Cardinal dispatches the Zags

The crowd of 6,000 fans that filled The Kennel was excited and enthusiastic in its support of their beloved Zags, but the game itself was less exciting. The Zags weren't able to achieve their goals (1) limiting Chiney and (2) scoring well, and the Cardinal won easily 69-41.

The Zag defense did focus on Chiney and Jos, but didn't manage to slow them down very much. Chiney had 21 points and 11 rebounds (but only two O-boards) for her sixth double-double of the season. — and an assist, a block and two steals.

Jos added 16 points, eight rebounds, two assists, three blocks and two steals.

Taylor took advantage of the less-well-guarded perimeter to make six of eight three-pointers (her career high and three short of the Stanford single game record). Her total of 18 points was also a career high.

The Cardinal defense held the Zags to 25% shooting and out-rebounded them 44-34 — Mikaela had 10 of the rebounds.

Toni did well in her role as combo guard. She scored eight points and had five assists with just one turnover. The rest of the Cardinal back court was ineffective for the second game in a row. Between them Amber and Jasmine scored four points and had eight assists and five turnovers.

Tara used just seven players for most of the game — the starters (Mikaela, Chiney, Jos, Toni and Amber) and Taylor and Jasmine. Sara, Erica, Denia and Tess came off the bench for just a few minutes apiece. Bonnie was suited up and warmed up with the team but did not play.

Elle Tinkle got 15 minutes of playing time, but didn't often compete directly with Jos. Midway through the second half, the crowd cheered wildly when Elle stole the ball from Jos and streaked down the court, then groaned in disappointment when she missed her layup.

Here are game reports and commentary:

• Ogwumike Leads No. 1 Stanford Past Gonzaga, 69-41 by Nicholas K. Geranios (Associated Press)
• Big sister wins sibling rivalry by Matt Breach (Gonzaga Athletics)
• #1 Stanford overwhelms Gonzaga from the Spokesman-Review
• ‘Stanzaga’ game great for Tinkles by John Blanchette (Spokesman-Review)
• Jos Tinkle outduels sister Elle for 'bragging rights' by Dave Trimmer (The Missoulian)
• Efforts of the traveling fan pay off by Wally Mersereau, FBC Traveler

The box score and play-by-play,

A gallery of photos by Young Kwak (Associated Press),

The Gonzaga press conference video with head coach Kelly Graves,

The Gonzaga game highlights video,

And a few photos:

Dad and Mom and brother Tres

Taylor's long-g-g-g shot

Jos blocks Elle's shot