1on1: Post-game with Kristi Bellock after 61-52 win over S. Carolina

On the importance of winning their first game in the tournament…

“It’s very important. We came into this tournament deciding that this was the start of a new season. We were just very excited, came out with a lot of energy, and we wanted to get this win for Kelsey (Bone) because this is her old school. We just wanted to win and that’s why I came out very strong. I was a little bit too aggressive because I got two fouls, but I’m happy we won and tomorrow is going to be a really good game.”

On why she performed so well…

“I was just running. I had a lot of energy tonight, so I just wanted to get out and run. I wanted to do anything to help my team win and that is exactly what happened tonight. Hopefully I can do better and get more rebounds. I’m going to work on that for the next game, and I’m just really excited.”

On the play of Karla Gilbert and the Texas A&M bench…

“Karla has been a big help this whole season, and so has the rest of our bench. Our depth is really important because we don’t have any real 40-minute players. When they come in, I’m glad that they produce and do exactly what they are supposed to do to help us keep winning and keep encouraging each other. I’m just happy Karla came out and did a great job.”

On Courtney Williams’ 11-rebound performance…

“Courtney is a great kid and Coach Blair got on her earlier because she only had one rebound in the last two or three games. She came out with a mindset to get boards and that really helped the post out because we had some monsters in there that we had to box out. I’m glad she helped us, and hopefully she can do it tomorrow and for the rest of the season.”

On tomorrow's matchup with Tennessee...

“We just need to make shots, get back on defense, play hard, box out and get offensive boards. We just need to play with a different mindset this game. This is not the same Tennessee team as before, so we shouldn’t be scared. We should just come out with energy and just play how we play. We can’t let them dictate how we play.”