Author: Sports Radio Service

Golden State Warriors podcast with Barbara Mason: Warriors continue to struggle without Curry in the line up

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Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (rear) and the San Antonio Spurs guard Devonte Graham (4) reach out for the basketball at Chase Center in San Francisco on Sat Mar 9, 2024 (AP News photo)

On the Golden State Warriors podcast with Barbara:

#1 Warriors had a scare Thursday night in the late fourth quarter when Stephen Curry suffered a right ankle sprain. The MRI had came back clean a relief for the team.

#2 With Curry out with the injury this team had to collectively step up led by Klay Thompson, Jonathan Kuminga, and Chris Paul. The Spurs also had their star Victor Wenbamyama out with a sprained ankle.

#3 The Spurs came into this game with a lot of energy outplaying the Warriors in the first half. San Antonio averages about 29% from beyond the arc but in this game they were shooting 62% at times.

#4 The only bright spots in this game were Thompson and Kuminga. Other than that the Warriors were outplayed the entire game.

#5 Monday night the Warriors travel to San Antonio to take on the Spurs for a second time. The Warriors will closely follow the progress of Curry’s ankle and hopefully he can return sooner rather than later. Again it will be up to the Warriors to step up against the Spurs that has struggled all season.

Join Barbara Mason for the Golden State Warriors podcasts each Monday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Rockets get one of their best road wins defeating Kings 112-104 however lose Sengun

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By Jeremiah Salmonson

SACRAMENTO–The Sacramento Kings were back in action on Sunday afternoon in Sacramento. The Kings welcomed in the Houston Rockets on Sunday. The Rockets were coming off a victory on the road in Portland on Friday, 123-107.

The Kings were coming off back-to-back wins against the Lakers on the road and the Spurs at home. The Kings defeated the Spurs 131-129 on Thursday night. It was a nail-biter game as the Kings won with a last-possession bucket. The Kings were set to take on the Rockets on Sunday at 3 PM PST as they looked to move to 12 games over .500. The Kings fell to the Rockets 112-104 on Sunday afternoon.

Game recap: In the first quarter, the Kings came out of the gate strong. They managed to jump to an early lead by outscoring the Rockets 30-23. Kings center Domantas Sabonis immediately impacted the game. Domas finished the quarter with eight points, eight rebounds, and four assists. Keegan Murray also started hot, scoring eight first-quarter points.

The Kings played well in the second quarter. However, the Rockets were able to make up a little ground in the game. The Rockets were able to make a run late in the second quarter to cut the Kings lead to 59-54.

The Rockets outscored the Kings 31-29 in the second quarter, partly thanks to Fred VanVleet. VanVleet hit two big three-pointers late in the quarter to bring the Rockets to within five points. Sabonis had a 14-point and 10-rebound double-double by halftime to lead the Kings.

In the third quarter, the game came to a screeching halt. The Kings offense completely disappeared in the third quarter as they had only scored seven points at 4:36 in the third. The Kings couldn’t buy a bucket, and the Rockets kept a steady offensive pace during the quarter.

The Kings were outscored by the Rockets 32-14 in the third to dig themselves a big hole. The Rockets would lead 86-73 heading into the fourth quarter. The Kings were shooting 4/22 on three-point attempts thus far in the game, which was the biggest issue. The Kings also had a bad stretch of turnovers that saw the Rockets extend their lead.

In the fourth quarter, the Kings fought, but ultimately, they came up short against the Rockets. It was another meltdown game for the Kings against an opponent they should have defeated. The Kings’ storyline of losing against bad teams has become a tired one this season, but it prevails as the central theme.

The Kings outscored the Rockets in the fourth quarter 31-26, but it was too little too late. The Kings fell to the Rockets 112-104. Leading the way in defeat for the Kings was Sabonis, who scored 25 points. VanVleet led the way in victory for the Rockets with 22 points. It is worth noting that with 30 seconds left in the game, an apparent knee injury. He was wheeled off the court in a wheelchair.

Up Next: The Kings will take on the Milwaukee Bucks inside Golden One Center in downtown Sacramento on Tue Mar 12. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 PM PST.

