Brink’s double-double leads No, 2 Cardinal women past Cal 60-56

Stanford forward Cameron Brink (22) blocks the shot of California guard Jayda Curry during the second half  at Haas Pavilion in Berkeley on Sun Jan 8, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Daniel Dullum
Sunday, January 8, 2023

Stanford got a big game from center Cameron Brink and needed it on Sunday, as the No. 2 Cardinal held off California 60-56 in Pac-12 women’s basketball at Haas Pavilion.

Brink scored 25 points, grabbed 17 rebounds and blocked three shots, as the Cardinal (16-1 overall, 4-0 Pac-12) won their 11th straight game. Haley Jones scored 12 points to go with four assists and 11 rebounds.

Cal (10-5 overall, 1-3 Pac-12) was led by Leilani McIntosh with 19 points and Kemery Martin’s nine points, eight rebounds and four assists.

Stanford swept the season series wth their Bay Area rival, winning the first meeting 90-69 on Dec. 23.

Jones made a go-ahead layup with 1:17 remaining in the fourth quarter. Brink and McIntosh each missed a shot in the final minute. The Bears’ Jayda Curry grabbed a rebound to give Cal a last possession, but Claudia Langarita missed a shot with 14 seconds to play,

The Bears ended the second quarter with a 7-0 run to tie the game at 26-26. Brink hit a 3-pointer with 5:21 left in the third quarter to give Stanford a 35-33 lead. Hannah Jump hit a long jumper that put the Cardinal up 47-43 late in the third.

From there, the Cardinal was able to maintain that four-point edge.

Stanford outrebounded the Bears 46-37. Neither team shot well – the Cardinal was 20 of 62 from the field (4 of 20 3-pointers) for 32.3 percent. Cal was 21 of 60 (7 of 18 3-pointers) for 35 percent.

Stanford visits No. 12 UCLA on Friday night, while the Bears travel to Southern California.

Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson: What went wrong for Cardinal in loss to Cal on Friday

The Cal Bears forward Sam Alajiki (24) had lots to smile about as he takes the ball up court against the Stanford Cardinal on Fri Jan 6, 2023 at Haas Pavilion (San Francisco Chronicle photo)

On Stanford Cardinal podcast:

#1  The Stanford Cardinal (5-10, 0-5 Pac-12) are still winless in conference play after being slashed and bombed from the beyond the arc by the California Golden Bears (3-13, 2-3 Pac-12) at Haas Pavilion, 92-70.

#2 The first half was pretty competitive the entire 20 minutes, with eight ties and two lead changes being a major component. However, California managed to take a nine-point lead, and held an advantage of eight at intermission, 45-37.  Stanford led by four at one point of the session, but played catch-up most of the time.

#3 In the second half Stanford fell farther behind quickly, at the paws of the homesteading Bears by as many as 23 points.  California eventually closed the contest out by 22 points.

#4 Despite the 20+ points loss, the Cardinal managed to shoot over 50% from the field and have four players score in double-digits: Senior guard Michael Jones topped the squad with 14 points,  Raynaud (12 points & 8 rebounds), senior forward Spencer Jones (13) and Isa Silva (12).

#5 Stanford travels to Seattle to try and get their first conference win versus the Washington Huskies, Thursday, January 12, while California also treks to the Evergreen State, Pullman.

Join Michael Roberson for the Stanford Cardinal podcast Saturday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Stanford Mauled on the East Side of the Bay by California, 92-70

Stanford Cardinal Michael Jones who led with 14 points drives up the lane against the Cal Bears at Haas Pavilion Berkeley on Fri Jan 6, 2023 (USA Today photo)

By Michael Roberson

BERKELEY, Calif. — The Stanford Cardinal (5-10, 0-5 Pac-12) are still winless in conference play after being slashed and bombed from the beyond the arc by the California Golden Bears (3-13, 2-3 Pac-12) at Haas Pavilion, 92-70.

The first half was pretty competitive the entire 20 minutes, with eight ties and two lead changes being a major component.

However, California managed to take a nine-point lead, and held an advantage of eight at intermission, 45-37.  Stanford led by four at one point of the session, but played catch-up most of the time.

Cardinal sophomore forward Maxime Raynaud tried to keep the game close with his 10 points and six rebounds contribution, while the Golden Bears were paced by senior guard DeJuan Clayton’s 14 points.

In the second half Stanford fell farther behind quickly, at the paws of the homesteading Bears by as many as 23 points.  California eventually closed the contest out by 22 points and shot a scintillating 73% from behind the three-point line, resulting in a final score of 92-70, California.

