0
0
Stanford Dominates Norfolk State in NCAA Tournament
Cameron Brink showcased her exceptional skills with 17 points, 15 rebounds, and six blocked shots, further solidifying her position as the nation’s top shot blocker. The No. 2 seed Stanford triumphed over 15th-seeded Norfolk State with a scoreline of 79-50, in an impressive display of dominance during the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
Kiki Iriafen contributed significantly to Stanford’s victory with 17 points and nine rebounds, while Elena Bosgana delivered an outstanding performance, scoring a career-high 18 points. Additionally, Hannah Jump showcased her prowess with 13 points, including four successful 3-pointers for the Cardinal, who were determined and focused following a recent loss to USC in the Pac-12 Tournament championship.
Despite Diamond Johnson’s commendable effort with 19 points for Norfolk State, she struggled to find success from beyond the arc, missing all eight of her 3-point attempts. The second quarter saw Norfolk State only scoring seven points, as both teams faced difficulties in putting up points, resulting in a halftime score of 32-19 in favor of Stanford. Johnson also experienced leg cramping during the fourth quarter, requiring assistance to the bench.
Upcoming Matchup
Stanford’s victory paves the way for a matchup against seventh-seeded Iowa State in the next round. Iowa State secured their spot after a remarkable comeback in the second half against 10th-seeded Maryland, triumphing with a score of 93-86. The upcoming clash promises to be a thrilling battle for a place in the Portland Regional.
It is worth noting that this victory is particularly significant for Stanford, as the team has been driven by the desire to redeem themselves following a disappointing defeat in last year’s NCAA Tournament. The determination and unity within the team have fueled their exceptional performance this March, setting the stage for a memorable tournament run.
Brink’s decision to declare for the WNBA Draft, foregoing her final year of eligibility, adds another layer of significance to Stanford’s success, as she continues to showcase her shot-blocking prowess with 115 blocks this season. Her defensive presence has been a critical asset to Stanford’s success throughout the tournament.
Notable Performances and Insights
Despite the formidable defense presented by Norfolk State, Stanford managed to capitalize on their height advantage and athleticism, as reflected in their 45-35 rebounding edge. The Spartans, known for their defensive prowess, brought a 15-game winning streak into the tournament and demonstrated their competitive spirit throughout the game.
Coach Larry Vickers’ past experiences with Norfolk State serving as an assistant coach in memorable upsets add a layer of depth to the team’s performance. The Spartans’ resilience and fighting spirit were evident on the court, underscoring their status as formidable contenders in the tournament.
Image/Photo credit: source url
