University of Oregon
California
Ducks Derail California, 81-50, in Pac-10 Opener
12/27/04 | Women's Basketball
EUGENE, Ore. ? In an impressive offensive display, the University of Oregon women's basketball team defeated California 81-50 before 3,691 fans at McArthur Court in both teams' Pac-10 opener Monday.
The Ducks (8-2, 1-0), who were tied with the Bears (6-4, 0-1) at 19 apiece with 7:32 left in the first half, broke the game open in a four-minute stretch behind Brandi Davis' eight points as Oregon claimed a 33-21 lead. The Ducks then quickly stretched the lead to 52-27, capped by a Cathrine Kraayeveld 3-pointer with 13:37 remaining.
"It was a tremendous performance by our team," said Oregon coach Bev Smith, whose team scored the most points since netting 83 last November against N.C. State. "They came in with a lot of energy and attitude. We learned that we need to come out and play from the beginning. We played a full 40 minutes tonight."
Kraayeveld led Oregon, which defeated California for the 12th straight time at home, with 15 points ? her ninth double-figure scoring game this year. Brandi Davis finished with 12 points in a reserve role, which included an acrobatic, no-look, left-handed 5-footer during Oregon's first-half run, igniting the Mac Court fans.
"Brandi did a really nice job tonight," Smith said. "We've been working with her a lot on the defensive end and with her shot selection. She gave us a nice lift. Everyone on this team has a role and Brandi played her role well tonight."
Davis hit 4-of-6 from the field, 3-of-4 from the foul line and passed out three assists in 16 minutes.
"Brandi did a good job coming off the bench, being aggressive and confident," said Kraayeveld, who made 3-of-6 from 3-point range.
In her first career start, Oregon freshman Kristen Forristall added nine points and tied for the team lead with six rebounds.
"Kristen is a freshman looking like a sophomore," Smith said. "She goes to the boards offensively, which is something we need from her forward position. She runs the floor well and rebounds defensively too. She brings a lot to the table that helps this team."
Oregon shot 52 percent for the game ? its first game highest shooting percentage in six games. Meanwhile, Cal struggled by making only 36 percent from the floor. Kiki Williams, Cal's lone double-digit scorer, led the Bears with 15 points, nailing 3-of-5 from long distance.
Oregon, which ranks third in the Pac-10 in scoring defense, held its opponent to fewer than 60 points for the seventh time this year. It was Cal's lowest scoring output of the season.
Andrea Bills was a load for the Bears underneath, as she had 10 points on 5-of-6 shooting to go with six rebounds and two blocked shots. Her rebound total gave her 667 in her career, passing Angelina Wolvert for eighth place on Oregon's all-time list.
The Ducks next play host to No. 5-ranked Stanford (9-1, 1-0) on Wednesday at McArthur Court. Tipoff is at 7 p.m.
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