University of Connecticut Athletics
UConn-La. Tech Notes & Quotes
3/26/2001 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Connecticut
Connecticut Coach Geno Auriemma
"There are a lot of things we did (against NC State yesterday) that if we do the same thing tomorrow, we’re 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 don’t think we did that yesterday."
"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."
"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. I’m 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 doesn’t change it one bit. I stand by what I say."
Connecticut Guard Sue Bird
"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 we’ll do whatever we need to do to win."
Connecticut Forward Swin Cash
"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.
"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 we’ll be alright."
Louisiana Tech
Louisiana Tech Coach Leon Barmore…
"Connecticut has been very impressive. Not many teams can lose what they’ve lost and still put a quality product on the floor. Let’s be honest and give Connecticut credit for their recruiting, too. That’s a good, efficient program and I give them credit."
"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."
Louisiana Tech Guard Brooke Lassiter
"Obviously Connecticut is still the defending national champions until someone knocks them off. We will go out and concentrate on our game plan and we’ll be fine."
Louisiana Tech Forward Takeisha Lewis
"The position (being in the spotlight) can be difficult at times. But it’s 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, that’s all I care about."
Louisiana Tech Center Ayana Walker
"It’s 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." NOTEBOOK
Streaking// Both Louisiana Tech and Connecticut enter the East Regional Final with a significant win streak. Louisiana Tech has won 19 straight while No. 1 ranked Uconn has conquered its last 14 matchups.
30 and counting…// Louisiana Tech’s Leon Barmore and Connecticut’s Geno Auriemma are the only two coaches in Division I history to post five consecutive 30-win seasons. This year Louisiana Tech is 31-4, while Uconn is 31-2.
NCAA Dominance// Louisiana Tech is making its 16th regional final appearance in the past 20 years, while Connecticut is the defending national champion and is making its eighth appearance in the regional final. Louisiana Tech and Connecticut also rank number two and three in NCAA tournament history in winning percentage. Louisiana Tech is 61-17 (.782) while Uconn is 34-10 (.772). The teams have combined for five national championships, and ironically is the first tournament meeting between the two teams.
If the slipper fitsLouisiana Tech has won 19 straight contests, they have a 31-4 record and are trying to obtain their 14th Final Four appearance and yet, they are the underdogs. No. 1 ranked Connecticut is the defending national champions and has been ranked in the top three in the country all season.
