Stanford routs Washington State 71-49, moves to 68-0 all-time vs. the Cougars
Stanford stays undefeated against Washington State
No. 6 Stanford (13-2, 10-2 Pac-12) halted Washington State’s momentum Wednesday night 71-49 in Pullman in the first contest in a two-game series. Led by four players in double figures, the Cardinal had no trouble putting away the Cougars, a team that relies heavily on the combined firepower of sisters, freshman Charlisse and senior Krystal Leger-Walker.
Charlisse, a contender for the league and national freshman of the year honors, averages 20.3 points per game. In WSU’s last win, a double-overtime victory at Oregon State, the sisters combined for 45 points. However, with outstanding defense from senior guard Kiana Williams and fifth-year guard Anna Wilson, Stanford put the brakes on their offensive production, limiting Charlisse to 6 points and her older sister to 9.
The second quarter key as the Cardinal outscored the home team 25-9 and went into halftime with a 44-18 lead. While WSU (8-5, 6-5) managed to inch closer to the visitors in the fourth quarter, they never got within double digits to make a significant dent in their deficit.
“I thought that our first half might have been one of our best first half of the season,” head coach Tara VanDerveer said of her team’s effort. “I’m just so proud of the defense that we played in the first half. Anna Wilson was phenomenal. Everyone worked hard, every single player out there.”
Stanford’s freshman phenom, forward Cameron Brink, had an all-around spectacular outing with a double-double of 12 points, a career-high 14 rebounds along with five assists plus five blocks. Williams and junior guard Lexie Hull scored 17 points each. Williams also dished out five assists. Sophomore guard Haley Jones was also in double figures with 10 points plus 7 rebounds and 4 assists.
Sophomore guard Johanna Teder led the Cougars with 12 points, while junior forward Ula Motuga added a double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds.
Washington State has never beaten Stanford. Tonight’s win gives Stanford a 68-0 record against the Cougars.
The teams play again on Friday, Jan. 29, at 12 p.m. PT.