Warriors Cut off the Head of the Vipers, 112-105, in the City by the Bay

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Santa Cruz Warriors guard Yuri Collins drives the ball against the Rio Grande Vipers at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Sun Mar 10, 2024 (Santa Cruz Warriors image)

By Michael Roberson

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — The Santa Cruz Warriors (15-11) used the facilities and court of their Parent affiliate Golden State, to devenomize the Rio Grande Valley Vipers (14-10), 112-105, on a nice Sunday Afternoon in Downtown San Francisco.

Brazilian forward Gui Santos led his Warriors to a scintillating seven point victory by offering 26 points and 8 rebounds in front of their rare second home court.

Rio Grande Valley got the scoring started in the competitive first quarter. However, there was one tie and two lead changes. RGV managed to attain a seven point advantage, while Santa Cruz led by three in the first 12.. The Vipers had a three point lead after one, 28-25.

In the second quarter, Rio Grande Valley extended their lead to 13, but the Warriors came all the way back to take the lead by recess. Santa Cruz was on top by 3, 62-59 after 24 minutes of play.

At the half, the Warriors shot 56% from the field, and a scorching 57% from beyond the arc. They also dropped 18 dimes (assists) compared to their opponents seven. The one drawback was their alarming 16 turnovers.

Santa Cruz had four players with double-figure scoring: including the aforementioned Santos (14), Jackson Rowe (15), Javante Green (12), and Jerome Robinson (10). The Vipers featured one 10+ points scorer, and that was Jarrett Culver with 21 points and 5 rebounds.

The third quarter was quite bizarre, as there was an 18-point turnaround performed by RGV. Santa Cruz led by as much as 10 points, but the cold-blooded reptiles overcame that deficit and took an 11-point lead at the buzzer. At least they thought they did? After further review, it was determined the Vipers did not get that last shot off in time, What would have been a 21-point turnaround, was reduced to 18. After 3, 88-80 RGV.

The final stanza had the “home” team outscoring their visitors 32-17, which resulted in their 7-point victory approximately an hour or so North of their Santa Cruz residence. The Warriors were victorious, 112-105 on their parent company;s court and city.

One other Warrior was added to the double-digit club after the 48-minute whistle. Yuri Cullins added 10 points and 8 assists to the tally. Santos finished with 26 points and 8 rebounds, Jerome Robinson, 16 points and 6 assists, Jackson Rowe remained at 15, while Green finished with 15.

The Vipers added four to their plateau. Culver led all players with 33 points, 12 rebounds and 6 assists.Jermaine Samuels Jr. contributed 21 points and 10 rebounds, Ray Spalding 12 points and 6 rebounds, Josh Reaves (11) and Nate Hinton (10).

The two teams will face each other again, Tuesday, March 12, in “Surf City” at the Kaiser Permanente Arena.

Stanford Cardinal/Pac 12 Tournament podcast with Michael Roberson: Stanford and Cal meet Wednesday for first tournament game

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Stanford Cardinal Maxime Raynaud (42) led with 20 points on the last day of the regular season against the Cal Bears at Maples Pavilion in Palo Alto on Thu Mar 7, 2024. Raynaud and the Cardinal face the Golden Bears in a Pac12 rematch on Wed Mar 15th at the T Mobile Center in Las Vegas (Stanford Cardinal file photo)

On the Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson:

#1 The Stanford Cardinal (13-17)sent the California Golden Bears (13-18) into Hibernation on the Farm, 80-58, in their last Bay Battle as members of the Pacific 12 Conference last Thu Mar 7th.

#2 Michael talk about Maxime Raynaud he’s had a great season he led with 20 points against the Cal Bears.

#3 The Cardinal Kanaan Carlyle followed up with 12 points, the Cardinal stayed ahead of Cal for most of the game and Carlyle’s contribution helped keep the gap wide for Stanford.

#4 Cal’s top scorer was Fardaws Aimaq with 18 points followed by Jayson Tyson with 15 points, try as hard as they may the Bears couldn’t catch the Cardinal.

#5 Stanford and Cal match up once again this Wed night for a 6:00pm PDT tip off at the T Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Do you see Cal making a closer game since they had just seen Stanford or will Stanford get another blow because they just saw Cal?

