USC Women's Basketball Vs California Baptist Post Game Press Conference
Post-Game Press Conference Highlights
The University of Southern California (USC) Women's Basketball team emerged victorious on Monday night, defeating the California Baptist University (CBU) Lancers 74-68 in a thrilling exhibition game. Following the game, both teams held press conferences to discuss the key moments and performances.
USC's Perspective
Coach Fisher's Comments
USC head coach Mark Fisher expressed his satisfaction with the team's overall performance, particularly in the second half. He praised the players' resilience and defensive intensity, which ultimately led to the victory.
"I thought we played with great effort and determination in the second half," Fisher said. "We made some adjustments to our defensive game plan, and that really made a difference. I'm proud of the way our players responded to the challenge."
Player Standouts
Fisher also highlighted the contributions of several players who played key roles in the win. Kylee Watson, a senior guard, led the team with 18 points and 6 rebounds. Rayah Marshall, a junior forward, added 16 points and 8 rebounds.
"Kylee and Rayah were both outstanding tonight," Fisher said. "They provided us with a lot of leadership and scoring punch. They were the catalyst for our second-half surge."
CBU's Perspective
Coach Smith's Comments
CBU head coach Jarrod Smith acknowledged the team's shortcomings in the second half but praised their effort and improvement throughout the game. He emphasized the importance of using this experience as a learning opportunity.
"We didn't play our best in the second half," Smith said. "USC made some adjustments and we couldn't quite respond. But I'm proud of my players for the way they competed. We'll take this experience and use it to get better."
Player Highlights
Smith singled out Dominque Kerri, a senior guard, and Melisa Ergic, a junior forward, for their strong performances. Kerri led CBU with 16 points, while Ergic added 14 points and 7 rebounds.
"Dominique and Melisa were phenomenal tonight," Smith said. "They played with a lot of heart and hustle. They were a bright spot for us."
Outlook for the Season
Both coaches expressed optimism about their teams' prospects for the upcoming season. Fisher believes that USC has the potential to make a run for the Pac-12 championship, while Smith is confident that CBU can continue to improve and compete at a high level.
"I'm excited about the potential of this team," Fisher said. "We have a lot of talent and experience, and we're eager to prove ourselves. I believe we can make a deep run in the Pac-12 and beyond."
"We have a lot of room to grow as a team," Smith said. "But I'm excited about the direction we're headed. I know that we can be a competitive force in our conference and beyond."
Conclusion
The USC Women's Basketball team's victory over California Baptist in the exhibition game sets the stage for an exciting season ahead. Both teams showed promise and potential, and the upcoming season is sure to bring more thrilling matchups and compelling stories.
Fans of both USC and CBU are eagerly anticipating the start of the regular season, which begins on November 7th. The USC Women's Basketball team will open their season at home against UC San Diego, while the CBU Lancers will travel to play the University of California, Riverside.