[Card10Fan]

Survive and advance. Oregon State is not a great team. We had 5+ minute stretches in BOTH the 2nd and 4th quarters with no field goals. While I want us to roll through this tourney, I worry that we are not playing our best basketball right now. Would a loss help us reset and refocus? We've been very mediocre now vs Oregon, Washington State, Washington, and today. 4 games in a row and we haven't scored 70 points in any of them. Our current level of play will not get us to a final 4.

Haley Jones was spectacular in the 2nd half. Anna Wilson played tremendous on both ends. Most everyone else, mehhh.

[Card10Fan]

Survive and advance. Oregon State is not a great team. We had 5+ minute stretches in BOTH the 2nd and 4th quarters with no field goals. While I want us to roll through this tourney, I worry that we are not playing our best basketball right now. Would a loss help us reset and refocus? We've been very mediocre now vs Oregon, Washington State, Washington, and today. 4 games in a row and we haven't scored 70 points in any of them. Our current level of play will not get us to a final 4.

Haley Jones was spectacular in the 2nd half. Anna Wilson played tremendous on both ends. Most everyone else, mehhh.

[TheFarm07]

We win 57-44 in a somewhat strange ending to the game. Oregon State pulled to within eleven but with only a couple minutes left in the game, Tara after starting to empty her bench decides to bring in 4 starters and then eventually Brink for the starting lineup to end the game. Not sure why she decided to do that with little time left. Did she want to play it extremely safe and cut off any chance of the Beavers potentially pulling off some sort of miracle?

We did commit our first couple turnovers of the game. Offensively, the game wasn't too pretty, besides hot long range shooting, Wilson's early contributions and Jones' hot second half. Haley, after starting 1/8 in the first half, was 8/13 in the second half to help clinch the victory for us with 20 points and 14 rebounds.

Brink stayed out of foul trouble, but didn't have a brobdingnagian game, just 10 points, most notably was 2/2 from long range. Wilson helped us to the early lead, contributing with her offense early in the game, but she finished strong defensively in the second half. She largely negated Von Oelhoffen, who was 3/15 from the floor.

Jones, Brink & Wilson were our only double digit scorers as we continued to have offensive struggles, failing to reach the 60-point mark. It didn't seem too worrisome in this game, mostly because Oregon State was also struggling to hit their own shots, but 57 points might not be enough against some higher octane offenses that we will be facing.

Codding and Mack picked up the slack from TVO, each with 13 points. Codding, in particular, was an efficient 5/8, including 3/3 from long range, but we held them to under 30% shooting. They also committed twelve turnovers while we had just three, all in the last minutes of the game.

[TheFarm07]

We win 57-44 in a somewhat strange ending to the game. Oregon State pulled to within eleven but with only a couple minutes left in the game, Tara after starting to empty her bench decides to bring in 4 starters and then eventually Brink for the starting lineup to end the game. Not sure why she decided to do that with little time left. Did she want to play it extremely safe and cut off any chance of the Beavers potentially pulling off some sort of miracle?

We did commit our first couple turnovers of the game. Offensively, the game wasn't too pretty, besides hot long range shooting, Wilson's early contributions and Jones' hot second half. Haley, after starting 1/8 in the first half, was 8/13 in the second half to help clinch the victory for us with 20 points and 14 rebounds.

Brink stayed out of foul trouble, but didn't have a brobdingnagian game, just 10 points, most notably was 2/2 from long range. Wilson helped us to the early lead, contributing with her offense early in the game, but she finished strong defensively in the second half. She largely negated Von Oelhoffen, who was 3/15 from the floor.

Jones, Brink & Wilson were our only double digit scorers as we continued to have offensive struggles, failing to reach the 60-point mark. It didn't seem too worrisome in this game, mostly because Oregon State was also struggling to hit their own shots, but 57 points might not be enough against some higher octane offenses that we will be facing.

Codding and Mack picked up the slack from TVO, each with 13 points. Codding, in particular, was an efficient 5/8, including 3/3 from long range, but we held them to under 30% shooting. They also committed twelve turnovers while we had just three, all in the last minutes of the game.

[martyup]

We held OSU to 2 points in the 1st quarter.  2 points in 10 minutes.  I think they said this was only the 2nd time this had ever happened in the Pac-12 tourney.

It's hard to stay focused on playing good offense when the other team cannot score.  So, yeah, we took some questionable shots in the 2nd quarter.

