By: Joe Lami

The Stanford Cardinal (21-1, 10-0) took the one-hour bus ride across the bay on Sunday to take on their arch rival in Cal (14-7, 6-4).  Stanford was looking for the win to complete the sweep after they defeated the Bears on Thursday at Maples Pavilion by the final score of 70-64.  They got just that, defeating the Bears on Sunday by the final score of 79-64. 

California came into this game with some confidence, even though they lost the game at Stanford on Thursday, as they were able to comeback from a 30-point deficit to only lose by five.  Their confidence showed early, as they jumped on Stanford first.  Brittany Boyd, the Bears leading scorer from Thursday, was the first to score, as she hit an early three to give the Bears the lead.  It wouldn’t take much longer for Stanford to answer, as Freshman Lili Thompson hit a three of her own.  The game was tied at three just 1:30 into the game. 

The game would go back and forth for the next eight minutes until Stanford took the 13-12 lead with the help of a Chiney Ogwumike layup.  There would be no more lead changes after that, as Stanford was able to hold the lead the rest of the game.  Stanford would extend their lead to ten going into the half, as they led the Bears 35-25.

Coming out of halftime, the teams would continue to trade baskets.  Stanford did end up winning the second half 44-39, with the help of free throws.  Stanford ended the game shooting 24 of 30 from the foul line.

Ogwumike led all scorers with 29; she also added eight rebounds, four assists and two blocks, for what was one of her most impressive all-around performances of the year.  Karlie Samuelson continues to shine off of the bench, as the Freshman scored 16 points.  Amber Orrange was the only other Cardinal to get into double figures, as she added 13.  Mikaela Ruef had another outstanding performance contributing in everyway.  The red-shirt senior had 11 rebounds, nine points, five assists and a block.

Boyd once again led the Bears, as she finished the game with 20 points.  Other starter, Mikayla Lyles, had 16 points.  Reshanda Gray was held scoreless on Thursday and only added seven on Sunday.

California did one thing really well, as they held the Cardinal to only three offensive rebounds.  Stanford ended up winning the rebound battle 33-30.

The Bears continue to slump in Pac-12 play, as their handed their seventh loss of the season and the fourth in the last six games.  Cal’s record drops to 14-7, and they take on the Huskies of Washington in Seattle on Friday.

Stanford continues their amazing run, as they gain their 21^st win of the season and the 20^th straight.  The number four team in the country takes on the Washington State Cougars next.