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WNBACal-Poly (0-1) At Stanford (0-1)
GAME NOTES: The Stanford Cardinal will try to rebound from a season-opening loss when they host the Cal Poly Mustangs this evening at Maples Pavilion.
The Mustangs wanted desperately to open this year on a high note after dropping 21 contests last season, but unfortunately a quick start was not in the cards for Cal Poly, as the team was defeated by San Francisco, 73-62. The Mustangs did not do themselves any favors with the schedule as the team begins this year with five consecutive road games.
As for the Cardinal, they fell to San Diego, 77-64 in their opener. It was the first season-opening setback for Stanford since 2005 and the loss also snapped the team's six-game non-conference winning streak.
The Mustangs won the first-ever matchup against Stanford, but since then the Cardinal have won the last four meetings, all by double figures.
The Mustangs had a tough time posting points a year ago, and although it is only one game Cal Poly struggled offensively to begin the year on Friday. The Mustangs shot just 35.8 percent from the field in the loss to San Fran, and only one player finished with double-figures. That player was Jordan Lewis, who did not even start, but came off the bench to give the Mustangs 10 points in 21 minutes. Will Taylor and David Hanson contributed nine points apiece, while Will Donahue pulled down eight rebounds. Lorenzo Keeler, who led the team with 12.7 ppg last season, had a horrible season debut, missing all five of his field goal attempts, while finishing with just five points.
The Cardinal also began their new season with a poor display, as the team shot a mere 37.5 percent from the field, while connecting on just 5-of-17 attempts from behind the arc. One of the few bright spots was the play of Landry Fields, who scored 25 points, collected nine rebounds and five steals in the loss. Fields is the top returning scorer from last year, as guard posted 12.6 ppg, to go along with a team-best 6.6 rpg. Jeremy Green added 13 points off the bench for Stanford, while Drew Shiller chipped in with 10 points. The play in the frontcourt was a bit concerning, as Andrew Zimmermann and Jack Trotter combined for just six points. Stanford obviously would like to get past the opening loss, but to do so the team must have a better effort this evening.
The Cardinal have a terrific chance to rebound from a loss when they take on a weak Cal Poly squad. Expect another big game from Fields, but look for others on Stanford's roster to contribute as well.
Predicted OutcomeStanford 77, Cal Poly 63Copyright 2009 Courtesy of The Sports Network.