I am not worried about our low scoring.  The two things that have hurt us this season are turnovers and fouling by Brink.  We only had 3 turnovers and Brink was whistled for only 1 foul in 23 minutes of play.  We are on the right track.

[martyup]

We held OSU to 2 points in the 1st quarter.  2 points in 10 minutes.  I think they said this was only the 2nd time this had ever happened in the Pac-12 tourney.

It's hard to stay focused on playing good offense when the other team cannot score.  So, yeah, we took some questionable shots in the 2nd quarter.

I am not worried about our low scoring.  The two things that have hurt us this season are turnovers and fouling by Brink.  We only had 3 turnovers and Brink was whistled for only 1 foul in 23 minutes of play.  We are on the right track.

[chimera]

That was just fine.  The second quarter offensive woes were not pretty, but they were mostly just missing shots and playing a little too slowly, nothing too terrible.  Mack is OSU's best player I think.  Every time we've played them she has impressed.  Jones got going second half and when she does we are a top team.  Love that Brink is now hitting threes.  That changes how they have to guard her and opens our offense even more.  Wilson was great, her first half offense was important in setting the tone of the game.  Defense was good most of the game.  Emma-Nnopu gave great energy off the bench.  

Someone posted that the conference seems down.  I agree.  I think the bottom is better, but the teams that were supposed to be top three or four have not been consistently good.  Anyone can beat anyone, which is not really great for anybody.  UA probably just played themselves out of hosting the NCAAs.  Conference may have only Stanford as a host.  Why?  UA at first seemed like they may have improved even after losing McDonald but then they started struggling and losing, even before Reese got hurt.  Oregon looked terrible but then got all their stars back from injury and looked great for a few games, but then began to struggle more than expected.  WSU as high as they are is a great story, but I just don't think they are all that good.  

Several teams will lose a lot too.  ASU loses the most, with CTT retiring.  Cupboard is pretty bad there.  Best players were transfers in, and I'm not sure what their eligibility situation is.  UCLA loses a bunch of their transfers in and did not do well with them this season.  They have a bunch of highly touted recruits coming in but still, the rest of the team is not all that much, is it?  CO loses some key players.  Anyway, the conference is kind of a muddle, and not in a good way.

[chimera]

That was just fine.  The second quarter offensive woes were not pretty, but they were mostly just missing shots and playing a little too slowly, nothing too terrible.  Mack is OSU's best player I think.  Every time we've played them she has impressed.  Jones got going second half and when she does we are a top team.  Love that Brink is now hitting threes.  That changes how they have to guard her and opens our offense even more.  Wilson was great, her first half offense was important in setting the tone of the game.  Defense was good most of the game.  Emma-Nnopu gave great energy off the bench.  

Someone posted that the conference seems down.  I agree.  I think the bottom is better, but the teams that were supposed to be top three or four have not been consistently good.  Anyone can beat anyone, which is not really great for anybody.  UA probably just played themselves out of hosting the NCAAs.  Conference may have only Stanford as a host.  Why?  UA at first seemed like they may have improved even after losing McDonald but then they started struggling and losing, even before Reese got hurt.  Oregon looked terrible but then got all their stars back from injury and looked great for a few games, but then began to struggle more than expected.  WSU as high as they are is a great story, but I just don't think they are all that good.  

Several teams will lose a lot too.  ASU loses the most, with CTT retiring.  Cupboard is pretty bad there.  Best players were transfers in, and I'm not sure what their eligibility situation is.  UCLA loses a bunch of their transfers in and did not do well with them this season.  They have a bunch of highly touted recruits coming in but still, the rest of the team is not all that much, is it?  CO loses some key players.  Anyway, the conference is kind of a muddle, and not in a good way.

[martyup]

Today Colorado scored 45 points in their game against Arizona . . . and won.

[martyup]

Today Colorado scored 45 points in their game against Arizona . . . and won.

[joemontes]

Survive and advance. Oregon State is not a great team. We had 5+ minute stretches in BOTH the 2nd and 4th quarters with no field goals. While I want us to roll through this tourney, I worry that we are not playing our best basketball right now. Would a loss help us reset and refocus? We've been very mediocre now vs Oregon, Washington State, Washington, and today. 4 games in a row and we haven't scored 70 points in any of them. Our current level of play will not get us to a final 4.

Haley Jones was spectacular in the 2nd half. Anna Wilson played tremendous on both ends. Most everyone else, mehhh.

