Feb. 16, 2010

Recap |  Box Score |  Notes |  AP Photo Gallery 

St. John's Head Coach Kim Barnes Arico
Opening Statement:
“I think it was a great win for our program. They made some incredible runs at us but our kids really held it together. I was really proud of the way we played tonight.” 

On the play of the St. John's freshmen:
“They keep proving to me what they're capable of.” 

On celebrating the win over Notre Dame:
“We talk about this all the time, how much do you celebrate and how much do you prepare because we still have three games left in the season.” 

"Our ultimate goal is to make the NCAA tournament but when I walked in that locker room those kids were going crazy and they have every right to. They should be proud and enjoy this for a minute."

Sophomore Forward Da'Shena Stevens
On Coach Barnes Arico asking her to increase rebounding:
“We always talk about rebounding as a unit. All five of us have to crash the boards.” 

"We're undersized compared to a lot of teams so we all have to rebound together. It just makes us more effective."

Freshman Guard Nadirah McKenith
On getting off to a good start:
“It was real important for us to come out and play hard and set the tempo at the beginning of the game.” 

On Notre Dame Head Coach Muffet McGraw's praise for her play:
“It makes me feel good for the other coach to say I'm playing well. I'll just take the compliment, work hard and get better.” 

Senior Forward Joy McCorvey
Opening Statement:
“I don't have words to express my feelings.” 

"This is definitely a big win, it shows us that we can play with anybody, and the great thing about it is we still have room to grow."

On comparing this year's team to previous STJ squads she has played on:
“Yes, we are young but we do have some experienced players, everyone knows their role. We are also really close so that helps us on the court as well.” 

On whether playing well againt UConn gave the team a boost:
“Playing with UConn definitely showed us we can play with anyone.” 

"We came in to today's game not worrying about the number in front of Notre Dame's name, we played our game."

Freshman guard Shenneika Smith
On whether she demands the ball in big game situations:
“I was in good positions to score. My teammates and my point guard made sure to give me the ball in good spots.” 

On looking ahead
"We're going to take it one game at a time and each win is important."

On guarding Skyler Diggins:
“I'm starting to get into the groove of guarding the other team's best player.” 

Notre Dame Head Coach Muffet McGraw
Opening Statement:
“I thought they played extremely well. I'm really impressed with McKenith. She made some really good passes, she handled the ball well, and I thought she did a great job running the show for them.” 

"I thought we had some matchup problems. We fought hard to the end but we just didn't have enough defense to win the game. They have the exuberance of youth, they have the energy and the passion and excitement, and we didn't quite match that."

On how this year's St. John's squad compares with the 2005-06 STJ team that went to the NCAA:
“This is a really good team and it might be one of their best. They do have the youth. I think this is definitely a really good team. I think it might be their best team since we've been here. Kim's doing a great job.”