In the postgame press conference following the Kentucky-Austin Peay basketball game, Head Coach Kyra Elzy addressed the team’s offensive struggles, particularly their 31% shooting from the field. She took responsibility for the team’s lack of execution and emphasized the importance of shot selection and ball movement.
Coach Elzy also expressed disappointment over the team’s 28 missed layups, emphasizing the need for better fundamentals. She stressed the importance of finishing through contact and highlighted that layups, free throws, and good defense are key to winning games.
Regarding the status of injured player Maddie, Coach Elzy stated that she is day to day and will continue to be evaluated by the medical team. While acknowledging the impact of her absence, Coach Elzy emphasized the “next man up” mentality and the need for everyone to step up and fulfill their roles.
Despite the team’s loss, Coach Elzy acknowledged the fourth-quarter run and commended the players for not giving up. She also praised the growth of player Saniah Tyler, noting her scoring ability and defensive intensity.
Coach Elzy emphasized the importance of learning from every game, including this one, and using mistakes as opportunities for growth. She highlighted the team’s need to protect their home court and play with intensity for the full 40 minutes.
Ajae Petty, a senior forward, discussed the team’s struggle to find momentum in the game, attributing it to a lack of focus and the need to play hard for the entire game. She also acknowledged that Austin Peay’s aggressiveness posed a challenge but believed that the team could have done better in controlling the game and sticking to the defensive game plan.
Regarding her own adjustment to being double-teamed in the future, Petty mentioned the importance of finding open teammates and making better reads to kick the ball out to them. She also emphasized the need to stay active in the paint and establish position early to create scoring opportunities.
