Quotebook

Connecticut

Connecticut Coach Geno Auriemma

On post play and tomorrows matchup:
"There are a lot of things we did (against NC State yesterday) that if we do the same thing tomorrow, were going to get killed. (Ayana) Walker and (Takeisha) Lewis are just huge. They are big, they are strong, they are quick. I think we are going to have to play as a team inside, I dont think we did that yesterday."

On recruiting at Uconn:
"We recruited some really great kids early on that were good players, nobody great. We took a team to the Final Four in 1991 that had no players rated in the Top 100 coming out of high school, but they were the best kids. They helped recruit players that were just like them, only better players, and that just snowballed."

On guarantee of winning a national championship..
"I say what is on my mind. If I think we have the best team in the country and we are going to win it all, I am going to tell you that. When the season started that is exactly how I felt and I told you that. Im not afraid to say it because I believe it. Now that we have a couple of players hurt, does it change the way I feel? It doesnt change it one bit. I stand by what I say."

Connecticut Guard Sue Bird

On expectations of being defending champs:

Were hard on ourselves for a reason. We have to put pressure on ourselves because we want the national title. You always want to play better then the night before."

On facing a familiar La Tech in the East Regional Finals:
"I know they (Louisiana Tech) will be very emotional tomorrow since we beat them earlier in the season on their home court. Both teams have gotten better and well do whatever we need to do to win."

Connecticut Forward Swin Cash

On the level of play to win tomorrow:
"We have to play at the hightest level tomorrow. All the teams left in the tournament are great teams. We have to concentrate on defense and rebounding. We have to worry about ourselves and get on defense, offense and rebounding so we can do well tomorrow.

On adjustment made without Shea Ralph and Svetlana Abrosimova:
"I think now we have to do the small things. They were definitely a presence on the floor. Shea was a hustler on the court and a leader on the floor. The team has to step up. If everyone does a little more well be alright."

Louisiana Tech

Louisiana Tech Coach Leon Barmore:

On Uconn playing in Regional Final despite injuries:
"Connecticut has been very impressive. Not many teams can lose what theyve lost and still put a quality product on the floor. Lets be honest and give Connecticut credit for their recruiting, too. Thats a good, efficient program and I give them credit."

On difficulty in winning East Regional Final:
"The final can be hard in a lot of ways. We want to be there in the Final Four and carry it with us for the rest of our lives. Going to the Final Four and losing is even more difficult, but it will be hard enough to win on Monday. There are eight great teams left, which is a honor in itself."

On teams improvement since first meeting with Connecticut:

Were so much better, especially defensively. Is that going to be enough against Connecticut? I dont know, but our post defense is so much better, and we understand our offensive roles better. Were just not the same team. If we play as hard as we did (the first time we played Connecticut), Ill live with the outcome either way."

Louisiana Tech Guard Brooke Lassiter

On facing Connecticut:
"Obviously Connecticut is still the defending national champions until someone knocks them off. We will go out and concentrate on our game plan and well be fine."

Louisiana Tech Forward Takeisha Lewis

On the spotlight on her:
"The position (being in the spotlight) can be difficult at times. But its all for my team all for my coaches. As long as I can go out and do what it takes to make this team win, thats all I care about."

Louisiana Tech Center Ayana Walker

On facing Connecticut:
"Its going to be the type of game where rebounding determines the outcome. Like coach (Barmore) said we got better on defense. We got better since that game in the post. I know we are not scared."

University of Connecticut Athletics

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