Stanford Wins 5th Consecutive Pac-10 Tournament Championship
Behind 15 points from tournament Most Outstanding Player Nnemkadi Ogwumike, and an outstanding second-half performance by freshman Toni Kokenis, Stanford (29-2) defeated UCLA 64-55 Saturday afternoon at Staples Center.
Kokenis had 13 points in the second half, including her own personal 10-0 run in the final five minutes that helped the Cardinal rally from an 11-point second half deficit.
"It was really on instinct," Kokenis said of the run. "We passed the ball really well on offense. I got some open shots and was able to knock them down."
Game 7: Freshman Ignites Second Half Run
Stanford 64, UCLA 55
Recap: Trailing No. 7 UCLA 46-40 with nine minutes remaining in the second half, Stanford showed why they are one of the elite teams in the nation. The Cardinal responded with a 17-2 streak spurred by reserve guard Toni Kokenis, who had the final 10 points of the seven-minute run.
After playing what coach Tara VanDerveer described as one of the team's worst halves of the year, Stanford responded after VanDerveer's halftime adjustments. The Cardinal opened the second half on a 17-8 run by giving the Bruins a dose of their own medicine with pressure defense.
"It was our defense. I think people stepped up and got more aggressive," VanDerveer said.
The Bruins faded down the stretch, turning the ball over 11 times and going more than eight minutes without a field goal during Stanford's 17-2 run.
Quote: "We did an amazing job for 32-33 minutes and then there was the run and you knew it was coming." -- UCLA Bruins head coach Nikki Caldwell
Player of the Game: Toni Kokenis (Stanford)
Coming off the bench, Kokenis provided the spark the Cardinal needed in the second half. After four points in the first half, her 13 second-half points allowed her to set a new career high. She finished the game 7-of-9 from the field, including a pair of 3-pointers (both of which came during her 10-0 run). She also had two assists, two rebounds and a steal.
Throughout the women's Pacific Life Pac-10 Tournament, we've kept you abreast of all the action. Be sure to check out the rest of Neon Tommy's Pacific Life Pac-10 Tournament coverage, including the men's tournament.
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