STANFORD, California (AP) – Lexie Hull ran to the ground for his final game in the Maples Pavilion, determined to do everything in his power to guarantee his reigning NCAA champion Stanford teammates a trip to another special home court: back in their hometown of Spokane, Washington.
The Cardinal used all of Hull’s energy on both sides after a hard half-time conversation and challenge from the Hall of Fame coach Tara Van Derveer.
Hull led the insult after the break on the way to a career-high 36 points with six 3-pointers and six steals, leading the top-seeded cardinal along No. 8 Kansas 91-65 in the second round of the NCAA have tournament on Sunday night.
“I think it’s just that I really wanted it,” Hull said, trying to describe her memorable performance. ” In the back of my mind I was like, ‘Okay, I want to play in Spokane, my whole body wants to play in Spokane.’ Only our team really consciously kept the ball, found the warm hand and played with it for the rest of the game. ”
The defending champions travel with a 22-game winning streak to the Sweet 16 as they travel to a familiar Pacific Northwest spot where they previously appeared on the big march stage.
” Lexie put our team on her back and just said, ‘We’re going to Spokane, I’m doing all I have to do,’ ‘and she did,’ ‘VanDerveer said.
Cameron Brink adding 13 points, 12 rebounds and four assists as Stanford (30-3) used to pull off a dominant third quarter. The Cardinals outscored the Jayhawks 32-15 in the period to take a 33-31 halftime lead and a 65-46 lead.
Stanford not only went 6-foot-6 Kansas center Taiyanna Jackson at every opportunity, but extended the defense to the perimeter by heating it up from 3-point range: The Cardinal was 4 of 10 from deep in the first half then 9 for 16 over the last two quarters.
Jackson finished with eight points, six rebounds and three more blocks to set her single-season school record at 95. Hannah Jump finished with nine points, all from long range.
Hull shot 14 for 21 and her points are the most from a Stanford player in an NCAA game in 10 years since Nneka Ogwumike scored 39 against South Carolina in 2012 Sweet 16. Hull also had six rebounds and three assists to leave a lasting impression. at the Senior Guard Finals collegiate game around campus.
She and twin sister Lacie are now returning to eastern Washington to help the cardinal continue the search to defend her title. Stanford will face fourth-placed Maryland on Friday in the Spokane Regional Semi-Finals.
“I said this before, but I’m angry at their parents because they only had twins instead of triplets,” VanDerveer snapped. ” They are so exceptional, students, student-athletes. I’m so happy. And I’m so excited. I was really excited on the bench for both of them, especially Lexie as she played – obviously Lacie is so important too – to be able to play at home. ”
Lexie Hull sat forever on a roaring ovation with 4:02 left in the game, which was an impressive finish in the Bay Area as the Cardinal did not host the first and second rounds since 2019. There was no tournament in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic and last season’s event was held in a Texas bubble.
Zakiyah Franklin scored 13 points to lead Kansas (21-10), which was back in the bracket for the first time since 2013 under Big 12 coach of the year Brandon Schneider.
” They were incredible in the third quarter. “Lexie just went into takeover mode,” said the tailor.
The Jayhawks started the game 3 for 11, but held on 5 after 6 on free kicks in the first quarter as Ioanna Chatzileonti’s 3-pointer hit the buzzer to get them inside 20-18.
STARS ON THE STANDS
New Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson was on the stands to support Sister Anna, a sixth-year senior at Stanford, while Stephen Curry’s two daughters – Riley and Ryan – sat with Brink’s parents, who are family friends. The girls danced and chased.
BIG PICTURE
Kansas: Jackson had just three shots in the first half and four points against Stanford’s hard post rotation. She dominated both ends in the opener, finishing with 14 points and seven rebounds. This time, Jackson blocked her own shot at the 7:50 mark of the first quarter Haley Jones. … The Jayhawks advanced by beating the ninth seeded Georgia Tech on Friday.
Stanford: Stanford has scored five of its initial eight points from two early Kansas sales. … The Cardinals have been unbeaten since a 65-61 defeat at No. 1 South Carolina on December 21st. They finished 16-1 at home this season, losing only on November 14 against Texas.
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