I, too, am worried as to how Stanford has suddenly been struggling lately, especially against the likes of WSU, Washington and Oregon State (without Taylor JONES).  It seems like they have suddenly played to the level of their opponents, and not have the killer instinct to dominate that they should have by now.  And the substitution patterns suddenly underutilize the likes of BELIBI and IRIAFEN who are their most efficient scorers, as well as their most dependable 3-point shooter Hannah JUMP who used to average 25+ minutes/game.  I hope they up their ante vs. Colorado tomorrow.

[joemontes]

Survive and advance. Oregon State is not a great team. We had 5+ minute stretches in BOTH the 2nd and 4th quarters with no field goals. While I want us to roll through this tourney, I worry that we are not playing our best basketball right now. Would a loss help us reset and refocus? We've been very mediocre now vs Oregon, Washington State, Washington, and today. 4 games in a row and we haven't scored 70 points in any of them. Our current level of play will not get us to a final 4.

Haley Jones was spectacular in the 2nd half. Anna Wilson played tremendous on both ends. Most everyone else, mehhh.

I, too, am worried as to how Stanford has suddenly been struggling lately, especially against the likes of WSU, Washington and Oregon State (without Taylor JONES).  It seems like they have suddenly played to the level of their opponents, and not have the killer instinct to dominate that they should have by now.  And the substitution patterns suddenly underutilize the likes of BELIBI and IRIAFEN who are their most efficient scorers, as well as their most dependable 3-point shooter Hannah JUMP who used to average 25+ minutes/game.  I hope they up their ante vs. Colorado tomorrow.

[WBB fan]

Interesting comments about the conference. Clearly injuries and Covid have been an issue, but teams should have been able to overcome better. Stanford has had offensive issues in the last few games, but as I said in another post, they have found ways to win in spite of this. An aspect of this - - we write about UConn a lot from our POV. But I find myself wondering if other Pac-12 schools feel the same way about Stanford that we do about UConn  (especially in years past before Oregon and OSU got going, but now in the past several years as well)

[WBB fan]

Interesting comments about the conference. Clearly injuries and Covid have been an issue, but teams should have been able to overcome better. Stanford has had offensive issues in the last few games, but as I said in another post, they have found ways to win in spite of this. An aspect of this - - we write about UConn a lot from our POV. But I find myself wondering if other Pac-12 schools feel the same way about Stanford that we do about UConn  (especially in years past before Oregon and OSU got going, but now in the past several years as well)

[Card10Fan]

Survive and advance. Oregon State is not a great team. We had 5+ minute stretches in BOTH the 2nd and 4th quarters with no field goals. While I want us to roll through this tourney, I worry that we are not playing our best basketball right now. Would a loss help us reset and refocus? We've been very mediocre now vs Oregon, Washington State, Washington, and today. 4 games in a row and we haven't scored 70 points in any of them. Our current level of play will not get us to a final 4.

Haley Jones was spectacular in the 2nd half. Anna Wilson played tremendous on both ends. Most everyone else, mehhh.

I, too, am worried as to how Stanford has suddenly been struggling lately, especially against the likes of WSU, Washington and Oregon State (without Taylor JONES).  It seems like they have suddenly played to the level of their opponents, and not have the killer instinct to dominate that they should have by now.  And the substitution patterns suddenly underutilize the likes of BELIBI and IRIAFEN who are their most efficient scorers, as well as their most dependable 3-point shooter Hannah JUMP who used to average 25+ minutes/game.  I hope they up their ante vs. Colorado tomorrow.

I agree with your assessment completely. When we were scoring so well a month ago, rotations seemed set and predictable. The last few games, not at all. Pretchtel checked in before Iriafen today in the first half, then didn't' see the floor in the second half at all. Fran has played less than 10 minutes in each of the last 4 games and we've struggled in each of those games.  Belibi, Iriafen, and Jump need to be on the court. We are better with them playing minutes.

---

How was the turnout at the afternoon session? Did Stanford travel well? Looked like Oregon State had a large following.

[Card10Fan]

Survive and advance. Oregon State is not a great team. We had 5+ minute stretches in BOTH the 2nd and 4th quarters with no field goals. While I want us to roll through this tourney, I worry that we are not playing our best basketball right now. Would a loss help us reset and refocus? We've been very mediocre now vs Oregon, Washington State, Washington, and today. 4 games in a row and we haven't scored 70 points in any of them. Our current level of play will not get us to a final 4.

