Postgame Quotes

Head Coach Sherri Coale

On the game:
"Another really gritty performance by our kids. These two (Joanna McFarland and Aaryn Ellenberg) who are on the stage with me just had tremendous nights. We're really showing a lot of leadership, a lot of passion, a lot of intelligence, a lot of toughness, and making plays. I'm just really, really proud. That's a good basketball team. They're going to win a bunch of games in this league."

On offense in last minutes of game:
"We went through a stretch their in the middle of the second half, maybe from 11 minutes down to around six or seven, when McFarland and Nicole Griffin were both in foul trouble. We had some different and odd combinations in, so stuff that we wanted to go to to take advantage of their defense, we couldn't really run. When they came back in we were immediately able to go to some of that stuff."

On the number of free throw attempts:
"That was advantageous for us. We gave up a couple free-throw rebounds but the free-throw rebounds we came up with led to some transition. The pace of the game overall is what enabled Morgan Hook and Ellenberg play for 40 minutes and not be exposed for being out there for so long."

On getting key rebounds without the size:
"We are getting better at it. We still don't block out as well as I'd like. We get a little antsy and we want to go get it instead of taking our guy out of play and then going to get it. That's what you have to do when you give up size or extreme athleticism, but we're getting better at it. I think it helps too when you've got one that just goes and gets a rebound."

On surprised they are 4-0 in Big 12 play:
"No I'm not surprised. I love these guys. I'm proud of them, I'm happy about it, we've got a lot of room for growth, a lot of improvements to make but I just love their spirit. I love the way they fight together and their belief in one another and themselves and the way they represent our program. I couldn't be more proud of them, they are an absolute blast to coach because they are always reachable and they are always receptive and try to do whatever we ask them to do and that's fun."

Senior F Joanna McFarland

On hitting clutch free throws:
"I was feeling excitement. It was a close game and every play is a big play. To get fouled and to get to go to the line, it was exciting. I was just showing excitement for everyone."

On physical game:
"Every Big 12 game is physical. This league is not for those who don't want to get hit. It's physical every single night and they weren't more physical than any other team, so I guess it was just another night."

On the 4-0 start in Big 12:
"I think all the adversity that we've faced has made us even tighter; our chemistry is greater because we have a lot of leadership on the sideline now. I think we're all just playing for those people who can't, and we're just trying to make a stand."

Junior G Aaryn Ellenberg

On her eight straight points scored late in game:
"It was close at that point, so every shot really counted. I was open, which usually I am a lot. I didn't think much; just shoot it and expect to make it."

On playing 40 minutes:
"Some nights its tougher than others, but I think I did well keeping myself composed and not letting myself get to tire at times. When I needed a break, I would take a break at appropriate times. It was 40 minutes, but it didn't seem like it was that bad."

On the 4-0 start in Big 12:
"I think it helps us confidence wise because, though we did lose all those important people to our team, all the other guys on our team have stepped up and been a little better version of themselves. This is a tough league; people are dropping day in and day out. Just to come out 4-0, it shows that we're going to be tough to beat."

On facing different styles of play and still winning:
"I think we're just doing well when we respond to what people throw at us. Just looking at what's been thrown our way, we've handled it in a mature way, and I think that's been to our benefit so far."

Head Coach Kristy Curry

On Aaryn Ellenberg's plays at the end of the game:
"Just credit her for stepping up and making big plays. I think at that point, you have to credit Oklahoma. Certainly, they were able to make plays and make big shots. We know that she does that very well."

On Kelsi Baker playing with four fouls in the second half:
"I think the most important thing with Kelsi is I thought she gave them too many easy touches. You can't play like you have any fouls. If that enters your mind, then you become passive. I think I was most disappointed on the offensive end. Between [Jackie] Patterson and [Christine] Hyde and Kelsi, they were three of 20. That's absolutely unacceptable when combined with missed free throws. We are probably not going to win many Big 12 games (when shooting that poorly)."

On playing in Norman:
"You know what, you credit Oklahoma. What Coach Coale has done is phenomenal. We haven't had much luck here, but we will continue to come back in the future and do everything we can to get a win. We try not to look back very often. We've got to look forward."

On missed free throws and shots not falling near the end of the game:
"Those [possessions] have worked out for us some here lately. We've been fortunate to have those work out. We did at Oklahoma State. We did against K-State. We were able to make plays down the stretch. I think the biggest thing is credit Oklahoma. Sometimes I think you have to not focus so much on what you didn't do but credit your opponent, lace them up, move on and head to Austin on Wednesday. In this league you have to have short-term memory and some toughness about you."