Despite the 20+ points loss, the Cardinal managed to shoot over 50% from the field and have four players score in double-digits: Senior guard Michael Jones topped the squad with 14 points,  Raynaud (12 points & 8 rebounds), senior forward Spencer Jones (13) and Isa Silva (12).

The Golden Bears had three players score in double-figures and simultaneously converting 14 of the team’s 16 made threes.  Clayton led all scorers with 26 points (6) and 6 assists.  Sophomore forward Sam Alajiki tallied 19 points (5) and senior forward Kuany Kuany offered 18 points (3) and 5 rebounds.

Stanford travels to Seattle to try and get their first conference win versus the Washington Huskies, Thursday, January 12, while California also treks to the Evergreen State, Pullman, to take on the Washington State Cougars Wednesday, January, 11.

Stanford Cardinal podcast with Daniel Dullum: Cardinal looking to make it two straight over Cal on Sunday

Stanford Cardinal in huddle during game against the Arizona Wildcats at Maple Pavilion in Palo Alto on Sat Dec 31, 2023. The Cardinal take on the Cal Bears on Sun Jan 8 at UC Berkeley at 4:00pm (photo by the Stanford Cardinal)

On the Stanford Cardinal podcast with Daniel:

#1 Stanford used a big second quarter surge to pull away from No, 15 Arizona Monday, as the No, 2 Cardinal earned a 73-57 Pac-12 women’s basketball victory at Maples Pavilion last Saturday.

#2  One thing you could say about Stanford head coach Tara VanDerveer she gat this team turned up on it’s defense that turned out to be the key in the win over the Wildcats last Monday.

#3 It was the Cardinal’s 10th consecutive win, as they held the high-scoring Wildcats to their lowest offensive output o the season. Arizona (12-2 overall, 2-1 Pac-12) had been averaging 81.2 points per game and had been winning by an average of 22.3 points.

#4 Haley Jones continues to impress with 18 points 16 rebounds the most for Jones this season and five assists, how much does her contributions help in making this team successful on the offensive end as well the reason why their ranked No.2.

#5 The Cardinal host the Cal Bears next on Sun Jan 8th. Cal has won five of their last eight games. Most recently Cal lost a tough game against Arizona in Berkeley in their last game 63-56 on New Years Eve. No doubt the Wildcats are one of the toughest in the Pac 12. How do you see Cal and Stanford tangling this Sunday at Haas Pavilion.

Join Daniel for the Stanford Cardinal podcasts each Friday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Cal Bears podcast with Michael Duca: Cal hoping to pick up third win Friday against Cardinal at Haas Pavilion

Joel Brown (1) of the Cal Bears drives against the Colorado Buffaloes guard Jullian Hammond (1) at Haas Pavilion in Berkeley on Dec 31, 2022 (photo by Cal Bears)

On the Cal Bears podcast with Michael Duca:

#1 The Cal Bears (2-13) picked up only their second win but what was promising about it they did it against the Colorado Buffaloes (9-6) edging them out 80-76. It was Cal’s second win in three games.

#2 How encouraging is it for Cal head coach Mark Fox that after some 12 straight loses Cal looks like they’re playing more competitive and they’ve been able to keep up with there opponents.

#3 Michael, talk about the leading scorers for Cal Joel Brown 21 pts, Grant Newell 13 pts, and Lars Thiemann 12 of the two wins Brown, Newell and Thiemann were big contributors.

#4 “Our guards can’t get through ball screens,” Colorado head coach Tad Boyle said. “We had nobody on our team who could even think about guarding Joel Brown. He took us off the bounce whenever he wanted.”

#5 Cal hosts the Stanford Cardinal Friday night at Haas Pavilion for the local school’s version of the Big Game. Stanford has won two of their last three games do you see this one too close to call or how do you see this one?

Join Michael for the Cal Bears podcasts each Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

No. 2 Cardinal women prevail over No, 15 Arizona 73-57

Hannah Jump (33) gets to jump for joy as the Stanford Cardinal defeat the Arizona Wildcats at Maples Pavilion on Mon Jan 2, 2023 (Bay Area News Group photo)

By Daniel Dullum
Monday, January 2, 2023

Stanford used a big second quarter surge to pull away from No, 15 Arizona Monday, as the No, 2 Cardinal earned a 73-57 Pac-12 women’s basketball victory at Maples Pavilion.

It was the Cardinal’s 10th consecutive win, as they held the high-scoring Wildcats to their lowest offensive output o the season. Arizona (12-2 overall, 2-1 Pac-12) had been averaging 81.2 points per game and had been winning by an average of 22.3 points.

