: She’s seeing the doctor right now. She remains day-to-day. We’re hoping to have her. It would be a big boost to us. Either way, we’re ready to play.
On Nneka Enemkpali’s start against Iowa State: I thought Nneka played great defense. She struggled a little on offense. I think she was a little anxious, but she shows great signs and she’s just going to get better and better. Either Cokie will be there or Nneka [in Saturday’s game].
On the maturity of her freshman players: Usually when you start second semester and you’ve had a couple of Big 12 games under your belt, that’s when we tell the freshman that they’re no longer freshman, so they need to act like sophomores. I think Nneka is just ready to turn the corner. I think she has on the defensive end. Now I’m expecting more from her offensively, as well.
On Saturday’s game at Oklahoma: Just like in all sports, it’s a great rivalry with OU. They’ve got a tremendous program. They’ve been to several Final Fours recently. They have great expectations, as well. They’re very difficult [to beat] at home. They have three great guards that I’m so impressed with. They’re finding their way with their post players. It’s going to be an interesting game. I think it’s going to be a game where the guards really rule and decide who is going to win.
Senior guard Yvonne Anderson
On her winning basket against Iowa State: The day after, I kind of forgot about it. I didn’t realize that I’d had a buzzer beater—that I’d won the game. It didn’t seem as big as people made it. I think I just wanted to win. I think that was kind of what you saw on the floor—just going out there and doing whatever was necessary toward the end of the game to get that “W.”
On Wednesday’s win over Iowa State: It’s great to say that you’re able to prove it on the floor. It’s one of the things that [assistant] Coach [Edwina] Brown has been saying: “Enough talking. Put it into action.” I think we did it when we played Iowa State. We had some things that we need to fix. Hopefully we do that before we play Oklahoma.
Sophomore guard Chassidy Fussell
On what her team takes from Wednesday’s win over Iowa State: I feel like it’s going to give us confidence. It’s going to give Yvonne a lot more confidence. She had a really good game that game, coming off the Baylor loss. That’s the main thing it’s going to give us—confidence.
On Nneka Enemkpali’ performance this season: Nneka is doing great. She’s still playing as a freshman. She’s got to gain more confidence. Just missing that layup against Baylor, she showed her freshman side. I was in the same situation last year, so I can’t look down on it. As long as she gains confidence throughout the season, she can help us out a lot.
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