Michael Roberson is a Stanford Cardinal beat writer at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Headline Sports podcast with Charlie O: Dodgers Lux out for season replaced at second with Betts; Ex-Red Votto signs minor league deal with Blue Jays; plus more news

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Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Mookie Betts (50) is moving to shortstop due to the season ending injury to shortstop Gavin Lux (AP News photo)

On Headline Sports podcast with Charlie O:

#1 The Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Gavin Lux has been struggling with shot hop throw to first place and then moved him to second base. Lux later torn his right ACL running bases on Feb 27 and had season ending surgery on Mar 7. Six time golden glover Mookie Betts will move from second base to shortstop. Manger Dave Roberts calls the move permanent.

#2 Charlie how surprised are you that former MVP and Cincinnati Red Joey Votto who pleaded with the Toronto Blue Jays to get another chance to play has agreed to a minor league deal to work his way back again. Votto is 40 and has played 17 seasons in the majors.

#3 Cincinnati Reds third baseman Noelvi Marte has been suspended for 80 games for PED use. Marte tested positive for Boldenone. Marte 22, hit .316 last season with three homers in 35 games. The Reds were counting on Marte’s services and this has to be a huge disappointment that he will miss half the season.

#4 The Baltimore Orioles are close to finalizing their sale to David Rubenstein who bought the Orioles from Peter Angelos for $1.725 billion. Angelos bought the Orioles in 1993 for $173 million.

#5 The Oakland A’s played two games in Las Vegas this past Friday and Saturday. How much were these two games showcasing the A’s before they move to Vegas in 2028? Both games at Las Vegas Ballpark were sold out. Our reporter Rich Perez said that close to 100 reporters had been credentialed and you safely bet there was no room in the pressbox. The A’s plan to hold these two games series every spring until they move there in 2028.

Join Charlie O for Headline Sports each Sunday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Spurs Muster Just Enough To Get Past Golden State 126-113

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Despite Golden State Warriors Klay Thompson’s team leading 27 points the Warriors struggled against the team with the worst record in the NBA the San Antonio Spurs at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Sat Mar 8, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

The San Antonio Spurs (14-50) have struggled all season; they have not shot over 50% from downtown yet they did not struggle tonight against the Golden State Warriors (33-30). The Spurs outplayed the Warriors the entire game winning by the score of 126-113. The Warriors struggled without Stephen Curry on the floor.

Game recap: The Spurs came into the opening 12 minutes with a lot of energy leading after the first quarter 32-27. San Antonio took that energy into the second quarter outplaying the Warriors and five minutes into the quarter the Spurs had a 44-32 lead forcing Head Coach Steve Kerr to take a time-out.

The Spurs were shooting 51% from the field and 54% from downtown. The Warriors were laboring at 36% from the field and the long ball. They were simply being outplayed so far in this game and their frustration was obvious.

With six minutes left in the half, San Antonio had taken their largest lead of the game 48-34. The Spurs continued to extend their lead and Kerr continued to take time outs trying to get these guys going.

It was a fractured first half of basketball for Golden State. Klay Thompson got going in the latter minutes of the half which got the crowd at Chase going as well. Thompson was the only Warrior in double digits in the first half. He was 3 of 7 from downtown. The Spurs continued to hush the crowd with ten triples and at the half San Antonio led by 19 points 62-43.

The Warriors needed to wake up in the second half of this game if they wanted to win. They were struggling defensively allowing the Spurs to shoot at 62% from beyond the arc. San Antonio was outplaying the Warriors at every turn. This was also a very disappointing offensive effort for Golden State. They had a lot of work to do in the second half. They were desperate for some offense.

The Spurs opened the third quarter with a bucket in the paint and a 21 point lead. Golden State found some rhythm and began to chip away at the Spurs lead. The 21 point San Antonio lead had dissolved to 12, 66-54.

With so much time left in this game, the Warriors had turned this game around trailing by only nine points. San Antonio was making a lot of mistakes and missing shots looking like a different team compared to the first half.