Haley Jones was spectacular in the 2nd half. Anna Wilson played tremendous on both ends. Most everyone else, mehhh.

I, too, am worried as to how Stanford has suddenly been struggling lately, especially against the likes of WSU, Washington and Oregon State (without Taylor JONES).  It seems like they have suddenly played to the level of their opponents, and not have the killer instinct to dominate that they should have by now.  And the substitution patterns suddenly underutilize the likes of BELIBI and IRIAFEN who are their most efficient scorers, as well as their most dependable 3-point shooter Hannah JUMP who used to average 25+ minutes/game.  I hope they up their ante vs. Colorado tomorrow.

I agree with your assessment completely. When we were scoring so well a month ago, rotations seemed set and predictable. The last few games, not at all. Pretchtel checked in before Iriafen today in the first half, then didn't' see the floor in the second half at all. Fran has played less than 10 minutes in each of the last 4 games and we've struggled in each of those games.  Belibi, Iriafen, and Jump need to be on the court. We are better with them playing minutes.

---

How was the turnout at the afternoon session? Did Stanford travel well? Looked like Oregon State had a large following.

[bl82]

Survive and advance. Oregon State is not a great team. We had 5+ minute stretches in BOTH the 2nd and 4th quarters with no field goals. While I want us to roll through this tourney, I worry that we are not playing our best basketball right now. Would a loss help us reset and refocus? We've been very mediocre now vs Oregon, Washington State, Washington, and today. 4 games in a row and we haven't scored 70 points in any of them. Our current level of play will not get us to a final 4.

Haley Jones was spectacular in the 2nd half. Anna Wilson played tremendous on both ends. Most everyone else, mehhh.

I, too, am worried as to how Stanford has suddenly been struggling lately, especially against the likes of WSU, Washington and Oregon State (without Taylor JONES).  It seems like they have suddenly played to the level of their opponents, and not have the killer instinct to dominate that they should have by now.  And the substitution patterns suddenly underutilize the likes of BELIBI and IRIAFEN who are their most efficient scorers, as well as their most dependable 3-point shooter Hannah JUMP who used to average 25+ minutes/game.  I hope they up their ante vs. Colorado tomorrow.

I agree with your assessment completely. When we were scoring so well a month ago, rotations seemed set and predictable. The last few games, not at all. Pretchtel checked in before Iriafen today in the first half, then didn't' see the floor in the second half at all. Fran has played less than 10 minutes in each of the last 4 games and we've struggled in each of those games.  Belibi, Iriafen, and Jump need to be on the court. We are better with them playing minutes.

What I didn't understand is why Jerome was the first big off the bench today. We were up 19-2 when she came in with Hannah. Fran was very effective the last time around vs. OSU, Prechtel brings some height against their 6-9 and 6-6 posts and Iriafen is much quicker than their bigs. Alyssa is a great person and leader, but not much of an offensive threat or a defensive stopper.

[bl82]

Survive and advance. Oregon State is not a great team. We had 5+ minute stretches in BOTH the 2nd and 4th quarters with no field goals. While I want us to roll through this tourney, I worry that we are not playing our best basketball right now. Would a loss help us reset and refocus? We've been very mediocre now vs Oregon, Washington State, Washington, and today. 4 games in a row and we haven't scored 70 points in any of them. Our current level of play will not get us to a final 4.

Haley Jones was spectacular in the 2nd half. Anna Wilson played tremendous on both ends. Most everyone else, mehhh.

I, too, am worried as to how Stanford has suddenly been struggling lately, especially against the likes of WSU, Washington and Oregon State (without Taylor JONES).  It seems like they have suddenly played to the level of their opponents, and not have the killer instinct to dominate that they should have by now.  And the substitution patterns suddenly underutilize the likes of BELIBI and IRIAFEN who are their most efficient scorers, as well as their most dependable 3-point shooter Hannah JUMP who used to average 25+ minutes/game.  I hope they up their ante vs. Colorado tomorrow.

I agree with your assessment completely. When we were scoring so well a month ago, rotations seemed set and predictable. The last few games, not at all. Pretchtel checked in before Iriafen today in the first half, then didn't' see the floor in the second half at all. Fran has played less than 10 minutes in each of the last 4 games and we've struggled in each of those games.  Belibi, Iriafen, and Jump need to be on the court. We are better with them playing minutes.

