Pac-10 Tournament Semifinals: Slideshow and Recap
Friday, March 11, 2011, Los Angeles, Staples Center
Game 7: #1 Stanford def. #4 Arizona, 100-71
The Ogwumike sisters led Stanford in a 100-71 rout of Arizona in the Pac-10 tournament semifinals Friday. It was the highest point total in tournament history.
Nnemkadi put up 32 points and pulled down 10 rebounds, while Chiney added 21 points and grabbed 13 boards. They answered questions at a post-game media conference with Coach Tara VanDerveer.
On the strengths of the Cardinal
Nnemkadi: Right now we’re doing a good job of accentuating our assets and working hard as a team – collaborating.
We always start the second half like it’s 0-0. We never let the score effect us – we play hard for 40 minutes.
Chiney: We have the ability to play so many people. Everyone brings energy when they come into the game.”
VanDerveer: They will do whatever it takes, and they take coaching well.
On the sisterly connection on court:
Nnemkadi: We have an invisible extension between us. This year’s team is special because we’re very close.
Chiney: I know where to look for her on the court. We also consider Kayla a sister because she can pick up on what we’re saying.
When someone is struggling, another teammate will know what to say to pull them back up. It’s part of the sisterhood of Stanford.
Game 8 #2 UCLA def. #6 California, 63-50
UCLA took a commanding lead from tipoff and never looked back, easily defeating Cal 63-50 to advance to the Pac-10 tournament final.
Antonye Nyingifa had a season-high 17 points and nine rebounds for the Bruins, and Darxia Morris and Doreena Campbell added 14 and 12, respectively.
UCLA Coach Nikki Caldwell, who has made it a mantra to her team that they “play for 40 minutes,” seemed pleased with their efforts Friday – particularly since they’d had a week off since their last game.
“We wanted to make sure we came into (today’s) game with great intensity, and our team made the choice to elevate their play,” she said.
Caldwell, who has always made defense a trademark at UCLA, said “it’s who we are.â€
“We use out athleticism…and versatility to disrupt the other team’s game.â€
