The Stanford Cardinal rallied from a double-digit deficit to defeat the Oregon Ducks, 68-54, in a thrilling match at the 2025 Invisalign Bay Area Women’s Classic held at the Chase Center in San Francisco on December 21, 2025. This victory not only showcased Stanford’s resilience but also highlighted the impressive performance of junior forward Courtney Ogden, who led her team with 20 points.
Crucial Fourth Quarter Performance
Stanford’s ability to execute under pressure in the fourth quarter proved decisive. After trailing significantly early on, the Cardinal demonstrated their characteristic tenacity. Coach Kate Paye noted, “It was not pretty out there, but winners find a way to win. I guess we’re kind of the fourth quarter kids. That’s really been the strength of this team, and I’m really proud of this team.”
Ogden’s performance was pivotal to Stanford’s comeback. She finished the game with a shooting accuracy of 44.4%, contributing not only in scoring but also grabbing four rebounds. Her confident play has developed markedly since last season, where she started just one game. This season, Ogden is averaging 9.2 points per game on an impressive shooting percentage of 61.8%.
Defensive Dominance and Team Effort
The match saw a balanced scoring attack from Oregon, with players like Mia Jacobs and Katie Fiso making significant contributions. Despite Oregon’s efforts, Stanford’s defense was formidable, holding their opponents to just 30.8% shooting in the fourth quarter. The Cardinal forced eight turnovers and secured five steals, demonstrating their defensive prowess.
Stanford’s performance improved as the game progressed. After an initial slip, the Cardinal fought back, regaining the lead late in the third quarter. A series of back-to-back jumpers from Ogden helped Stanford reclaim a five-point advantage. The final quarter opened with a 15-7 run by Stanford, which included a crucial 3-pointer from Lara Somfai, sealing the victory with just 21 seconds left on the clock.
Coach Paye emphasized the importance of resilience, stating, “Basketball is a game of runs, and I want to focus on this team’s resilience. Our team went on our own run and we answered back.”
Despite a strong start, Oregon struggled to maintain their momentum, particularly in the final stages of the game. Coach Kelly Graves commented on his team’s performance, noting, “I thought they were tougher. We turned the ball over needlessly. But that’s a good team. It’s hard to keep them down for 40 minutes.”
As Stanford continues to build on this victory, Ogden’s rising confidence and the team’s defensive capabilities will be crucial as they move forward in the season. The Cardinal’s ability to perform under pressure has set a positive tone for their upcoming matches.