What I didn't understand is why Jerome was the first big off the bench today. We were up 19-2 when she came in with Hannah. Fran was very effective the last time around vs. OSU, Prechtel brings some height against their 6-9 and 6-6 posts and Iriafen is much quicker than their bigs. Alyssa is a great person and leader, but not much of an offensive threat or a defensive stopper.

[TheWildJacko]

Survive and advance. Oregon State is not a great team. We had 5+ minute stretches in BOTH the 2nd and 4th quarters with no field goals. While I want us to roll through this tourney, I worry that we are not playing our best basketball right now. Would a loss help us reset and refocus? We've been very mediocre now vs Oregon, Washington State, Washington, and today. 4 games in a row and we haven't scored 70 points in any of them. Our current level of play will not get us to a final 4.

Haley Jones was spectacular in the 2nd half. Anna Wilson played tremendous on both ends. Most everyone else, mehhh.

I, too, am worried as to how Stanford has suddenly been struggling lately, especially against the likes of WSU, Washington and Oregon State (without Taylor JONES).  It seems like they have suddenly played to the level of their opponents, and not have the killer instinct to dominate that they should have by now.  And the substitution patterns suddenly underutilize the likes of BELIBI and IRIAFEN who are their most efficient scorers, as well as their most dependable 3-point shooter Hannah JUMP who used to average 25+ minutes/game.  I hope they up their ante vs. Colorado tomorrow.

I agree with your assessment completely. When we were scoring so well a month ago, rotations seemed set and predictable. The last few games, not at all. Pretchtel checked in before Iriafen today in the first half, then didn't' see the floor in the second half at all. Fran has played less than 10 minutes in each of the last 4 games and we've struggled in each of those games.  Belibi, Iriafen, and Jump need to be on the court. We are better with them playing minutes.

What I didn't understand is why Jerome was the first big off the bench today.  We were up 19-2 when she came in with Hannah.  Fran was very effective the last time around vs. OSU, Prechtel brings some height against their 6-9 and 6-6 posts and Iriafen is much quicker than their bigs.  Alyssa is a great person and leader, but not much of an offensive threat or a defensive stopper.

I was wondering why she put Jerome in in the 2nd Q. My thought is that Tara thinks Jerome has earned the chance to play quality minutes outside of garbage time, based on her time and leadership role with the team, and Tara trusts the team to take care of business against opponents like OSU and Washington.

One nitpick—Jerome wasn’t the first big off the bench today. The play-by-play shows Fran coming in at the 3:49 mark in Q1 and out at 1:06 Q1, at which point Ashten enters the game. At the start of Q2, Ashten and Hannah sub out while Brink and Anna come back in. Alyssa and Hannah sub in for Haley and Anna at the 8:07 mark in Q2. So Jerome was the 3rd big off the bench, stayed in 5 minutes, and then subbed out with 3:28 remaining, having accumulated 0 points, 0 boards, 0 assists and 1 foul. So Tara gave her a chance when we were up big and then took her out after she didn’t produce.

[TheWildJacko]

Survive and advance. Oregon State is not a great team. We had 5+ minute stretches in BOTH the 2nd and 4th quarters with no field goals. While I want us to roll through this tourney, I worry that we are not playing our best basketball right now. Would a loss help us reset and refocus? We've been very mediocre now vs Oregon, Washington State, Washington, and today. 4 games in a row and we haven't scored 70 points in any of them. Our current level of play will not get us to a final 4.

Haley Jones was spectacular in the 2nd half. Anna Wilson played tremendous on both ends. Most everyone else, mehhh.

I, too, am worried as to how Stanford has suddenly been struggling lately, especially against the likes of WSU, Washington and Oregon State (without Taylor JONES).  It seems like they have suddenly played to the level of their opponents, and not have the killer instinct to dominate that they should have by now.  And the substitution patterns suddenly underutilize the likes of BELIBI and IRIAFEN who are their most efficient scorers, as well as their most dependable 3-point shooter Hannah JUMP who used to average 25+ minutes/game.  I hope they up their ante vs. Colorado tomorrow.

I agree with your assessment completely. When we were scoring so well a month ago, rotations seemed set and predictable. The last few games, not at all. Pretchtel checked in before Iriafen today in the first half, then didn't' see the floor in the second half at all. Fran has played less than 10 minutes in each of the last 4 games and we've struggled in each of those games.  Belibi, Iriafen, and Jump need to be on the court. We are better with them playing minutes.

