March 19, 2004
TEMPE, Ariz. -
MISSOURI HEAD COACH Cindy Stein
(Opening Statement)
"We're just excited to be here. We're really looking forward to playing in the NCAA Tournament and we're going to give it our best shot."
(On Stanford's seed)
"That's tough. I think that they're a very talented team. I can't say that we're exactly happy about our seed either. But the key for every team is to just go out and play their best. We've already seen a couple of upsets in the men's tournament and the same thing happens in the women's tournament. You have to have you're A game ready."
(On matching up with Stanford)
"I think our inside game matches up with their (Stanford's) inside game. But our outside game has been a little bit more inconsistent then theirs has but we've had a lot of kids that weren't available all year long at our guard positions. I like our match ups and I think it's and exciting challenge."
(Comparing Evan Unrau and Nicole Powell)
"I think they are two of the best players in the country. But Evan (Unrau) was right when she said they were two very different players."
(On what they need to do to beat Stanford)
"When I've seen Stanford struggle at times it's been because Powell was struggling. I think defense always wins the big games and we know it will be a challenge for us. We know that you can't give Stanford just one look. They're too smart and you can't try to play them one way the entire game."
(On preparing for later game)
"We can schedule later practices and getting used to getting out body used to a later time than we are used to."
(On Nicole Powell)
"Probably a mixture of everything, she is a great player, she can score, rebounds, pass the assist. It is just a matter of eliminating her looks and making the looks that she does get tough and play team defense."
(On Stanford being a good team)
"They are a good team and obviously they are upset about their seed, but there is nothing we can do about it. We just have to prepare and do what we can."
(On being the most versatile player in the Big 12)
"I think I'm an all around player, I don't think I'm the most versatile player in the Big 12, I think that is a big statement. I think she and I (Nicole Powell) are completely different players."
(On Stanford being familiar about playing at ASU)
"We've had a lot of wins on the road. They are familiar playing here, but we rally together. I don't classify us as the underdogs, I think we are a really good team. We are getting the chance to be at full strength and reach our potential because we haven't gotten any publicity about our season.
(On going back to tournament for first time since freshman year)
"Coming into my freshman year I didn't know what to expect. Going to the tournament my first year was more exciting, you really didn't know what to expect and then going to the NIT the next two years, makes you look back and realize how important and how fun it is to get back to the tournament. It is great to go back as seniors."
(On preparing for the game)
"We have to eliminate Powell's touch and not let her get open looks and just coming out and playing our type of basketball. We know what we need to do and we need to be ready for the game."
(On what type of game they are going to play)
"Playing full court defense, getting out and pressuring them and trying to get fast breaks."
STANFORD HEAD COACH TARA VANDERVEER
"We're really excited to be here. For us, it's a really important game tomorrow against Missouri. We have worked very hard to get ready this week. Our focus is to come out and play a very inspired team."
"I think the Pac-10 has some very outstanding players and outstanding teams. Ourselves and other teams have had teams on the ropes and just didn't deliver the knockout punch. I think the perception of Pac-10 basketball is that it isn't the quality of the Big XII, SEC or the Big 10. We're on a self-fulfilling prophecy."
"Last time we played ASU we played great in the first half and in the second half we had a meltdown. I challenged our team at that point and told them this is how it will feel at the end of the year if we play like this. Our team has not forgotten one of the low points of the season and being back here is a good thing and can be used in a very positive way."
"Nicole Powell is the most versatile player we've ever had. She can play every position. She can handle the ball, shoot and rebound. We have had a lot of great players and the time they really shine is in the NCAA Tournament."