Additional Quotes: USA 103, Puerto Rico 59
• Game Story
• Box Score
USA head coach Jeff Walz (Louisville)
On the game:
We started a little sluggish. We did not come prepared mentally like I was hoping. But, we made some adjustments, and I give credit to all of the players, they bounced back. They started to play with more excitement, with more passion, and that’s when things turned around for us.
On the USA’s 22-4 run to close the first quarter:
We started to play harder. You can’t get the tempo that you want if you are not going to play with 100 percent effort. We weren’t playing hard. But, eventually we figured it out, and then we were able to put some pressure on them and force them into some turnovers. The players did a great job of scoring off of those.
Is the team where you would like headed into the quarterfinals?
I was pleased with the second half. We had a nice, spirited, little discussion at halftime, and I think they responded well, and that’s what we need. Now, what we have to do is put four quarters together.
Nazahrah Hillmon-Baker (Michigan/Cleveland, Ohio)
On the game:
I thought that we did well, but we obviously can do better. I think every day we are trying to strive to be better than we were the day before. And, I think we grew a little bit in our sets and playing as a team.
On the USA’s run:
We found out that we needed to come together as a team and figure out how we could get our momentum going, and that started on the defensive end. We know that if we get a couple of stops, then we get in transition and get our shots up. Starting on defense is where our points are going to come from.
Olivia Nelson-Ododa (Connecticut/Winder, Ga.)
On the game:
I don’t think we started off the way we wanted to, but we picked it up and played together more as a team, and we got the outcome that we wanted.
What helped changed the momentum?
Definitely working together, being unselfish and passing the ball, and that just helped us come out with the victory in the end.
NaLyssa Smith (Baylor/Converse, Texas)
On the game:
We executed today. I thought we played more as a team, and we just moved the ball great, so I feel like it was a good win.
On her 24 points:
I just felt like I hustled today. I just felt like I went the extra mile, and hopefully I can do it again.
