QUOTES >> USA 89, Brazil 46
Colorado Springs, Colo. - June 24, 2010
Jennifer Rizzotti USA and University of Hartford head coach
On playing Brazil:
Brazil's a great team. They always have a very competitive program coming here at a young age. They're very passionate in the way they play. We knew they were going to be one of our toughest competitors. Our biggest thing was to dominate the boards, and we won that. So we certainly did what we set out to do. So i'm really pleased with the overall effort.
On how the team is doing so well in transition:
We really kind of focused on turning our defense into offense and valuing the ball in transition to make sure we get a good shot every single time. And we feel like we can get really good offensive rebound opportunities off the break. So, for two weeks it's been, 'Value the ball, get a good shot, then go get it.' Our point guards have done a good job, our wings have run hard and our post players have done a really nice job of establishing position and being tough to guard.
On how the team is playing, being 2-0 heading into its final preliminary round game:
This group is really coming together. We might not have these individuals that stand out -- some of them are young, some of them might be role players in college. But as a group, they're definitely performing at a very high level. I'm really pleased with how they've played together as a family.
Bria HartleyOn helping to spark the USA's early run:
We haven't been coming out too strong, and coach always says we want to start out every six minutes of every game strong. So, we came out and tried to push the tempo up the floor so we could get a good run going.
Did you execute what you wanted tonight?
I think we are playing as a team the way coach wants us to play, pushing the tempo and getting the ball up the court and finding open shots.
We were definitely prepared going through films and scrimmaging them twice previously. We were well prepared.
How much fun was tonight's game?
It was definitely a lot of fun. I have really enjoyed playing and getting to know all of these girls. Best time of my life.
Are you ready for Puerto Rico tomorrow?
We are ready. We are going to do our scouting report and come out strong tomorrow.
Alexis Jones(MacArthur H.S./Irving, Texas)
How did you feel about your performance tonight?
I think I did pretty good. I helped on defense on the weak side, got rebounds, steals and helped the team get out and run.
What is your role on this team?
My focus is to play good defense and make sure nobody gets past me and whatever happens, happens. I just need to make sure I play good defense and rebound.
Ally Malott(Madison H.S./Middletown, Ohio)
How much fun was the game tonight?
It was a lot of fun, especially when we run through our plays right and we make stops on defense. It's a good feeling.
Do you know what your role is on this team?
I'm not the main scorer or the one who drives to the basket. I just go out there and work hard and do what I need to for the team.
That is probably different than the role you are used to, is it not?
Yeah, definitely. It hasn't been a rough transition or anything. It's just helping out my team. Everyone here can score and everyone is used to being the best player on their team, so it's cool to bring everyone together and see the results. I think we are playing as a team really well right now.
Kayla McBride(Villa Maria Academy/Erie, Pa.)
Did you feel like the USA was clicking on all cylinders tonight?
Yeah, definitely. We've been with each other for three weeks, and now we know how we all play. We are coming together, and it's fun.
What do you need to work on before you play Puerto Rico tomorrow night?
I think we just need to keep our intensity all throughout the tournament " just making sure we always play hard and never let up.
Chiney Ogwumike(Cy-Fair H.S./Cypress, TX)
On setting the tone early against Brazil?
We know we have a lot of energy, so we know we have to maximize on every possession and play hard to the fullest when we have that kind of energy. So we can't take anything for granted, especially at the beginning of the game. We have to set the tone.
On how she gets positioning in the post:
I credit my teammates for that. If you can find someone at the right time to make the right play, it makes finishing so much easier. Positioning isn't bad when you know your team is going to look for you, and they happened to look for me tonight. I was really proud of them for really working on those plays.
USABasketball.com is part of the NBA network of websites.