[jk1926]

This game just got away from the team, the players, the coaches, etc. I do think the officiating was awful, so many fouls not called in a game that was really, really physical. Texas plays as tough and close as the refs will let them, and then pushes it a bit more to see if they can get away with it, and they did. I think Stanford just got rattled. But it was really painful to see open shots not going in -- and we had some for 3, just bounced off. The only one who seemed to be able to do anything was Lexie, and she was missing as well. Bottom line, serious need to regroup and move onward. This team is too good to play a game like this.

1.  Only the second game of the season.  Coach Tara and her staff will make the adjustments to correct the problems that appeared yesterday.  It takes time but by season’s end Stanford will become the formidable team everyone expects and make a deep run in the tournament.  The coaching staff too good and team too talented for that not to happen.

2.  As frustrating as yesterday’s game was to Stanford faithful (Full disclosure - UCLA grad here but I back the PAC, especially against non-conference opponents) the outcome will serve as a sobering reminder that the staff can and no doubt will use to keep the team from getting complacent or believing it is invincible.  The loss will really help down the road.

3.  The Card were in it until the end.  A couple of made 3’s instead of misses and Stanford wins.  It would shock everyone if the team shoots 3-pt shots as poorly in future games.  Shot 2-19 from 3 in first 3 quarters.  Doesn’t it seem too many?  Once the Texas lead got to three possessions late in the game it made sense to shoot the threes (made 2 for 8 in 4Q). As noted here the team would have been better served relying on its size advantage to score more inside.  It didn’t do it consistently yesterday but I’d bet my bottom dollar it will learn how quickly.

4.  The players have a lot of opportunities in the next five weeks to redeem themselves against quality opponents starting Sunday at Gonzaga.  Then Indiana, South Florida, Maryland, Tennessee topped off by South Carolina.  The Card can win them all and I believe (er hope?) they will.

5.  Some here and on other fan boards lament the “loose” officiating as contributing to the loss (and previous losses).  As long as the refs call games consistently (i.e. the same both ways) it’s up to the staff and team to make the necessary adjustments.  Blaming the refs for a loss, a bad call or whatever seems like excuse making.

For good reason Stanford bears the torch for the conference and, barring injury to key players, I believe the Card will make the final four again this year.  I look forward to those big non-conference games (Shame the Thanksgiving games are on Flo-Hoops). Will be there when the Cardinal visit Pauley Feb 3.

BTW: As the school goes by “Cardinal” vis-a-vis “Cardinals” is it “Card” or “Cards” or neither?

[jk1926]

This game just got away from the team, the players, the coaches, etc. I do think the officiating was awful, so many fouls not called in a game that was really, really physical. Texas plays as tough and close as the refs will let them, and then pushes it a bit more to see if they can get away with it, and they did. I think Stanford just got rattled. But it was really painful to see open shots not going in -- and we had some for 3, just bounced off. The only one who seemed to be able to do anything was Lexie, and she was missing as well. Bottom line, serious need to regroup and move onward. This team is too good to play a game like this.

1.  Only the second game of the season.  Coach Tara and her staff will make the adjustments to correct the problems that appeared yesterday.  It takes time but by season’s end Stanford will become the formidable team everyone expects and make a deep run in the tournament.  The coaching staff too good and team too talented for that not to happen.

2.  As frustrating as yesterday’s game was to Stanford faithful (Full disclosure - UCLA grad here but I back the PAC, especially against non-conference opponents) the outcome will serve as a sobering reminder that the staff can and no doubt will use to keep the team from getting complacent or believing it is invincible.  The loss will really help down the road.

3.  The Card were in it until the end.  A couple of made 3’s instead of misses and Stanford wins.  It would shock everyone if the team shoots 3-pt shots as poorly in future games.  Shot 2-19 from 3 in first 3 quarters.  Doesn’t it seem too many?  Once the Texas lead got to three possessions late in the game it made sense to shoot the threes (made 2 for 8 in 4Q). As noted here the team would have been better served relying on its size advantage to score more inside.  It didn’t do it consistently yesterday but I’d bet my bottom dollar it will learn how quickly.

4.  The players have a lot of opportunities in the next five weeks to redeem themselves against quality opponents starting Sunday at Gonzaga.  Then Indiana, South Florida, Maryland, Tennessee topped off by South Carolina.  The Card can win them all and I believe (er hope?) they will.

5.  Some here and on other fan boards lament the “loose” officiating as contributing to the loss (and previous losses).  As long as the refs call games consistently (i.e. the same both ways) it’s up to the staff and team to make the necessary adjustments.  Blaming the refs for a loss, a bad call or whatever seems like excuse making.

For good reason Stanford bears the torch for the conference and, barring injury to key players, I believe the Card will make the final four again this year.  I look forward to those big non-conference games (Shame the Thanksgiving games are on Flo-Hoops). Will be there when the Cardinal visit Pauley Feb 3.

BTW: As the school goes by “Cardinal” vis-a-vis “Cardinals” is it “Card” or “Cards” or neither?