[81alum]

Preview:

Stanford is off to a great start--avoiding COVID so far and going 7-0, besting UCLA along the way.  On New Year's Day we have our toughest test yet--a showdown with #6 Arizona, who beat us last year the only time we played, 72-73 with Aari McDonald leading them with 20.  In that game McDonald hit 4 free throws in the last 22 seconds of regulation to tie up the game.  In overtime, we were up by 1 with 33 seconds left, but McDonald scored a jumper and Williams missed at the other end for the loss.

In addition to superstar McDonald, Arizona has Cate Reese, a quality 6'2" junior forward who shoots 52% from inside, senior forward Trinity Baptiste who seems to be their glue player, and senior forward Sam Thomas, who burned us last year with 17.  Until the fourth quarter, she was more dangerous than McDonald.  In addition to McDonald's three point shooting (35%) they have a specialist from the bench who shoots 41%.  Their defense holds opponents to 35%. 

Arizona is simply a quality, well balanced team.  They can shoot inside and out, and their defense is solid.  Last year Williams tried to put our team on her back and carry us to victory.  We will need contributions from many more to prevail at Arizona this year.

[81alum]

Preview:

Stanford is off to a great start--avoiding COVID so far and going 7-0, besting UCLA along the way.  On New Year's Day we have our toughest test yet--a showdown with #6 Arizona, who beat us last year the only time we played, 72-73 with Aari McDonald leading them with 20.  In that game McDonald hit 4 free throws in the last 22 seconds of regulation to tie up the game.  In overtime, we were up by 1 with 33 seconds left, but McDonald scored a jumper and Williams missed at the other end for the loss.

In addition to superstar McDonald, Arizona has Cate Reese, a quality 6'2" junior forward who shoots 52% from inside, senior forward Trinity Baptiste who seems to be their glue player, and senior forward Sam Thomas, who burned us last year with 17.  Until the fourth quarter, she was more dangerous than McDonald.  In addition to McDonald's three point shooting (35%) they have a specialist from the bench who shoots 41%.  Their defense holds opponents to 35%. 

Arizona is simply a quality, well balanced team.  They can shoot inside and out, and their defense is solid.  Last year Williams tried to put our team on her back and carry us to victory.  We will need contributions from many more to prevail at Arizona this year.

[81alum]

So, who will defend McDonald?  Will it be Williams, Lacie?

[81alum]

So, who will defend McDonald?  Will it be Williams, Lacie?

[Lorcan]

I think you start with Anna Wilson on McDonald, although Lexie’s length could be bothersome. The issue is stopping McDonalds speed whenever possible.

[Lorcan]

I think you start with Anna Wilson on McDonald, although Lexie’s length could be bothersome. The issue is stopping McDonalds speed whenever possible.

[mbdude]

What does Arizona women’s basketball need to do to close the gap with Stanford, other blue bloods? - Arizona Desert Swarm (azdesertswarm.com)

[mbdude]

What does Arizona women’s basketball need to do to close the gap with Stanford, other blue bloods? - Arizona Desert Swarm (azdesertswarm.com)

[StanFanFam13]

It's a sign of the times, I suppose, when one gleans noteworthy news from TikTok. Oy.

But nonetheless, I found it comforting to see a post from Haley Jones yesterday in which Williams appears in practice uniform, sans brace or any other injury-related gear, doing silly dance moves with apparent ease. https://www.tiktok.com/@haleyjones88/vid...2877880581

I get that it's not confirmation that she's ready for the punishing physicality of the coming game, but I'm choosing to be optimistic anyway.

[StanFanFam13]

It's a sign of the times, I suppose, when one gleans noteworthy news from TikTok. Oy.

But nonetheless, I found it comforting to see a post from Haley Jones yesterday in which Williams appears in practice uniform, sans brace or any other injury-related gear, doing silly dance moves with apparent ease. https://www.tiktok.com/@haleyjones88/vid...2877880581

I get that it's not confirmation that she's ready for the punishing physicality of the coming game, but I'm choosing to be optimistic anyway.

[81alum]

Looking in on the Utah WSU game, freshman Charlisse Ledger-Walker of WSU looks fabulous.  New Zealand.  Second leading scorer in the Pac 12.  Has a three point release like Jump but also slashes, has a ton of assists.  Her big sister is also on the team.

Our game with WSU was postponed so we did not see her. 

Ula Matuga from Australia is also playing well for WSU.  A big body in the post.

WSU is doing well.  WSU took Oregon to the wire.  We will have to work hard the next few years to keep WSU down as the only team in the Pac 12 never to beat us...ever.  WSU has a very active defense.


Utah is not doing so badly either.  Pretty interesting game.  A bit sloppy, but there is more talent there than I expected.

[81alum]

Looking in on the Utah WSU game, freshman Charlisse Ledger-Walker of WSU looks fabulous.  New Zealand.  Second leading scorer in the Pac 12.  Has a three point release like Jump but also slashes, has a ton of assists.  Her big sister is also on the team.

Our game with WSU was postponed so we did not see her. 

Ula Matuga from Australia is also playing well for WSU.  A big body in the post.

WSU is doing well.  WSU took Oregon to the wire.  We will have to work hard the next few years to keep WSU down as the only team in the Pac 12 never to beat us...ever.  WSU has a very active defense.


Utah is not doing so badly either.  Pretty interesting game.  A bit sloppy, but there is more talent there than I expected.

[JJJ]

Thanks to advice from many on this board, just signed up for Sling. It looks like Cal@ASU is delayed due to Covid-19 protocol. Hope our game is viewable as scheduled.

