Baylor 73, Grand Canyon 60
MOLLY MILLER: Obviously disappointed with the result, but couldn't be prouder of our team and the fight and the effort and the grittiness and the toughness, the competitive fire they played with today.
I think they showed why they were 32 coming into this game. You know, they were tough. Baylor is a good team, but we're a good team also.
So drawing that 13 seed and having to play them in front of their home crowd made it even a tougher game, but we held with them for 40 minutes.
Q. Trinity, you looked a little antsy late in the first half to get back in. It seemed pretty clear that Coach Miller was just going to wait for the second half and not risk the third foul. What were you thinking at halftime? What was the mentality about coming out and putting your stamp on this game?
TRINITY SAN ANTONIO: I would say I was pretty poised. I was on the bike. I saw the flow of the game, saw we were still in it and that we had a chance to kind of make a comeback. I knew going into the second half that was going to be our time as a team collectively, especially with Tierra sitting out with two, Laura with two, me sitting out with two. Our big three if you will sitting out with two.
So when we got to that second half and we know we could play, we just did our best.
Q. For either of you guys, what was working in the first half to keep it within three and have a lead?
TIARRA BROWN: I would say just ball movement. When three of our starters were out in the first half, the second group came in and did what they needed to by moving the ball and getting wide open shots.
Q. For both of you, unique combination of a 30-game winning streak but a first NCAA appearance. What is your takeaway from your first opportunity in this setting?
TIERRA BROWN: My biggest take away is it's called March Madness for a reason. Got to believe in the madness. At the end of the day it's basketball. No matter who you play, no matter where you are.
So just playing basketball at the end of the day because that's why we're all here.
Q. Just to confirm, you were thinking I don't want to risk a third foul in the first half; just going to wait for the second half for Trinity and just let her sort of be our best chance to stay in the game and win the game?
MOLLY MILLER: Well, if the lead was manageable. I think I was ready to put her back in if it got out of control. We were fine down four, down five going into halftime. We thought, protect her as long as it's close.
It's hard when you lose your offensive player of the year and defensive player of the year and player of the year to to foul trouble. They shot 31 free throws. Hard to win a game when you shoot 17 to their 31.
So, yeah, especially our key pieces were in foul trouble. But, we weathered that storm. I was really proud of those reserves that came in this, gave their all. They were battling too, and the gap didn't widen. We felt good going into the second half.
Q. You mentioned that stretch there was a five minute stretch with the reserves in where Baylor was scoreless. What can you say about the toughness of this team?
MOLLY MILLER: They're special. Groups like this are very unique. They don't come along very often. I told them in the locker room, this is for life. I've got their backs for life. They're unbelievable human beings. They've inspired me, taught me a lot. They've loved on my kids, our assistant's kids. They're family. To see them go out there and compete like that, it's what it's all about, and I couldn't have been prouder in this moment. Just to see all 14 really come together and rally around one another and show what GCU basketball, that brand is all about.
Q. Baylor did seem to put some focus on getting the ball inside. They had a size advantage. How do you -- I'm sure you sensed that going in. What was the plan and how do you think you all held up against that?
MOLLY MILLER: Yeah, well we didn't get beat on much besides the perimeter game with Vonleh getting some deep touches. That's tough to guard. We tried to double some, pick and roll. Tried to hedge and tag and go back nose to nose if you will. Then, you know, she's just hard to handle.
But I thought for the most part our defense was phenomenal. You know, out there we were flying around, scrapping. I thought their pick and roll would be a little bit more potent than it was. I think our team did a really good job stopping the two-man game.
Vonleh is a really good player and we didn't have a good answer. Laura, K.J., Bridget when she got in there, they sure worked her tail off.
Q. I know Molly, it's not ever a good time at this point when you lose a game to talk about your future. Is there anything you can say now or is it too early yet?
MOLLY MILLER: No. I'm here with my team enjoying it, soaking up this moment, making core memories that will last a lifetime.
Q. How did this group in particular change you as a coach?
MOLLY MILLER: Oh, wow, what a great question. I think the evolution of my coaching career really took a trajectory upward when I was able to kind of invite them in a little bit closer, develop deeper relationships.
I loved these kids. I loved coaching these kids and watching them grow. I love putting my arms around them. They just -- when I became a mom I became a better coach. After I coached this team I became a better coach.
So I have a lot gratitude and a thankful heart for this group.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports