Nov. 13, 2011

Recap | Box Score | Photo Gallery

Head Coach Muffet McGraw

Opening Statement…
“I was very happy with the game in all phases. I thought we played hard, I thought we played great defensively and I was really happy with our aggressiveness. I don’t think we looked at the score, and we continued to play hard with the lead. Offensively, we did some pretty good things as well. I was particularly pleased with Markisha Wright. She recorded her first double-double as a freshman, and we hope she has many, many more. Overall, I thought we were in a much better rhythm and took care of the ball.”

On the team’s ability to get steals defensively…
“We really work on it at practice. I think Skylar [Diggins] in particular brought that trait with her when she came here, and it really changes the game when we can get up on the ball. I think Whitney [Holloway] has learned a lot from the older and more experienced players. She watches how they play and realizes that she can also get up on the ball. Whitney gets great preparation because she has to guard Skylar in practice.”

On being able to convert 51 points off turnovers…
“We really try to make the opposition uncomfortable and take them out of their offense by really getting in the passing lanes and putting a lot of pressure on the ball. When they have a good inside player like they did today, we wanted to prevent her from getting some easy looks. I thought we did a really nice job of chasing their players off of screens, and was really pleased with the defense we played today.”

On Notre Dame’s three-point shooting…
“It was the same thing in our exhibition game where we were one of nine from three and came back the next game and shot the ball really well. I think this is our best shooting team. I think we might have nights where the shots don’t drop, but I think we need to keep taking the open looks. It can really be a back-breaker for the defense when you can hit three’s. Indiana State went zone and we were able to hit two quick ones off some great penetration by Skylar. I think you can really frustrate the defense when you make those shots.”

On the team’s rebounding…
“In the first half we shot the ball really well so we didn’t have as many opportunities for offensive rebounds. In the second half, we really went after the ball a little bit more. I can of like the first half when we don’t miss the shots.”

On Natalie Novosel scoring 1,000 career points…
“She has had such a great career already, and she’s not done yet. It’s fun to watch her play because she’s incredibly crafty with the ball-she can score and get fouled, and create for her teammates. She’s probably the best finisher in terms of her many strengths. It’s really an amazing accomplishment for her because of her diligence, determination, and effort. The hard work has really paid off.”

Notre Dame Player Quotes

Devereaux Peters – Senior – Forward

On playing smart defensively and getting steals…
“I think it’s a lot about knowing when I can go for a steal and when I should play back. I’ve learned a lot especially playing with Skylar [Diggins], and having to guard her in practice a lot. She’s really quick, and I’ve learned to move my feet on defense and just play smarter to stay out of foul trouble.”

Natalie Novosel – Senior – Guard

On scoring 1,000 points in an Irish uniform…
“It’s exciting to be a part of a group of people who have achieved so much. It’s a testament really to my teammates for sharing the ball because it makes it easier for me to get open. I’m really honored to be a part of such a great program.”

On her scoring versatility…
“I feel like I’ve always been more of a driver, and so I’ve expanded a little more outside and have tried to develop more of a consistent three-point shot. I’ve also had to become more crafty in the college game because players are faster and stronger at this level.”

Markisha Wright – Freshman – Forward

On recording her first career double-double…
“I didn’t really think about it too much. I was just trying to post up hard and rebound the best I could. The game is a lot faster, and the girls are more competitive too. I’ve had to be more alert and ready for whatever comes my way.”

Indiana State Head Coach Teri Moren

Opening Statement…
“Obviously Notre Dame is a very good basketball team. We found that out very quickly today. We give them a lot of credit. There is a reason that they are the number-two team in the country. It was a very neat experience for our kids to get to play here. Unfortunately we were a little undermanned today. We got word late last night that our starting point guard was not going to be available for us today, and there is nothing like putting a freshman in the starting lineup against the number-two team on the road. That was an unfortunate circumstance, but we dealt with it the best that we could. We feel like we probably could have done more in terms of our level of play, but nonetheless, I think that this loss is going to come back and benefit our young basketball team.”

On Notre Dame’s defense…
“It is hard to simulate their length and speed in practice. I think that having Taylor Whitley would have helped our cause. We have to give them credit though because they are long, quick and physical.”

On her team’s rebounding effort…
“That has been our Achilles’ heel. It was our Achilles’ heel last year. It has been an area that we know we have to improve on. I know Coach McGraw was upset with the way that her team rebounded against Akron. It is a lot about positioning. You talk about effort and heart, and being relentless, but it is also about being in the right position. It is something that we make a daily commitment to in practice so we can get better.”

On the play of Anna Munn…
“She was a bright spot for us. We have been waiting for Anna to have one of those breakout games. I feel like I wasn’t getting her enough shots. It was nice to see her play without any reservation. If there was one bright spot this afternoon, it was her play.”