That's all from McKeown.

McKeown on his career coming to a close: "I'm so lucky really. The coaching profession is a really delicate place to be right now, so I'm really blessed to have been at two schools for 38 years. that doesn't happen much anymore."

McKeown on how he will celebrate his final ever preseason game: "I drink one soda a year. I quit 30 years ago. So this is my one, because we didn't have any water."

McKeown on his final season: "I've really tired to put everything on the back burner and just really get through the next day, next practice. "Listening to the fight song, it kind of hit me too, that's one thing I won't take for granted because it's special."

McKeown on team practices: "Practices are so competitive, there's not a big gap between one group and another group"

McKeown on today's exhibition game: "Its great to have the band the crowd, the people, you need that. It's like a dress rehearsal, and that will help get them ready for the remaining games."

McKeown on Angelina Hodgens: She a tough, strong kid, physical, basketball smart beyond her experience" "She brings that intensity to the floor, we see it every day."

McKeown on Sullivan: "You're seeing the evolution and progression of Grace Sullivan, who I think has a chance to be one of the best players in the Big Ten this year."

McKeown's opening statement: It's good to be playing. It's good to be back in the arena. "We've been practicing really hard, this group has bought in to the work ethic. They're in the gym all the time, getting shots up. It's really fun to watch and be a part of."

Head coach Joe McKeown is now on the podium

Thomas on the team's identity: "I think we're still finding that. But I think today, our defensive showing was really good, we're getting aggressive." "I think today was a great start to look back on what we did, take note and figure out who we want to be"

Sullivan: "We have a lot of gym rats this season." "That extra work really shows, and not that we didn't do that last year, but we've done it a lot more this year, and that's why shots are falling. That's why chemistry is so much better."

Thomas on Tate Lash's debut: "I think she's been great. She came in and she's been amazing since. I think today's performance showed that."

Sullivan on being a veteran leader: "I've always been taught it's the little things that add up to the bigger things." "Going hard in every drill, patting my teammates on the back when they miss a shot. Those things create wins."

Sullivan on her adjustment to NU's system: "I feel comfortable in this program. It feels like home for sure."

Thomas on preparing for her elevated role this year: "Kind of just preparing myself, my mind, my body, putting time in outside practice and just making sure I'm ready endurance wise."

Sullivan on social activities the team does: "We do a lot as a team. We'll hang out in each other's apartments, we'll go to the mall and eat out a lot, go to Crumble." "I believe it's really helped our team chemistry so far"

Sullivan on her chemistry with Thomas: "Last year we saw the potential. And I think, this season and this year we really tapped into that. "Our coaches say, there's not one without the other. And I think this connection will only continue to grows as we get into the season"

Grace Sullivan and Tayla Thomas are on the podium

FINAL: Northwestern 82, Lewis 49 Amparo Lopez dribbles out the clock as NU secures an opening day win. A stout defensive performance and effective shotmaking catapulted the 'Cats to a dominant performance at Welsh-Ryan Arena.