[JJJ]

Thanks to advice from many on this board, just signed up for Sling. It looks like Cal@ASU is delayed due to Covid-19 protocol. Hope our game is viewable as scheduled.

[Softball Fan]

Last post on Arizona WBB twitter account was two hours ago.  Nothing about Covid so looking good for a game at 4:00 Pacific time.

[Softball Fan]

Last post on Arizona WBB twitter account was two hours ago.  Nothing about Covid so looking good for a game at 4:00 Pacific time.

[akiddoc]

ESPN listing game as postponed or cancelled

[akiddoc]

ESPN listing game as postponed or cancelled

[petersalas]

That has been listed in the preview since early this morning, so I was afraid that the game was off.. however, I kept checking and Stanford and Arizona posted about the game info which leads me to believe it’s an error.. crossing my fingers.. 

Stanford Twitter mentions they will be without 4 members of coaching and support staff during this weekend games.

https://twitter.com/stanfordwbb/status/1...72064?s=21

ESPN listing game as postponed or cancelled

[petersalas]

That has been listed in the preview since early this morning, so I was afraid that the game was off.. however, I kept checking and Stanford and Arizona posted about the game info which leads me to believe it’s an error.. crossing my fingers.. 

Stanford Twitter mentions they will be without 4 members of coaching and support staff during this weekend games.

https://twitter.com/stanfordwbb/status/1...72064?s=21

ESPN listing game as postponed or cancelled

[TheRicker]

Believe me, the Stanford Vs Arizona game is "Good to Go".

[TheRicker]

Believe me, the Stanford Vs Arizona game is "Good to Go".

[Softball Fan]

This is what I see on ESPN which has been there since 12:07 am this morning.  Not sure what to make of it.

https://www.espn.com/ncw/preview?gameId=401263196

[Softball Fan]

This is what I see on ESPN which has been there since 12:07 am this morning.  Not sure what to make of it.

https://www.espn.com/ncw/preview?gameId=401263196

[crackpot]

Uh...just announced 4 members of coaching and support staff will not be at the Arizona or ASU games. Who is left?

[crackpot]

Uh...just announced 4 members of coaching and support staff will not be at the Arizona or ASU games. Who is left?

[JJJ]

There is live audio of what seems to be pregame drills on the Audio link from gostanford.com

[JJJ]

There is live audio of what seems to be pregame drills on the Audio link from gostanford.com

[81alum]

Four members of the coaching and support staff?  How many total are there?  I hope it is just precautionary and none of the coaches is seriously ill.

Well, the season almost seemed charmed.  Had to expect more bumps along the way.  Will be interesting to see if they play with a single coach or whoever they have.

[81alum]

Four members of the coaching and support staff?  How many total are there?  I hope it is just precautionary and none of the coaches is seriously ill.

Well, the season almost seemed charmed.  Had to expect more bumps along the way.  Will be interesting to see if they play with a single coach or whoever they have.

[TheRicker]

This is what I see on ESPN which has been there since 12:07 am this morning.  Not sure what to make of it.

https://www.espn.com/ncw/preview?gameId=401263196

I would suggest you refresh the page(s).  My espn inquiry shows game is on for 4 pm.
Radio broadcast pre-game show has just started..................

[TheRicker]

This is what I see on ESPN which has been there since 12:07 am this morning.  Not sure what to make of it.

https://www.espn.com/ncw/preview?gameId=401263196

I would suggest you refresh the page(s).  My espn inquiry shows game is on for 4 pm.
Radio broadcast pre-game show has just started..................

[81alum]

Learfield is providing the radio announcing of the game and is up and running. 

They have the same tweet news we have and nothing more.  All the players are warming up.  Announcer had nothing to say about which coaches he could spot.

[81alum]

Learfield is providing the radio announcing of the game and is up and running. 

They have the same tweet news we have and nothing more.  All the players are warming up.  Announcer had nothing to say about which coaches he could spot.

[BACardinal]

Cal vs. Asu is pushed to 5:30 and will be televised on Pac-12 Arizona and streaming online at Pac-12.com. Stanford is scheduled to start on time at 4:00 on Pac-12 and Pac-12 Bay area.

[BACardinal]

Cal vs. Asu is pushed to 5:30 and will be televised on Pac-12 Arizona and streaming online at Pac-12.com. Stanford is scheduled to start on time at 4:00 on Pac-12 and Pac-12 Bay area.

[petersalas]

Starting 5 remains the same...

[petersalas]

Starting 5 remains the same...

[81alum]

The pre game interview with Tara was over the phone:

She seemed optimistic.  Commented she was pleased at UCLA that Brink stayed out of foul trouble, other kudos.  Mentioned that Hannah Jump needs to be in for longer stretches--she can help us more.  Brink is a great finisher, mobile, passes well.  Getting the freshmen to adjust physically to the college game is tough. 

They have had some good practices in Arizona, she says. 

McDonald has a drive, mid range, three point.  Reminds Tara of Candice Wiggins.  A speedster like Nikki McCray.

[81alum]

The pre game interview with Tara was over the phone:

She seemed optimistic.  Commented she was pleased at UCLA that Brink stayed out of foul trouble, other kudos.  Mentioned that Hannah Jump needs to be in for longer stretches--she can help us more.  Brink is a great finisher, mobile, passes well.  Getting the freshmen to adjust physically to the college game is tough. 

They have had some good practices in Arizona, she says. 

McDonald has a drive, mid range, three point.  Reminds Tara of Candice Wiggins.  A speedster like Nikki McCray.