Cardinal wraps up another perfect season at Maples

Tonight's 76-52 victory over Seattle U was the Cardinal's 79th consecutive home victory and closed out its fifth undefeated season at Maples.

It wasn't the prettiest game they've ever played, but that was largely due to some very good defense by Seattle U. In a refreshing change from last week's games, the Redhawks' defense was strong and effective, but controlled — they committed just 12 fouls.

On average, the Cardinal attempts 73 field goals per game. Tonight they launched just 55 as the Redhawks' tenacious zone defense took them deep into the shot clock all through the game.

Fortunately 16 of the attempts were from beyond the arc, and almost half of them went in. Bonnie made four of eight, Joslyn two of three and Lindy one of two. And the Cardinal tallied 13 more points at the free throw line at a rate of 100%.

Amber was excellent on both offense and defense. She had ten points, nine assists (and five turnovers), five rebounds, a steal and a block (!).

The Big Three had their usual good game. Nneka topped the stats with 19 points and 11 rebounds — she's now tied with Nicole Powell for third place on the Stanford career rebound list. Chiney was close behind with 18 points and eight rebounds — she now has 563 career rebounds and is on track to far exceed Nneka's freshman/sophomore total. Jos contributed 14 points and six rebounds.

On the injury front, as reported by Tara at the post-game meeting: Toni is kind of dinged up (she played just 15 minutes tonight); Taylor's strained hamstring is coming along well (she didn't play tonight, but would have if it were a tournament game); Sarah didn't play tonight, but will next week.

Here are game reports:

• Ogwumike Sisters Lead No. 2 Stanford Past Seattle from the Associated Press
• Nneka Ogwumike sparks Stanford women past Seattle 76-52 by Elliott Almond (Mercury News), with photo gallery by Nnat V. Meyer
• A hidden concern emerges in Stanford's easy victory over Seattle women by Jake Curtis
• WBB: Stanford 76 Seattle 52 in last home game from The CARDboard

The box score and play-by-play,

A gallery of photos by Casey Valentine (Stanford Photo),

And photos by Paul Sakuma (Associated Press):

Ready to go Nneka heads into her last game at Maples Chiney encounters a determined defender Nneka averts an attempted steal Chiney drives to the basket Cheers for the reserves Good job, sister! Congrats to the seniors