The Stanford Cardinal defeated the Oregon Ducks in a gripping contest during the 2025 Invisalign Bay Area Women’s Classic on December 21, 2025. Stanford overcame a double-digit deficit to secure a 70-58 victory at the Chase Center in San Francisco, showcasing resilience and a strong performance in the final quarter.
Stanford guard Courtney Ogden was instrumental in the win, scoring 20 points and demonstrating remarkable poise under pressure. Her performance was a continuation of her recent success, including a career-high 25 points against California the previous week. “It was not pretty out there, but winners find a way to win,” said Stanford coach Kate Paye. “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.”
Stanford’s ability to rally in the fourth quarter proved crucial. The Cardinal opened the final period with a 15-7 run, extending their lead significantly. Ogden’s back-to-back jumpers helped Stanford reclaim a five-point advantage heading into the fourth. The team’s overall shooting was efficient, with a field goal percentage of 42%, and they held Oregon to just 30.8% shooting in the final quarter.
Oregon had started strong, taking a lead early in the game and maintaining a competitive edge throughout the first half. They executed a balanced scoring strategy, with contributions from players like Mia Jacobs and Katie Fiso. However, Stanford’s defense proved to be a formidable barrier, forcing eight turnovers and securing five steals.
The Cardinal’s strong defensive performance was highlighted by their ability to contain Oregon’s scoring opportunities. The Ducks managed to convert only 9 of 27 shots during the fourth quarter, and they struggled at the free-throw line, hitting just 8 of 13 attempts.
As the game progressed, Stanford displayed their depth and teamwork. In addition to Ogden’s standout performance, teammate Hailee Swain played a key role, contributing with critical points and defensive plays that helped secure the team’s lead. A late 3-pointer from Lara Somfai sealed the victory, putting Stanford ahead by 12 points with just 21 seconds remaining.
Oregon coach Kelly Graves acknowledged the challenges his team faced in the fourth quarter. “I thought they were tougher,” he remarked. “We got a couple of rebounds that they just took from us. 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, they show signs of a promising season ahead. With Ogden’s development and the team’s overall resilience, they are poised to make a significant impact in the remainder of the season.