Stanford women’s basketball falls to Cal, swept in season series
In a tightly contested game at Maples Pavilion on Thursday night, Stanford women’s basketball (10-9, 2-6 ACC) fell to No. 22 Cal, 75-72. Despite a strong fourth-quarter rally that cut a 19-point deficit to just two, the Cardinal could not complete the comeback.
Cal (18-3, 6-2 ACC) swept the season series against Stanford for the first time since 2015. Graduate guard Kayla Williams led the Bears with 18 points, while senior forward Marta Suarez added 13 points and seven rebounds. Cal’s offense was efficient throughout the game, and the Bears dominated the paint with 26 first-half points.
“We dug ourselves into a hole in the first quarter, and that really hurt us,” said Stanford head coach Kate Paye. “But I’m extremely proud of how we battled back.”
Cal took control early, hitting their first five shots and building a 10-point lead by the end of the first quarter. The Bears shot 61% in the first half, taking a 41-31 lead into the break. Despite struggling from beyond the arc (2-for-10 in the first half), Cal’s interior scoring and rebounding kept Stanford at bay.
Stanford turned to freshman center Kennedy Umeh early to counter Cal’s post presence. Umeh, playing her first game as part of the regular rotation, contributed defensively but was limited due to foul trouble.
Cal extended its lead to 19 points in the third quarter, but Stanford responded with increased defensive pressure. The Cardinal forced 18 turnovers, with most coming in the second half, fueling a 10-0 run in the fourth quarter that cut the deficit to five. Sophomore guard Chloe Clardy led the way with a career-high 22 points, attacking the basket relentlessly.
“They know we can shoot, so attacking the basket, that’s something we have to do, and continue to finish and just spread the floor,” Clardy said.
Freshman guard Shay Ijiwoye added energy on both ends of the court, finishing with eight points and playing a key role in Stanford’s late-game push before fouling out midway through the final quarter.
“I just love competing with this team,” Ijiwoye said. “We knew we had to keep fighting, no matter the score.”
Stanford narrowed the deficit to two points with just under three minutes remaining. However, an intentional foul call against Ijiwoye allowed Cal to hit two free throws, followed by a basket on the ensuing possession, extending the Bears’ lead to six.
“I’ve watched the play, and I do not agree with the call,” Paye said. “It was a game-changer. But it doesn’t come down to one play. We all know that.”
Stanford continued to fight in the closing seconds. Back-to-back three-pointers from Nunu Agara brought the Cardinal within one possession. After a missed free throw, Agara grabbed her own rebound, giving the Cardinal one last chance. Clardy’s potential game-tying three-pointer missed, however, sealing the victory for Cal.
“There are no moral victories,” Paye said. “Our team is disappointed. But what I love about coaching this team is that they continue to remain positive. I know we’re getting in the gym tomorrow. We’ll be practicing. I know we’ll be ready to go.”
Looking ahead, Stanford will look to regroup as they prepare for their next game against Pittsburgh next Thursday. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Maples Pavilion.
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