With under seven minutes left in the quarter the Spurs got some momentum going pushing their lead back to 76-59. After three quarters, San Antonio continued to lead 96-79. The Warriors worked hard in the third quarter getting to the line which was great but they missed eight free throws. The Warriors did win the quarter 36-34 and had one more quarter to comeback.

The Spurs kept knocking down triples in the fourth quarter. They had not shot at 50% once this season and here they were shooting at 58%. Mid-way through the fourth quarter, the Spurs led 110-94 clocking 17 triples.

This had been an uphill climb for Golden State the entire game and it was Thompson who was giving his team any sort of chance to win. With under five minutes left in the game, San Antonio had a 20 point lead 114-94.

Jonathan Kuminga came on strong in the second half and with under four minutes had 24 points to his credit. It was just too little too late for the Warriors. The final was 126-113 in favor of San Antonio. The Spurs had their 14th win of the season.

The Warriors were outplayed in every category in tonight’s game. Thompson had the team high with 27 points and Kuminga heated up in the second half with 26 points. They were the only bright spot in this game as they got totally dominated.

Game notes: Saturday night the Warriors took on the Spurs at Chase Center. The Warriors took to the court without their leader, their offensive weapon Curry out with a right ankle injury. Thankfully Curry’s MRI revealed no structural damage to the joint and classified the injury as a sprain.

When he will take the court again is unknown but he will be re-evaluated on Tuesday. The Spurs are having their woes besides a disappointing season; they are also missing their star Victor Wenbamyama due to a sprained ankle. Golden State will be leaning on Thompson, Kuminga and Chris Paul. In Curry’s absence Thompson had to carry this team to a win with only 20 games left in the regular season Thompson scored 27 points.

Golden State will travel to San Antonio to take on Spurs for a second time on Monday night. Curry will not be on the floor but the Spurs Wembanyama is expected to play which may prove to be tough for the Warriors. Tipoff for this game is scheduled for 5:00 PM.

Whitecaps bench too much for Earthquakes in 2-0 shutout win

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Vancouver Whitecaps forwards Ali Ahmed (#22) and Alessandro Schopf (#8) celebrate their second goal of the game against the San Jose Earthquakes at Pay Pal Park on Saturday MAR 9, 2023. (Vancouver Whitecaps)

by Marko Ukalovic

SAN JOSE — The Vancouver Whitecaps reserves scored two goals in the second half en route to a 2-0 shutout victory over the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday evening at Pay Pal Park.

San Jose have started the season losing its first three matches. Vancouver earned its first win of the season after a 1-1 draw against Charlotte in its season opener last week.

It was a mild first half to say the least. Neither team generated many scoring chances in the opening 45 minutes. San Jose (0-3-0) controlled the possession by a 62%-38 % margin. They had three shots on goal as opposed to the Whitecaps only generating one shot on net.

“I thought we had control of the game,” said ‘Quakes head coach Luchi Gonzalez about the team’s disappointment. “I had no doubt that at the very least we were going to tie (the game) if not score and push for the winner. But it doesn’t matter how much possession we have, if we don’t put away chances. Tonight they (Vancouver) were efficient, and we were not.”

Vancouver (1-0-1) had the best scoring chance in the first half when Javain Brown’s header from the center of the box was saved by ‘Quakes goalkeeper Daniel in the 34th minute.

The Earthquakes kept the momentum they established in the first half to start the final 45 minutes. In the 53rd minute, Amahl Pellegrino’s header attempt went wide right on Whitecaps goalkeeper Yahei Takaoka.

Whitecaps striker Brian White made a move around a ‘Quakes defender in the 60th minute, but his left footed shot just sailed wide left of the net.

The Whitecaps broke the seal in the 74th minute off a corner kick. Ryan Gauld centered the ball into the middle where Rodriguez headed the ball out of the box. Alessandro Schopf, who came in as a substitute in the 71st minute, came charging in from behind and fired in a right footed shot from just behind the D off the hand of Daniel for his team-leading second goal of the season.

Things became chippy in the 79th minute when Vancouver’s Fafa Picault and San Jose’s Alfredo Morales exchanged words and shoves after a foul on Morales by Picault. Each were issued yellow cards in the 80th minute.

