University of Connecticut Athletics
UConn-Notre Dame Postgame Quotes
12/5/2021 4:10:00 PM | Women's Basketball
UConn Head Coach Geno Auriemma
On Paige Bueckers' injury:
Nothing other than the doctors did a quick examination. They are doing to wait for the ice to come off and run an MRI test. From the replay, it looks like a hyperextension. Best case scenario. Hopefully, we get some good news tomorrow.
On Olivia Nelson-Ododa and Caroline Ducharme's performances:
Liv had a great day today, Liv's put some solid performances lately rebounding and defensively. We just have to get her to be less aggressive going after blocked shots. I like how she's more demanding with the ball and being more assertive. Caroline made me look stupid when I kept saying how happy I was for her and how well she was practicing, then today she comes out and showed a glimpse of what she can do. She's a tough kid who enjoys these kinds of games and environments.
On playing Georgia Tech for Olivia's homecoming game:
It's getting harder all the time because some coaches aren't cooperative to schedule a game for a local kid. Especially since it's us, and it might be the biggest crowd you have. I feel like it benefits everyone honestly. I'm happy it was able to come together the way it did.
Senior Forward Olivia Nelson-Ododa
On the game and Paige Bueckers' injury:
We definitely celebrated the win but we were definitely more concerned about Paige and how she was feeling and her status right now. So we're just kind of waiting on that, we're praying for the best, praying for good news, and just kind of waiting on the outcome.
On her aggression lately in games:
In practice the coaches have definitely been harping on us to be more aggressive. Especially on the defensive end with rebounds, defensive or offensive rebounds, just crashing the boards and having that aggressive mentality. So I've been trying to translate that into the games. Just the way they've been on us in practice and trying to emphasize certain things of course starts with being aggressive. I've just been trying to translate that.
On what she took from the South Carolina loss:
Definitely. That loss was heartbreaking for me, I took it very personally. Ever since then just trying to be intentional at practice about what I'm doing, how I'm doing things. Primarily just listening to the coaching staff.
Freshman Guard Caroline Ducharme
On what she did in today's game:
I think like you said just being aggressive and trying not to over think things. I think the last few games I've just been over thinking what I needed to do and today I just tried to go out and play and not think about things too much.
On what she'll take to future games:
Like I said, just trying not to overthink things and just going out and playing. Having fun, enjoying it, and taking shots that are open, and not overthinking or taking a bad shot. So I think just being able to do that and hit open shots is important.
Notre Dame Head Coach Niele Ivey
On the game:
We played competitively for three quarters. And in the fourth quarter they ran away with it. I think it's a credit to UConn. They are a really great team. Unfortunately we got out-rebounded and I thought that was the difference. I thought we turned the ball over which led to easy transition baskets for them. We have a lot to learn from that we completed for three quarters. Were gonna go back and continue to grow and work and learn a lot from this game.
