By: Joe Lami

STANFORD, Calif.— The Stanford Cardinal defeated the Oklahoma Sooners 86-76 Monday evening to earn a trip to their eighth straight sweet sixteen.  In their final home game of the year, the Cardinal were able to turn a halftime deficit into a victory for the ninth time this season. 

The Cardinal struggled in the first half, finishing just 39% from the field and only 25% from three-point range.  Despite their poor shooting percentage, they were able to keep the score close at the half thanks to great free-throw shooting nailing 12 of their 14 shots from the line. The deficit would have been worse, but Stanford guard, Lili Thompson, was able to knock down one of her three three-pointers at the buzzer. 

Gioya Carter had an insane first half for the Sooners, scoring 16.  However, Carter was only able to add four points in the second to finish with 20 on the game.  Carter commented, “I had the jumpers that were going in the first, they just weren’t falling in the second”. She went on a span on not scoring of 19 minutes, including the final eight of the first half.

The turning point was when, Stanford guard, Lili Thompson ended the first half with one of her three three-pointers at the buzzer.  It brought the Oklahoma lead down to four from seven and brought life into the team.

The second half was a different story, as the Cardinal offense exploded.  Stanford finished the half shooting 65%, and had a stretch where it seemed like they weren’t going to miss.  Amber Orrange led the way for the Cardinal with 24 points, 13 of which came in the second half.  Orrange also became the 21st player in school history to score 1,400 points in her career.  She now sits tied for 20th place with 1,414.

Bonnie Samuelson and Lili Thompson each followed Orrange, scoring 19 each.  Samuelson scored all of her 19 in the second half, after going 0 for 4 from the field in the first.  Sophomore, Briana Roberson topped off the Cardinal double digit scorers with 13 points.  Monday marks the 13th time this season where at least four scorers hit double digits.  They are 13-0 when reaching that feat.

For seniors, Samuelson and Orrange, it will be the last time they ever play at Maples Pavilion.  With their amazing play, it continues a streak of seniors having outstanding games the last time they play at home. Stanford coach, Tara VanDerveer commented on this, “Before the game I told them it was Maples magic.  That every senior has a strong game in their last game.  Why not have a great game yourself”.

The Cardinal have the number one seed in the region up next, as they will take on Notre Dame in the regional semifinal on Friday.  They hope to upset the second ranked team in the country and continue their quest for their third national championship and the first since 1991.