Stanford Builds an Early Lead and Keeps It Against Texas Tech

Stanford, ranked third in the nation, beat 12th-ranked Texas Tech, 75-63, Thursday night in the semifinals of the women’s West Regional.

The Cardinal (27-3), seeded first in the West, led, 35-21, at the half. Texas Tech (27-5) made a brief run to start the second half, cutting Stanford’s lead to six points.

But Cardinal point guard Molly Goodenbour made a three-point shot to make it 38-29, and the Red Raiders never posed a threat after that.

“They really came on in the second half and scored eight straight points,” said Goodenbour, who was five for 11 from three-point range. “We wanted to get the ball inside, but I was open and I just hit it.”

Rachel Hemmer, a freshman forward, led Stanford with 21 points, Goodenbour had 18 and junior center Val Whiting added 17.

Sheryl Swoopes, a junior guard, led Texas Tech with 17 points and 11 rebounds. The Red Raiders had five players in double figures but were outrebounded, 43-25.