Haley Jones led the Cardinal (15-1 overall, 3-0 Pac-12) with 18 points, a season-high 16 rebounds and five assists. Francesca Belibi had 14 points and 10 rebounds off the Stanford bench – both season highs, Hannah Jump bagged four 3-pointers on her way to finishing with 13 points.

Cameron Brink finished with 12 points, six rebounds and three blocked shots despite a cold shooting day. Brink was 3-for-15 from the field and missed all of her 3-point attempts.

The Cardinal were 20-for-34 at the free throw line, but had a 53-35 rebounding edge.

Jade Loville led U of A with 12 points. Helena Pueyo and Madison Connor each added 10 polints for the Wildcats, Pueyo also had seven rebounds,

Stanford used a 7-0 run to take a 17-11 lead in the first quarter, then outscored the Wildcats 17-7 in the second quarter to take a 36-22 halftime lead.

The Cardinal visit California this Sunday in Berkeley in their second matchup of the season. Stanford won the first game 90-69 at Maples Pavilion on Dec. 23 in the Pac-12 opener.

Cardinal women dominate in 101-69 win over ASU

Stanford guard Indya Nivar, right, celebrates with forward Cameron Brink after scoring against Arizona State during the first half at Maples Pavilion in Palo Alto on Sat Dec 31, 2022 (AP News photo)

By Daniel Dullum
Saturday, December 31, 2022

Hannah Jump sank three early 3-pointers, and the Cardinal post players dominated inside from start to finish for No. 2 Stanford, setting the pace for the Cardinal’s 101-69 women’s basketball win over Arizona State Saturday at Maples Pavilion.

It was the eighth consecutive win for the Cardinal (14-1 overall, 2-0 Pac-12), who opened the game with a 22-5 run. ASU shot 4-for-20 from the field in the first quarter and never recovered.

Jump eventually made six 3’s en route to a 20-point night. Cameron Brink celebrated her 21stbirthday by scoring 17 points, to go with 14 rebounds, four assists and two blocked shots. Haley Jones had 16 points, seven rebounds and two steals.

Tyl Skinner led the Sun Devils (7-6 overall, 0-2 Pac-12) with 20 points, followed by Treasure Hunt with 19. Hunt is a transfer from Kentucky.

Stanford is ranked No. 2 for the 21st straight week, going back to last season. The Cardinal women have won nine straight games since losing in overtime to defending national champion South Carolina on Nov. 20.

The Cardinal have won 50 straight games against unranked opponents.

Stanford hosts Arizona on Monday, then travels to Berkeley on Jan. 8 to face California at Haas Pavilion.

Stanford De-Barked by Utah Inside Maples Pavilion on the Last Day of 2022, 71-66

Utah guard Rollie Worster (25) shoots against Stanford forward Brandon Angel (23) during the first half at Maples Pavilion in Palo Alto on Sat Dec 31, 2022 (AP News photo)

By Michael Roberson

STANFORD, Calif. — The Stanford Cardinal (5-9, 0-4 Pac-12) remain winless in conference play after being chopped down by the undefeated (division) Utah Runnin’ Utes (11-4, 4-0 Pac-12), on a rainy New Year’s Eve on the Farm, 71-66.

Stanford trailed most of the initial 20 minutes of play, and fell behind by ten points early in the half. Utah had a 10-0 run to sustain their advantage on the road. The Cardinal managed to make a 7-0 charge, and had a deficit of that same amount of points (7) at intermission, 30-23.

Sophomore forward Harrison Ingram led the Cardinal with seven points and five rebounds, while senior center Branden Carlson topped the Utes with 11 points.

In the second stanza, Utah pushed the lead back up to double-digits within the first three minutes after the break in action.

Although the Utes pushed their advantage to as high as 16 points, the Cardinal kept chipping away and cut the margin to single digits several times, getting as close as two points away from their guest from the Beehive state with just over two minutes left in regulation.

However, Utah was able to hit crucial free throws down the stretch, while Stanford did not, resulting in a five point loss, 71-66.

The Cardinal was led by senior forward Spencer Jones’s 16 points and four rebounds. Sophomore guard Isa Silva added 11 points, junior forward Max Murrell chipped in ten points. Ingram only added two second half points to his halftime total, tallying nine points, seven rebounds and five assists, but 0-3 from the free throw line in crunch time.

The Runnin’ Utes had four players in double-digits: Sophomore guard Lazar Stefanovic (20), Carlson (18), junior guard Gabe Madsen (10 points & 7 rebounds) and senior guard Marco Anthony (10).

