Quotes vs. Sac State
Head Coach Scott Rueck
On how the team faced Sacramento State’s unique style …
“It’s a unique style for sure. I think it’s going to prepare us for situations where we are going to face pressure in the future. It’s a relentless style, it makes you focus for 40 minutes and if you blink it makes you look bad. We had very few lapses today; we had a few down the stretch. I thought our game was phenomenal today; it’s a big game of keep away but the team really played with composure and poise and played well. Most importantly I loved our defense, we made this team take a bunch of tough shots. We kept them off the free throw line and forced a poor percentage. I was really pleased with how we performed today, Sac St is such a unique style and they play with such heart, there’s no quit in that team and they just kept coming. I was proud of the way we weathered it.”
On playing at the home and the comfort they have here…
“It’s been good to us obviously, we had a great run a year ago, 14-1 at home and we’ve kept that going again this year. There’s something about it [Gill Coliseum], there’s just a great vibe, a great feel. The team plays very well here and we have a great relationship with our fans. There is just a good mojo in there and so there is a relentlessness with which this team plays. Although we don’t fly around like Sac State, there is a pressure applied to an opponent and they just executed today. The assist number you see, that’s indicative of just the selflessness they have played with throughout. There is just something special about playing here and they have been great.”
Sophomore Sydney Wiese
On the team’s focus moving forward…
"The focus for us is staying at our intensity and not sinking down to the other teams level. We need to keep our intensity and stay focused on us. North Carolina is undefeated to so it’s going to be a great game. We can’t let our adrenaline get to us; we have to be smart on how we prepare and have our mindset for this game. It’s obviously going to be a big game. They are a great team and it’s going to be a challenge for us but I think we are ready to head over there."
Junior Deven Hunter
On how the team was able to find their teammates tonight for so many open shots...
"I just think we were able to share the ball reall well as a team. We've gotten to the point where we know who will be open on the court and who has the better shot."
