Cardinal's first half better than Wildcats' second half

Stanford Played a Superb First Half

From: Mercury News Wire Services

Ninth-ranked Stanford played a superb first half. Coach Tara VanDerveer, however, is looking for a complete game.

Brooke Smith had 20 points and 10 rebounds to lead No. 9 Stanford to its 15th consecutive victory, 86-76 over Arizona on Thursday night.

The Cardinal, which faces Arizona State in a showdown for first place in the Pacific-10 Conference on Saturday, led by 19 at halftime and was dominating inside and getting open three-point attempts.

Instead of putting Arizona away, the Cardinal let the Wildcats cut a 22-point lead to seven with 6:40 left. (More ...)

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Wildcats' Strong Second Half Not Enough

By Sarah Trotto, Arizona Daily Star

The Arizona Wildcats had lost four in a row and nine of their last 10, but here they were, cutting ninth-ranked Stanford's 19-point lead to single digits in the second half.

Cardinal coach Tara VanDerveer, a scowl on her face, called a timeout after the UA whittled the lead to nine. She barked orders at her players.

On the other end of the court, Arizona players hopped up and down as they ran to the bench. (More ...)