UCLA’s Japreece Dean tries to slow Stanford’s Brittany McPhee, whoi scored 13 in the fourth period as her team stretched a two-point lead into an 11-point win.
UCLA’s Japreece Dean tries to slow Stanford’s Brittany McPhee, whoi scored 13 in the fourth period as her team stretched a two-point lead into an 11-point win.
Photo: Richard Ersted / ISIPhotos
Stanford Guard Brittany McPhee (#12) shoots in the paint during a game against UCLA at Maples Pavilion in Stanford, Calif. on Friday Dec. 29, 2017. Stanford went on to win the game 76-65 over the 11th ranked Bruins. less
Stanford Guard Brittany McPhee (#12) shoots in the paint during a game against UCLA at Maples Pavilion in Stanford, Calif. on Friday Dec. 29, 2017. Stanford went on to win the game 76-65 over the 11th ranked ... more
Photo: Richard Ersted / ISIPhotos
Stanford Guard Marta Sniezek (#13) drives the ball during a game against UCLA at Maples Pavilion in Stanford, Calif. on Friday Dec. 29, 2017. Stanford went on to win the game 76-65 over the 11th ranked Bruins.
Stanford Guard Marta Sniezek (#13) drives the ball during a game against UCLA at Maples Pavilion in Stanford, Calif. on Friday Dec. 29, 2017. Stanford went on to win the game 76-65 over the 11th ranked Bruins.
Photo: Richard Ersted / ISIPhotos
The Stanford Cardinal celebrates during a game against UCLA at Maples Pavilion in Stanford, Calif. on Friday Dec. 29, 2017. Stanford went on to win the game 76-65 over the 11th ranked Bruins.
The Stanford Cardinal celebrates during a game against UCLA at Maples Pavilion in Stanford, Calif. on Friday Dec. 29, 2017. Stanford went on to win the game 76-65 over the 11th ranked Bruins.
Photo: Richard Ersted / ISIPhotos
“Unranked Stanford” sounds so bizarre, like “sugar-free cotton candy” or “snowy Tahiti.” It does not roll off the tongue easily.
The rest of the Pac-12 and the nation probably will not get accustomed to saying it. The Cardinal didn’t look anything like an “also getting votes” team in Friday night’s conference opener against No. 11 UCLA.
Playing as an unranked team for the first time since 2001, Stanford led wire to wire and beat the Bruins 76-65 at Maples Pavilion, helping Cardinal players understand why head coach Tara VanDerveer punished them with five Top 25 nonconference opponents.