What I didn't understand is why Jerome was the first big off the bench today.  We were up 19-2 when she came in with Hannah.  Fran was very effective the last time around vs. OSU, Prechtel brings some height against their 6-9 and 6-6 posts and Iriafen is much quicker than their bigs.  Alyssa is a great person and leader, but not much of an offensive threat or a defensive stopper.

I was wondering why she put Jerome in in the 2nd Q. My thought is that Tara thinks Jerome has earned the chance to play quality minutes outside of garbage time, based on her time and leadership role with the team, and Tara trusts the team to take care of business against opponents like OSU and Washington.

One nitpick—Jerome wasn’t the first big off the bench today. The play-by-play shows Fran coming in at the 3:49 mark in Q1 and out at 1:06 Q1, at which point Ashten enters the game. At the start of Q2, Ashten and Hannah sub out while Brink and Anna come back in. Alyssa and Hannah sub in for Haley and Anna at the 8:07 mark in Q2. So Jerome was the 3rd big off the bench, stayed in 5 minutes, and then subbed out with 3:28 remaining, having accumulated 0 points, 0 boards, 0 assists and 1 foul. So Tara gave her a chance when we were up big and then took her out after she didn’t produce.

[WBB fan]

Oregon escaped, just barely. I was really impressed with how well UCLA played,, and not as much maul ball as typical of Close's past teams.

[WBB fan]

Oregon escaped, just barely. I was really impressed with how well UCLA played,, and not as much maul ball as typical of Close's past teams.

[petersalas]

It was quite empty in the Stanford section… however I’m finding that it doesn’t mean much cause they don’t monitor the seating too much… there are so many empty seats throughout the arena so people move into the closets seats, which I hope to do for the championship game. It sounded as there was more Stanford cheering that Oregon state and I’ve seen a lot of Stanford wearing.. 

Survive and advance. Oregon State is not a great team. We had 5+ minute stretches in BOTH the 2nd and 4th quarters with no field goals. While I want us to roll through this tourney, I worry that we are not playing our best basketball right now. Would a loss help us reset and refocus? We've been very mediocre now vs Oregon, Washington State, Washington, and today. 4 games in a row and we haven't scored 70 points in any of them. Our current level of play will not get us to a final 4.

Haley Jones was spectacular in the 2nd half. Anna Wilson played tremendous on both ends. Most everyone else, mehhh.

I, too, am worried as to how Stanford has suddenly been struggling lately, especially against the likes of WSU, Washington and Oregon State (without Taylor JONES).  It seems like they have suddenly played to the level of their opponents, and not have the killer instinct to dominate that they should have by now.  And the substitution patterns suddenly underutilize the likes of BELIBI and IRIAFEN who are their most efficient scorers, as well as their most dependable 3-point shooter Hannah JUMP who used to average 25+ minutes/game.  I hope they up their ante vs. Colorado tomorrow.

I agree with your assessment completely. When we were scoring so well a month ago, rotations seemed set and predictable. The last few games, not at all. Pretchtel checked in before Iriafen today in the first half, then didn't' see the floor in the second half at all. Fran has played less than 10 minutes in each of the last 4 games and we've struggled in each of those games.  Belibi, Iriafen, and Jump need to be on the court. We are better with them playing minutes.

---

How was the turnout at the afternoon session? Did Stanford travel well? Looked like Oregon State had a large following.

[petersalas]

It was quite empty in the Stanford section… however I’m finding that it doesn’t mean much cause they don’t monitor the seating too much… there are so many empty seats throughout the arena so people move into the closets seats, which I hope to do for the championship game. It sounded as there was more Stanford cheering that Oregon state and I’ve seen a lot of Stanford wearing.. 

Survive and advance. Oregon State is not a great team. We had 5+ minute stretches in BOTH the 2nd and 4th quarters with no field goals. While I want us to roll through this tourney, I worry that we are not playing our best basketball right now. Would a loss help us reset and refocus? We've been very mediocre now vs Oregon, Washington State, Washington, and today. 4 games in a row and we haven't scored 70 points in any of them. Our current level of play will not get us to a final 4.

Haley Jones was spectacular in the 2nd half. Anna Wilson played tremendous on both ends. Most everyone else, mehhh.

