Cardinal almost cracks the Buckeyes, 82-94 (OT)

The game started very well for Stanford, when Alexa, Dijonai and Alanna combined for a 9-0 run, forcing Ohio State to call an early timeout. The first quarter ended with Stanford up 19-13 and ahead on rebounds 13-7.

These trends continued throughout the first half. Aided by Anna hitting four of six three-point shots, and Alanna reaching an early double-double at 10 points and 10 rebounds, Stanford ended the half ahead 33-26.

This was a major advance in defensive play, to hold a team that had broken 100 in its two previous games to only 26 in the half. Even more remarkable was that Stanford had 26 rebounds to OSU's 12, and that the formidable Stephanie Mavunga had only two points and four rebounds.

The third quarter ended with Stanford up 58-49 and still ahead on rebounds, 37-25. Near the end of the third quarter and into the fourth, Ohio began to press every inbound, which resulted in some turnovers and began to turn the flow of the game. Stanford maintained a lead largely due to Anna hitting two more threes on consecutive possessions. The final two minutes were an exciting alternation of leads, with critical makes from Anna (her seventh trey), Alanna, and Dijonai to reach a 76-76 tie.

In the overtime period, OSU hit three-point shots on two successive possessions and the Cardinal were unable to answer either one. Down six in the final minutes Stanford had to foul, and the Buckeyes made their free throws. Those closing points add up to a final score that does not reflect the close contest this was.

Alanna led the Cardinal with 33 points and 16 rebounds, both numbers her personal best. She also had two steals, two blocks, and just one personal foul (which came in the final minute of overime).

Anna hit seven of eight three-point tries for 21 points, her personal best, although not quite a Stanford record

Six other players scored, although none in double digits. Dijonai had eight points, four rebounds and four assists. Kaylee and Marta each had six points. Alyssa had four points and Alexa and Maya each had two.

In the end the Cardinal out-rebounded the Buckeyes by 45-39, shot 45% from the field and (largely thanks to Anna) 35% from beyond the arc. Despite not coming away victors, the game demonstrated a major improvement, especially in defense, for this young team.

Alanna and Anna were named to the All-Tournament team.

Here are game reports and commentary:

• Topped in OT, the Associated Press game recap (posted by Stanford Athletics)
• Buckeyes comeback to down Stanford and win Play4Kay Showcase, the Ohio State Athletics game recap
• No. 9 Ohio State women 94, No. 14 Stanford 82 | Late rally carries Buckeyes to overtime win by Andrew Erickson (Columbus Dispatch)
• No. 9 Ohio State downs No. 14 Stanford for second time this season, winning Play4Kay Showcase final by Kevin Harrish (ElevenWarriors)
• WBB: Stanford 79 Kent State 54; Stanford 74 Belmont 53; tOSU 94 Stanford 82 OT from the CARDboard

The game statistics,

And the audio press conference with Tara,