“It was a small foul, I tried to sell it a little bit. I got the call from the ref. I just wanted to go to up to him and say I know it was almost nothing but they called it, and he (Picault) went crazy. But that’s how it is, it’s just emotions,” Morales said.

Vancouver put the game away in the 86th minute with an insurance goal from Ali Ahmed. Tristan Blackmon sent a long ball down the left sideline. Ahmed hit the ball off his chest then touched it to himself with his right foot racing into the box before depositing a right footed shot into the upper right corner of the net for his first goal of the season.

Takaoka finished the match with two saves on the five shots on target from San Jose to earn his first clean sheet of the season. Daniel made two saves on the six shots on target in the losing effort.

GAME NOTES: San Jose finished with eight corner kicks. Vancouver had six.

‘Quakes defenseman Bruno Wilson received a yellow card for a hard foul in the 62nd minute. Then in the 73rd minute, Preston Judd was issued a yellow card for a hard foul.

Tonight’s attendance was 16,045.

UP NEXT: San Jose travels out to the Midwest to take on Sporting Kansas City on Saturday 3/16 at 5:30pm at Children’s Mercy Park.

Barracuda drop second of back-to-backs against Stars 6-3

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Photo courtesy of San Jose Barracuda.

By Titus Wilkinson (@TitusWisme)

After managing to beat the Stars last night the Barracuda looked to repeat their previous success on Saturday.

Getting the start in this one for San Jose was Eetu Makiniemi who was suiting up in his first game for San Jose since January 26th. Heading into this one he was sporting a 6-7-0 record with a 3.42 GAA and .890 SV%.

For Texas it was Matthew Murray who got the call who’s record before this game was 13-11-2 with a 2.97 GAA and .898 SV%.

The opening frame in this one was rather uneventful as neither team found the score sheet. The only penalty of the period was taken by Texas as Jake Murray was called for tripping but the Barracuda did not score.

In contrast to the first the second period was the exact opposite as just 1:53 into the period Texas scored as Mark Rassell notched his sixth of the season.

Then less than minute later MATEJ BLÜMEL tacked on to his teams lead with his 23rd of the campaign.

Even with the rough start San Jose did fight back as Ozzy Wiesblatt scored cutting the Stars lead in half.

In the dying moments of the second though Texas scored a crushing goal as once again BLÜMEL found the back of the net this time on the power play.

It would take a bit longer to find scoring in the final frame of this one but it would once again come from the home team as Jack Becker this time found the back of the net.

Riding the momentum Becker struck again making the Stars lead 5-1 putting the game pretty much out of reach.

San Jose did attempt a late comeback as Nikolai Knyzhov and Scott Sabourin scored to make it 5-3.

With the goalie pulled though the Stars officially put things away as FREDRIK KARLSTRÖM scored on the empty cage ending the game at 6-3.

Special teams did not go well for San Jose as they went 0/3 on the power play and the one time they went on the penalty kill they gave up a goal.

The shots in this one ended in a tie actually at 30 apiece.

With the loss San Jose falls to 18-28-8 while the Stars improve to 27-23-3.

The Barracuda will face these Stars two more times before the season is out as they will play them on the 12th and 13th of April. Funnily enough those will be San Jose’s last two home games of the season.

The three stars in this one were: 1st: Jack Becker 2nd: MATEJ BLÜMEL 3rd: Mark Rassell

San Jose will continue this road trip as they will travel to play against the Rockford Icehogs on Saturday the 16th at 5 p.m.

Sharks Break 9 Game Losing Streak Beating Ottawa 2-1

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San Jose Sharks goaltender Magnus Chrona (30) celebrates the win over the Ottawa Senators with Fabian Zetterlund (20) at SAP Center in San Jose on Sat Mar 9, 2024 (AP News photo)

Saturday, March 9th, 2024

By Troy Ewers

San Jose, CA – The San Jose Sharks hosted the Ottawa Senators and finally ended their nine game losing streak on Saturday night at SAP Center with a 2-1 win after a wild trade deadline. The Sharks made a total of five trades before the trade deadline Friday.