I, too, am worried as to how Stanford has suddenly been struggling lately, especially against the likes of WSU, Washington and Oregon State (without Taylor JONES).  It seems like they have suddenly played to the level of their opponents, and not have the killer instinct to dominate that they should have by now.  And the substitution patterns suddenly underutilize the likes of BELIBI and IRIAFEN who are their most efficient scorers, as well as their most dependable 3-point shooter Hannah JUMP who used to average 25+ minutes/game.  I hope they up their ante vs. Colorado tomorrow.

I agree with your assessment completely. When we were scoring so well a month ago, rotations seemed set and predictable. The last few games, not at all. Pretchtel checked in before Iriafen today in the first half, then didn't' see the floor in the second half at all. Fran has played less than 10 minutes in each of the last 4 games and we've struggled in each of those games.  Belibi, Iriafen, and Jump need to be on the court. We are better with them playing minutes.

---

How was the turnout at the afternoon session? Did Stanford travel well? Looked like Oregon State had a large following.

[BostonCard]

Next up, Colorado, who is riding a six game winning streak. Their last loss was Feb 13, against us.

Talk about a streaky team.  Colorado started the year on a 13 game winning streak, then lost seven out of 10 games (bookended by losses to Stanford), and then won their last six.

BC

[BostonCard]

Next up, Colorado, who is riding a six game winning streak. Their last loss was Feb 13, against us.

Talk about a streaky team.  Colorado started the year on a 13 game winning streak, then lost seven out of 10 games (bookended by losses to Stanford), and then won their last six.

BC

[WBB fan]

Colorado is a serious threat. One plus for Stanford,  Colorado will be playing its 3rd game in 3 days.

[WBB fan]

Colorado is a serious threat. One plus for Stanford,  Colorado will be playing its 3rd game in 3 days.

[WBB fan]

---

Only 3 turnovers.  That must be the lowest of the season.  

Holding OSC to 44 points is excellent.  

We ended up shooting 37.7/44.4/37.5.  Terrible FT shooting at 3-8.

Picky by me, but it's OSU, hasn't been OSC since the late 1950s when I was local kid going to games in Gill.

[WBB fan]

---

Only 3 turnovers.  That must be the lowest of the season.  

Holding OSC to 44 points is excellent.  

We ended up shooting 37.7/44.4/37.5.  Terrible FT shooting at 3-8.

Picky by me, but it's OSU, hasn't been OSC since the late 1950s when I was local kid going to games in Gill.

[treetop11]

Our defense has been very good. The reason that our offense has not been as good as earlier is that we have largely been missing Jump who was putting up instant points and opening up the offense. Since coming back from being out, she hasn't so far found her rhythm and not enough playing time to re-discover it. I would also like to see more of Prechtel. We know that she can be a factor, but again not enough PT keeping her from getting into a rhythm.

[treetop11]

Our defense has been very good. The reason that our offense has not been as good as earlier is that we have largely been missing Jump who was putting up instant points and opening up the offense. Since coming back from being out, she hasn't so far found her rhythm and not enough playing time to re-discover it. I would also like to see more of Prechtel. We know that she can be a factor, but again not enough PT keeping her from getting into a rhythm.

[M T]

Our defense has been very good. The reason that our offense has not been as good as earlier is that we have largely been missing Jump who was putting up instant points and opening up the offense. Since coming back from being out, she hasn't so far found her rhythm and not enough playing time to re-discover it. I would also like to see more of Prechtel. We know that she can be a factor, but again not enough PT keeping her from getting into a rhythm.

Almost sounds like you think we'd be better if Brink was having to warm the bench with foul trouble.  There is a fixed amount of playing time.  Giving one more means another gets less.

I had no complaint about putting Jerome in when we're up 17 in the first half.  It might be her last chance to play.  ("Why, just imagine how good she'd be if only Tara would play her more.")

[M T]

Our defense has been very good. The reason that our offense has not been as good as earlier is that we have largely been missing Jump who was putting up instant points and opening up the offense. Since coming back from being out, she hasn't so far found her rhythm and not enough playing time to re-discover it. I would also like to see more of Prechtel. We know that she can be a factor, but again not enough PT keeping her from getting into a rhythm.

Almost sounds like you think we'd be better if Brink was having to warm the bench with foul trouble.  There is a fixed amount of playing time.  Giving one more means another gets less.

I had no complaint about putting Jerome in when we're up 17 in the first half.  It might be her last chance to play.  ("Why, just imagine how good she'd be if only Tara would play her more.")

