January 28, 2017

Cardinal extends win streak over Cougars

Stanford has never lost to WSU, although two years ago the Cougars took the Cardinal into overtime.

Nothing like that was expected this year. Owing to season-ending injuries to three key players, WSU is playing for experience and to develop players for next season.

Stanford set the tone of the game early with quick scores by Kaylee, Bri (a three) and Brittany, after which June Daugherty called time with the score 7-1. Immediately after the time-out, Bri hit a second three. At the end of the quarter the Cardinal had hit 8 of 14 shots and led 21-12. The gap grew from there.

Eventually Stanford hit 52% of their shots, and 35% of their three-point tries. They out-rebounded WSU 48-32.

However, the Cardinal were far from perfect; they committed 23 turnovers to the Cougars' 14, giving the Cougars many extra chances — chances that a better team could have put to good use.

Karlie led all scorers with sixteen points, hitting four of nine three-point tries. Several times the Cougars lost track of her and she made the most of the wide-open chances. She also grabbed seven rebounds and dished four assists.

With today's four three-pointers, Karlie stepped up to #6 in the Stanford career three-pointers record, past Sebnem Kimyacioglu and just one behind Kelley Suminski.

Alanna scored twelve points on 4-5 shooting (and 4-5 free throw attempts), and was credited with four blocks.

Bird had ten points and Brittany, nine.

Bri had eight points including two early threes that cemented the Stanford lead. She tied with Karlie for game-high rebounds (seven) and assists (four).

Marta had six points, including two dramatic drives to the basket, and stole the ball twice.

Tomorrow the team will fly to Seattle to practice for what is likely to feel like the biggest game of the regular season, against the streaking Huskies in a sold-out arena.

Here are game reports and commentary:

The game statistics,

The game highlights video,

And a video interview of Karlie, "We did a good job of moving the ball.".

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