Lexie Hull scored 21 and No. 2 Stanford opened the game with a 14-0 run during the fourth quarter. They beat Oregon State 87 to 63 on Friday night.
The Cardinal (22-23, 13-0 Pac-12), have won 14 consecutive games and extended their winning streak in conference play to 28.
This victory also secured the Pac-12 regular season title for the defending champions.
“Pac-12 has one of the most prestigious conferences in the country so to continue playing how we’ve been and improve throughout the Pac-12 season, is great,” stated Haley Jones, a Stanford junior guard who scored 13 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. “It’s what our team wants going into March and April.”
Cameron Brink, the Cardinal’s leading scorer, played only eight minutes due to foul troubles. This is a testament to their depth. She scored five points.
“Cam got into foul trouble. This will make her fresh for Sunday (at Oregon),” Stanford coach Tara VanDerveer stated.
Hannah Jump, Stanford’s bench player, led a strong performance with 13 points. This included back-to-back 3 pointers in the fourth quarter which triggered the decisive 14-0 run. Francesca Belibi added seven points and 10 rebounds from the bench.
Scott Rueck, Oregon State coach, said that those 3-pointers were “the dagger”.
Oregon State (12-10, Pac-12 5-7) lost its fifth consecutive game. Talia von Oelhoffen was the Beavers’ leading scorer with 16 points. Taya Corsdale added 11.
Nationally ranked, the Beavers’ five previous opponents were also ranked.
VanDerveer stated, “They gave us battle.”
Oregon State was within striking distance of the final quarter.
With 6:34 left, Anna Wilson’s steal & layup increased Stanford’s lead by 71-53. In the fourth quarter, Stanford outscored Beavers 27-14.
Hull scored 12 points during the first period, which helped Stanford to take a lead of 36-27 at the break.
Brink and Hull were both fouled in the third quarter. They remained on the bench the rest of the time.
Oregon State was within 45-41 after Taya Corosdale’s two free throws. Stanford won the quarter and was leading by 60 points to 49 heading into the fourth quarter.
The Beavers were never able to get closer than nine points throughout the remainder of the game.
BIG PICTURE
Stanford: Since losing at No. 1 South Carolina and are well placed to win a No. 1 seed in NCAA Tournament. Stanford has four returning starters from the national championship team last season, and is well positioned to continue its long run in this tournament.
Oregon State: To secure an eighth consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance, the Beavers will likely need to win a few Pac-12 games.
The loss of Taylor Jones, a sophomore forward, was devastating. Jones was only able to play nine games before undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery. Jones was second in rebounding and scoring.
UP NEXT
Stanford: Sunday at Oregon
Oregon State: California will host the Oregon State team on Sunday.