[WBB fan]

Stanford went up big in the 1st quarter and Tara started subbing well before the end of the quarter, including having Haley sit for a while. Ultimately, she played "only" 32 minutes, low for her, most of her time on the bench in the 1st half when she was struggling with her shot. But it wasn't only Haley among the starters who sat during the 1st half. Ultimately 10 people played before halftime (curiously, not including Kiki). When the early subbing began in the 1st quarter, I found myself thinking that maybe Tara was considering the possibility of 3 games in 4 days and was, given how well things were going, looking to limit starter minutes to keep legs fresh. But maybe not. Anna played 37 minutes, so little rest there.

Related to today's game, Colorado will be on its 3rd game in 3 days. In yesterday's slugfest, Holinshed played 36+ minutes yesterday, Sherrard almost 29, and non-starter Wetta almost 30.

[WBB fan]

Stanford went up big in the 1st quarter and Tara started subbing well before the end of the quarter, including having Haley sit for a while. Ultimately, she played "only" 32 minutes, low for her, most of her time on the bench in the 1st half when she was struggling with her shot. But it wasn't only Haley among the starters who sat during the 1st half. Ultimately 10 people played before halftime (curiously, not including Kiki). When the early subbing began in the 1st quarter, I found myself thinking that maybe Tara was considering the possibility of 3 games in 4 days and was, given how well things were going, looking to limit starter minutes to keep legs fresh. But maybe not. Anna played 37 minutes, so little rest there.

Related to today's game, Colorado will be on its 3rd game in 3 days. In yesterday's slugfest, Holinshed played 36+ minutes yesterday, Sherrard almost 29, and non-starter Wetta almost 30.

[81alum]

I am not looking forward to playing Colorado again, chiefly because I worry about injuries every time we do, but also because it will no doubt be an ugly defensive battle.

That said, our defense is darn good too, and unless one of their players has a career night our offense is better than their offense, and should break through the defensive slog more often that they will.

Our offensive doldrums do happen when our three point shooting goes into a lull--and everyone knows that.  Defenses--whether sagging man or active zone or whatever--will all try to shut down the paint first and make us hit jumpers.  If we don't hit those jumpers, then it will be a low scoring game and anything can happen. Brink won't have a big game unless jumpshots force some of the defense to come out of the paint.

I am very encouraged by Brink's three point shooting.  That is going to help.  And it is also encouraging that Wilson's offense has come alive. 

We need Jump's shots to start falling, but also Lacie's and Lexie's.   We need to be that 5 or 6 or 7 headed Hydra again.

[81alum]

I am not looking forward to playing Colorado again, chiefly because I worry about injuries every time we do, but also because it will no doubt be an ugly defensive battle.

That said, our defense is darn good too, and unless one of their players has a career night our offense is better than their offense, and should break through the defensive slog more often that they will.

Our offensive doldrums do happen when our three point shooting goes into a lull--and everyone knows that.  Defenses--whether sagging man or active zone or whatever--will all try to shut down the paint first and make us hit jumpers.  If we don't hit those jumpers, then it will be a low scoring game and anything can happen. Brink won't have a big game unless jumpshots force some of the defense to come out of the paint.

I am very encouraged by Brink's three point shooting.  That is going to help.  And it is also encouraging that Wilson's offense has come alive. 

We need Jump's shots to start falling, but also Lacie's and Lexie's.   We need to be that 5 or 6 or 7 headed Hydra again.

[BobK]

Utah played great last night up about 24 with 5 minutes left. Sadly their post MCFarland went down with a knee injury

I sat behind the UCLA bench with a friend last night. And their 5 injured players.
Watching once again Close walking and shouting at her players go here go there do this do that. Graves got up when players collided for a lose ball at his feet. One coached during practice and won. One coached during the game and lost
So happy Tara coaches during practice

Sad about CTT retiring. Great coach but just didn’t recruit well last few years. Transfers yes but HS no. Any thoughts on her replacement?

[BobK]

Utah played great last night up about 24 with 5 minutes left. Sadly their post MCFarland went down with a knee injury

I sat behind the UCLA bench with a friend last night. And their 5 injured players.
Watching once again Close walking and shouting at her players go here go there do this do that. Graves got up when players collided for a lose ball at his feet. One coached during practice and won. One coached during the game and lost
So happy Tara coaches during practice

Sad about CTT retiring. Great coach but just didn’t recruit well last few years. Transfers yes but HS no. Any thoughts on her replacement?