By: Joe Lami

STANFORD, Calif.–

The new look Stanford Cardinal defeated the Boston College Eagles on Friday night by the final score of 96-63. They had to do it with a new offense, and without star player Chiney Ogwumike, who graduated earlier this spring. However, they didn’t miss a step as they controlled most of the game from the get-go. There was a period of a few minutes late in the first half where the Eagles worried the Cardinal, but finished the half on a five-minute 17-8 run.

Stanford’s shooting was shooting the lights out all game, as they ended the first half 63% from the field, and a game total of 64.9%, good enough for their fifth best shooting percentage in school history. It was also the first time since January 17 against Arizona, where the Cardinal ended the game with a shooting percentage higher than 60%. The Cardinal also dominated points in the paint, as they destroyed the Eagles 28-6 in the first half, and for a game total of 48-12.

Boston College was insane in the first half from beyond the arc, as nine of their 15 total baskets came from three-point range, keeping them in the game. However, those shots stopped falling in the second half, as they didn’t make a single three-pointer in the second half, allowing Stanford to pull away. Boston College credits this to the halftime adjustments made by Stanford head coach, Tara VanDerveer. “They were sticking to us, forcing us to do something we weren’t comfortable with,” commented Nicole Boudreau. VanDerveer mentioned the adjustment, “We weren’t being aggressive enough, and we were way to far off. I pretty much told them if they make a three on you, you’re coming out”.

Four Cardinal players achieved double digit scoring. Sophomore, Lili Thompson led the way with 26 points, a new career high beating her previous high of 19. Erica McCall followed with 16 points. Amber Orrange scored 11, but also led the team in rebounds with nine, while adding six assists. Taylor Greenfield was the last to get into double digits, as she hit an even ten.

The new style of offense seemed to work tonight, as it opened up a lot more floor to work with. “The floor was more open, more spread out. It allowed us to attack the paint,” added Thompson. McCall shared her love of the new offense, “it doesn’t make me think as much, it allows me to just play basketball”.

The win for Stanford marks their 14^th straight win in season openers. It also extends their home winning streak to 27 games, which will be put in jeopardy on Monday, as they host number one ranked Connecticut, who went 40-0 last year, and held Stanford to 35 points last year. “We need to come out and be aggressive. We need to want to battle. Either way, it’s a win-win for going up against such a good team in our second game of the year,” added VanDerveer.

Follow Joe Lami on Twitter: @joe_lami