I'm not posting a preview of the game -- another Cardboarder who is better at that than me will step up, I'm sure. But I do have to say that I'm nervous about tonight's game. WSU has a lot of motivation and is playing well (though best at home). If they beat us and Cal, they could be looking at the #2 seed in the pac-12 tournament AND they have never beaten the Card, the only Pac-12 team of which that is true. Will Stanford have a hangover after that heroic comeback in Oregon?
In Pullman on Jan 2, Stanford demolished WSU -- 82-44. Is that more motivation for the Cougars, or confidence builder for Stanford? Brink did not play in that game, along with others who were left out because of Covid issues. In addition to Cam, Stanford was missing Prechtel, Emma-Noopu, Jerome, Demetre (and Brown/Harriel). Fran started in Cam's place and played 16 minutes. Four players in double digits -- Fran (10), Haley (24 plus 16 rebounds, which earned her Pac-12 POTW), Hannah (10), and Kiki (13 and 8 rebounds in 14 minutes, which gained her Pac-12 Freshman of the week). Stanford shot 45.6% for the game, WSI 31.1%, dominated the boards at 48/34, and had 17 steals vs WSU's 3. If Stanford can repeat this performance, no worries for tonight, but I anticipate a much more competitive game. WSU has a lot to play for in a game that is a lot more important for them than it is for Stanford other than Cardinal pride.
In Pullman on Jan 2, Stanford demolished WSU -- 82-44. Is that more motivation for the Cougars, or confidence builder for Stanford? Brink did not play in that game, along with others who were left out because of Covid issues. In addition to Cam, Stanford was missing Prechtel, Emma-Noopu, Jerome, Demetre (and Brown/Harriel). Fran started in Cam's place and played 16 minutes. Four players in double digits -- Fran (10), Haley (24 plus 16 rebounds, which earned her Pac-12 POTW), Hannah (10), and Kiki (13 and 8 rebounds in 14 minutes, which gained her Pac-12 Freshman of the week). Stanford shot 45.6% for the game, WSI 31.1%, dominated the boards at 48/34, and had 17 steals vs WSU's 3. If Stanford can repeat this performance, no worries for tonight, but I anticipate a much more competitive game. WSU has a lot to play for in a game that is a lot more important for them than it is for Stanford other than Cardinal pride.