Pitt Women's Basketball Postgame Quotes

Feb. 16, 2017

Pitt Head Coach Suzie McConnell-Serio

Opening Statement:

"After a slow start once again, at one point I threw my hands up in the air and said 'what is it going to take to put points on the board?' We just couldn't find any rhythm. We played with no energy, and all of a sudden you insert [Guard] Jasmine Whitney into the game and insert [Forward] Destinie Gibbs into the lineup and she just became instant energy and she was a great facilitator. She played hard. Those two coming off the bench really gave us a different look and gave u energy that we needed, and to look at that stat sheet and see that we scored 32 points in the fourth quarter is impressive to me because of the struggles that we have had throughout the course of this season. Winning feels good. To see the players, the smiles on their faces, it was great to see the energy they had on the floor - high fiving, smiling. It was good to get back in the win column. Virginia Tech, though, they are so talented. They spread the floor, they have a point guard who for someone who doesn't shoot the three is so quick and athletic and can get to the rim. She makes the players around her better. This was a dangerous team. They ended up making a run in the second half when Destinie Gibbs got tired and [Forward] Kauai Bradley picked up her fourth foul and Jasmine Whitney started cramping and had to leave the game. Our rhythm changed. Those three came back on the floor and we found more rhythm, [Guard] Alayna Gribble hit a big three off the bench. But Brenna Wise, what a performance. I found out that 13-13 from the free throw line is a school record. She was impressive. My expectations are high for Brenna and I am probably hardest on her. I think the whole arena can hear me calling her name throughout the course of a game, and she thrives on it. She's a winner. She wants to make plays. Overall, it's a great win and it feels good."

On Jasmine Whitney's progression:

"Jasmine, in the very beginning of the year when she was healthier, scoring wise, was very effective. I think with the wear and tear of this season, of practice every day, with two and three games a week, the wear and tear of the season right before Christmas caught up with her. She's now starting to feel better and we're throwing everything at her. I still cringe every time she hits the floor, but she is a fighter, and I love having the ball in her hands to make plays. Whether its scoring or finding people, she's going to be very good. I'm excited by the opportunity of having her for the next three years."

On how important the good third-quarter start was:

"It was huge. I typically have gone with the same starting lineup that started the game, but tonight we went small. Brenna hit two threes right off the bat. We had a few shot clock violations, taking tough shots down the stretch. Some of our players haven't been in that situation, it was kind of like 'I don't want it you take it,' like a hot potato. They just needed to settle down and attack. When Virginia Tech made that run, I thought they were being more aggressive offensively and we were fouling, letting them get to the rim, and we were passive offensively. Being aggressive on the offensive end is what got us the lead and we needed to get back to that."

On Brenna Wise's leadership tonight:

"Brenna is our most enthusiastic, most vocal player, she lives in the gym. She wants to win so badly and will do whatever it takes. From taking a charge, to rebounding, to knocking down shots. When I say I'm harder on her, it's because she can be a facilitator. Tonight she didn't have any assists. We're trying to get her to become a playmaker as well. It's all in her decision making. Her leadership on the floor tonight was incredible. She played with a lot of energy, she was very active, we played undersized she and Destinie Gibbs both had bigger post players that they were guarding and I thought they battled and did a great job."

Pitt Sophomore Forward Brenna Wise

On scoring 31 points in the team's win:

"Honestly, I could have scored 0 points, it just feels great to win to be honest with you. It's awesome."

On breaking the school record tonight for the most free throws made (13) without a miss:

"I am honored to have that coupled with a win. It feels great taking this momentum going on the road to Georgia Tech."

On wanting the ball in big situations:

"I absolutely want the ball in those situations. It comes from our coaching staff, putting the ball in my hands, and my teammates believing in me and putting a smile on my face at the line."

Pitt Junior Guard Aysia Bugg

On ending the team's six-game losing streak:

"It helps us carry momentum, especially into the next game and for the rest of the season to finish strong."

On Wise, Bugg and Whitney being the top three scorers tonight:

"It shows that we are versatile. It can be anyone's day, tonight happened to be ours. All of our teammates are willing and able to do the same thing we just did."

On overcoming a poor first quarter and what changed for the rest of the game:

"Our defensive intensity, rebounding, doing the little things - getting on the ground, jump balls, all little things to help us. Coming out in the third quarter strong really helped us out."

On the specific defensive changes made during the game:

"Going into the 3-2 defense really helped. We were doing fine man-to-man, but I think the zone shook them up a little bit and helped us out."

Pitt Freshman Guard Jasmine Whitney

On ending the team's six-game losing streak:

"I think we needed it for our confidence. We are trying to push through the rest of the season, get better each game and I think we came out and did that today."

On her confident play and how she felt she performed:

"I felt good. I tried to get my teammates involved, coming off the screens, looking to dish, doing whatever I can to help the team."

Pitt Women's Basketball Postgame Quotes

Players Mentioned

Kauai Bradley

Aysia Bugg

Destinie Gibbs

Alayna Gribble

Jasmine Whitney

Brenna Wise

Brenna Wise

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