Anthony Duclair, Kaapo Kahkonen, and Tomas Hertl were amongst the five traded and fans may not seem happy, but that also has to do with their current losing streak. Last game on Thursday night was the ninth loss in a row against the New York Islanders, 7-2.

The Sharks played in their 2,500th NHL game in franchise history. San Jose now owns an all-time record of 1,139-1,041-121-199. Thomas Bordeleau (1g, 0a) netted his first power goal of the season and now has three points (2g, 1a) in seven NHL games this year.

Mike Hoffman (1g, 0a) has logged points in three of his past five games played (2g, 2a). William Eklund (0g, 1a) has a career-long four-game point streak (2g, 2a). Fabian Zetterlund (0g, 1a) has tallied six points (1g, 5a) in his past five games played.

Givani Smith (0g, 1a) equaled his career high in assists with his third marker of the season and is now three points shy of tying his career high (7) set during the 2021-22 season as a member of the Detroit Red Wings.

Game recap: First period for the Sharks was a big boost especially with a big crowd on this weekend day game. Brady Tkachuck got a tripping penalty five and a half minutes into the period and the Sharks capitalized on the Ottawa captain’s penalty with good special teams offense.

Fabian Zetterlund and Mikael Granlund gained assists as Bordeleau scored right in the slot making it 1-0 for San Jose off the power play goal. The rest of the period, the Sharks were generating good shots and controlling a lionshare of offense. On top of that Magnus Chrona had a good period blocking eight shots on goal, keeping the score by intermission 1-0 Sharks. 

The second period was a better offensive period shooting wise for Ottawa, but that wouldn’t change the fact that at the end of this period the Senators would be still down one goal. Ottawa would tie it up with a power play goal quickly after a Mario Ferraro penalty.

Tim Stutzle with a shot past Chrona, 1-1. The Sharks came right back minutes later with a great set up power play that consisted of crisp passing and smart movement that led to Bordeleau’s second goal of the night. 2-1 Sharks as the game enterted the third period. 

It was a quieter third period for both teams, but both goalies stopped what came into their path. Ottawa completely out shot the Sharks, but that didn’t matter because the real number was on the scoreboard. A cheap shot on Mike Hoffman by Tkachuck doesn’t get called, but it motivated the Sharks to close this game out and break their losing streak. Sharks put up a steel curtain while Ottawa had an empty net and Sharks won 2-1.

Breaking a nine game losing streak, especially after the last two days with trades and everything led to the crowd making a lot of noise and a huge ovation for Chrona and the Sharks. The Sharks now go on a road trip before being back to San Jose on Thu March 21st a 7:30pm PDT face off.

Stanford Cardinal/Pac 12 Tournament podcast with Michael Roberson: Stanford tips off against USC Sunday at the MGM Grand Arena

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Stanford Cardinal guard Hannah Jump (33) is fired up after hitting a three pointer in the first half against the Oregon State Beavers at the Pac 12 Tournament in the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas (AP News photo)

On the Stanford Cardinal Women’s basketball podcast with Michael:

#1 Michael, the Stanford Cardinal’s (28-4) Hannah Jump scored 20 points against the Oregon State Beavers (24-7) at the Pac 12 Tournament in Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Garden Arena to help lead the Cardinal to a 66-57 win.

#2 The Cardinal who outscored the Beavers in the third quarter 23-8 put the stop on the Beavers offense eliminated the Beavers from the tournament.

#3 The Cardinal are a battling group and if they can go all the way they’ll pick up their 16th and final Pac 12 Tournament championship.

#4 Cameron Brink on Friday scored 16 second behind jump pulling down 12 rebounds this was her second consecutive double double in the tournament. Kiki Iriafen picked up 14 points and Brooke Dementre scored ten points against OSU.

#5 The Cardinal face the USC Trojans (25-5) on Sunday for a 2:00pm PDT tip at MGM Grand Garden Arena. The Trojans are ranked No.2. They defeated the UCLA Bruins (25-6) Friday in overtime 80-70. USC women have won four straight games and have won seven of their last ten games. How do you see this match up on Sunday afternoon in Vegas?

Michael Roberson is a Stanford Cardinal beat writer for http://www.sportsradioservice.com