UPDATE: The Stanford Cardinal triumphed over the Oregon Ducks in a nail-biting finish at the 2025 Invisalign Bay Area Women’s Classic held on December 21, 2025. After trailing by double digits, Stanford showcased their resilience, clinching victory with a score of 66-55 at the Chase Center in San Francisco, California.
This remarkable comeback was fueled by a standout performance from Courtney Ogden, who led the Cardinal with 20 points on 8-of-18 shooting. Ogden’s explosive play not only highlighted her growing confidence but was crucial in securing Stanford’s win against a formidable Oregon team.
Stanford’s ability to dominate the fourth quarter proved decisive, as they outscored Oregon 25-11 in the final frame. Coach Kate Paye praised her team’s tenacity, stating, “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.”
Oregon started strong but faltered as Stanford turned up the heat. The Ducks had a balanced scoring attack but struggled with Stanford’s aggressive defense, shooting only 30.8% in the fourth quarter and committing crucial turnovers. Coach Kelly Graves noted, “We turned the ball over needlessly… It’s hard to keep [Stanford] down for 40 minutes.”
Oregon initially led the game with a quick 10-3 run to start the third quarter, pushing ahead 35-34. However, Ogden responded with back-to-back jumpers, regaining momentum for Stanford as they entered the fourth quarter with a slim three-point lead.
Key to Stanford’s success was their defensive strategy, which limited Oregon to just 9-of-27 shooting for the game and forced eight turnovers. The Cardinal’s tenacity was evident as they controlled the boards and capitalized on Oregon’s mistakes.
The game reached its climax with a pivotal three-pointer from Lara Somfai with just 21 seconds remaining, extending Stanford’s lead to 12 points and effectively sealing the game. Ogden’s performance, along with contributions from teammates like Hailee Swain, who added vital points in the fourth quarter, underscored the team’s depth and determination.
As the season progresses, Stanford’s win over Oregon not only marks a significant triumph but also boosts the team’s morale heading into future matchups. Ogden reflects on her growth, stating, “I think my teammates are very confident in my abilities… I’m definitely playing confident.”
Looking ahead, both teams will need to regroup and assess their strategies as they move deeper into the season. For Stanford, this victory serves as a crucial turning point, reinforcing their status as a serious contender in women’s basketball.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story and the ongoing season.