Stanford will next be in action Friday, January 6, 2023, across the Bay in Berkeley, for part one of the Battle of the Bay versus Cal. Utah will be back in Salt Lake City to host Oregon State, January 5, 2023.

Stanford Loses In Final Seconds to Colorado 73-70

Stanford guard Michael Jones, left, vies for the ball against Colorado forward Tristan da Silva during the second half at Maples Pavilion in Palo Alto on Thu Dec 29, 2022 (AP News photo)

Stanford Loses In Final Seconds to Colorado 73-70

By Barbara Mason

Thursday evening the Stanford Cardinal (5-7) took on the Colorado Buffaloes (8-5) at Maples Pavilion. Colorado is back at full strength with Luke O’Brien and Lawson Lovering returning to the rotation. The Cardinal are struggling and took full advantage of a long holiday break trying to come up with a game plan that will bring them more success.

The Cardinal got to rest and reorganize getting ready for the next 18 Pac 12 Conference games. If Stanford wants to make a run for the NCAA Tournament they have the challenge of winning at least 14 of those games if not even more. The Cardinal have not played in a March Madness since 2014. They lost in the last few seconds of Thursday’s contest 73-70 to the Buffaloes to start the two game homestand.

Colorado took an early lead in the first half. They led at one time 17-8. The Cardinal came roaring back to pull to within one point 17-16 with 10:30 left in the half. Stanford took their first lead 19-17 when Spencer Jones hit a shot from downtown. Stanford had momentum going leading 28-21 before letting the Buffaloes back in the game.

With under five minutes left in the opening half Colorado had tied the game at 28. The Cardinal had eight turnovers which hurt them. The Cardinal were using their size to punish Colorado on the glass. This put tremendous pressure on the Buffaloes. After the slow start the Cardinal had really turned this game around. The pace of this game had turned up a notch in the closing minutes. After the first 20 minutes of play Stanford led 37-33.

In the first half both teams were shooting over 50% on the floor. Spencer Jones had 17 points in the half and was three of six from beyond the arc. KJ Simpson had 13 points for the Buffaloes.

With under four minutes left in the game the Cardinal had held onto the lead the entire second half. They had cashed in on a couple of Colorado turnovers. With 3:45 left on the clock Stanford led 68-64. With a lot of time in the second half this was still anybody’s game.

This was a one point game more often than not in the final minutes. With 2:04 left Colorado took their first lead of the second half 69-68. At 0.28 seconds remaining Stanford was clinging to a 70-69 lead. The Buffaloes took the lead 71-70 and Stanford had 0:17 to win this game.

The Cardinal would foul sending Colorado to the line. Stanford had led for the majority of the game but when push came to shove they could not finish. Colorado comes away with the win.

Stanford’s Spencer Jones finished with 25 points. KJ Simpson had an amazing game with 31 points for the Buffaloes. This game went right down to the wire but Colorado had just enough to power past the Cardinal.

On Saturday Dec 31st the Stanford Cardinal will host Utah. Tipoff is scheduled for 1:00 PM.

Stanford Cardinal podcast with Daniel Dullum: Cardinal got scoring help from Ingram and Keefe in win over Loyola

Stanford Cardinal James Keefe throws down, Keefe was second in scoring against the Loyola Chicago Ramblers Thu Dec 22, 2022 at Kaiser Permanente in Santa Cruz with 14 points (Stanford Cardinal file photo)

On the Stanford Cardinal podcast with Daniel Dullum:

#1 The Stanford Cardinal (6-7) who faced off with the Loyola Chicago Ramblers (6-6) picked up a 75-62 win last Thursday at Kaiser Permanente Arena in Santa Cruz it was Stanford’s second win in six games.

#2 The Cardinal’s Harrison Ingram led with 15 points and James Keefe followed up with 14 points to help provide with the offense the Cardinal needed to win this one.

#3 During the unforgettable 2020-21 season for Stanford the Cardinal used Kaiser Permanente for their home games replacing Maples Pavilion as Stanford was under Covid protocols as ordered by Santa Clara County that season. The win last Thursday brings Stanford up to 6-0 when playing in Santa Cruz.

#4 Stanford’s Michael Jones continues to have some offensive success scoring 12 points good enough to finish third against the Ramblers last Thursday.

#5 The Cardinal go onto host the Colorado Buffaloes (8-5) Thursday night at Maples. The Buffaloes won their last game against the Northern Colorado Buffaloes last Sunday 88-77. Daniel how do you see this contest as the Cardinal open a two game homestand?

Join Daniel for the Cardinal podcasts Wednesdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com