Stanford Basketball Upset: Historic Loss to Ole Miss

Stanford’s women’s basketball team suffered an upset loss to Mississippi in the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Tournament. Despite Cameron Brink’s impressive performance, the team struggled on two consecutive inbounds plays and turned the ball over both times, ultimately losing by five points. This was the first time Stanford had lost an NCAA game they hosted since 2007 and the last time they failed to advance to the Sweet Sixteen.

Women’s basketball has changed significantly over the past 15 years, and the talent runs deeper, making upsets more likely. The Stanford players appreciated the bigger picture and recognized the talent of their opponents. Mississippi, an eighth seed, was able to defeat Stanford, a No.1 seed, and advance to the Sweet Sixteen in Seattle.

The end of this season marks the end of an era for some of the players. Haley Jones wants to play in the WNBA, while Fran Belibi will be headed to Harvard to pursue her dream of becoming a pediatrician. Cameron Brink, who will be a senior next season, is ready to lead the young Cardinal team. Overall, the loss was unexpected and disappointing, but a reminder that upsets can happen in women’s basketball.

In a shocking turn of events, the women’s basketball team of Stanford University has been knocked out of the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Tournament, losing to Mississippi with a score of 54-49. This was a surprising upset, as Stanford was a No.1 seed and had high expectations to make it to the Sweet 16. The loss was an unexpected ending for the four Stanford seniors who self-dubbed themselves the “Funky Four.” They had hoped to finish their final season with a national championship, but instead, they had to leave the court for the final time as defeated players.

Stanford’s Haley Jones fouls Mississippi’s Angel Baker as Cameron Brink watches during Ole Miss’ 54-49 win in NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Tournament at Maples Pavilion in Stanford, Calif., on Sunday, March 19, 2023.

Mississippi’s Madison Scott steals the ball from Stanford’s Haley Jones in 4th quarter during Ole Miss’ 54-49 win in NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Tournament at Maples Pavilion in Stanford, Calif., on Sunday, March 19, 2023.

Stanford’s Indya Nivar and Talana Lepolo battle Mississippi’s Tyia Singleton in 3rd quarter during Ole Miss’ 54-49 win in NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Tournament at Maples Pavilion in Stanford, Calif., on Sunday, March 19, 2023.

The game was held at Maples Pavilion, which is Stanford’s home court. Losing at home added to the disappointment for both the players and the fans. The four seniors did not expect their season to end in this manner, especially since they were in control of the ball. The loss was not due to a global pandemic, which had shut down seasons in the past, but because they were outplayed by their opponents.

Stanford’s Lauren Betts, Haley Jones, Elena Bosgana and India Nivar walk off the court after Ole Miss’ 54-49 win in NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Tournament at Maples Pavilion in Stanford, Calif., on Sunday, March 19, 2023.

Stanford head coach Tara VanDerveer reacts to an official’s call in 2nd quarter while Cardinal play Mississippi during NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Tournament at Maples Pavilion in Stanford, Calif., on Sunday, March 19, 2023.

Stanford’s Indya Nivar and Mississippi’s Madison Scott battle fora loose ball in 3rd quarter during Ole Miss’ 54-49 win in NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Tournament at Maples Pavilion in Stanford, Calif., on Sunday, March 19, 2023.

After the game, the players and fans were stunned by the outcome. Haley Jones, a Stanford player, said that she was in shock, and the team did not perform their best. The loss was a rarity for Stanford’s basketball team, and the fans were equally shocked by the result. Mississippi, an eighth seed, has now caused one of the NCAA’s elite to have an abrupt change in their tournament hopes.

Stanford’s Haley Jones (left) and Mississippi’s Angel Baker (15) react at the end of Ole Miss’ 54-49 win in NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Tournament at Maples Pavilion in Stanford, Calif., on Sunday, March 19, 2023.

Overall, this loss was a stunning upset for Stanford’s women’s basketball team, who had high hopes to continue their championship streak. The defeat was unexpected, and the players and fans were in shock at the outcome.

Stanford’s women’s basketball team entered the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Tournament feeling disrespected and with a chip on their shoulder. However, their recent performances had not been up to par, and they were vulnerable. Head coach Tara VanDerveer tried to find the right balance between resting her players and practicing with the right combinations. However, their offense struggled, and the players felt like they had to do everything themselves.

Junior guard Agnes Emma-Nnopu emphasized the importance of being tough and not letting anyone “punk” them. However, Mississippi did just that. Ole Miss entered the game with no fear and all confidence, having played against larger and stronger teams in the SEC. Mississippi was not intimidated by Stanford’s size or reputation, and they outrebounded the Cardinal 44-39. Stanford made uncharacteristic errors, committing 21 turnovers that resulted in 24 Mississippi points. They only scored seven points total in the second quarter and missed layup after layup.

Mississippi’s Coach Yo said that her team wasn’t intimidated and didn’t realize how historic Stanford’s program was. They took top-ranked South Carolina to overtime a few weeks ago, and they weren’t going to let Stanford scare them. They made three more three-point shots than Stanford and were able to secure a 54-49 victory, knocking out the top-seeded Cardinal.

Overall, Stanford’s women’s basketball team was not able to live up to their high expectations, and Mississippi was able to take advantage of their vulnerabilities. Mississippi was confident and unafraid, and their physicality level was high. Stanford was uncharacteristically sloppy and struggled on both offense and defense. The upset was a reminder that anything can happen in sports and that underdogs should never be underestimated.

Despite Cameron Brink’s impressive comeback and performance, Stanford’s women’s basketball team was unable to advance in the NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Tournament. Brink scored 20 points, seven of which were blocked shots, and ignited the crowd. She was able to tie the game with 43 seconds left, and the team thought they had a chance to win. However, Stanford struggled on two consecutive inbounds plays, turning the ball over both times, and lost by five.

This was the first time Stanford lost an NCAA game that they hosted since 2007, and the last time they failed to advance to the Sweet Sixteen. Women’s basketball has changed significantly over the past 15 years, and the talent runs deeper. Upsets are more likely, and Mississippi’s victory over Stanford is a testament to that.

The Stanford players recognized the bigger picture, and despite their disappointment, they appreciated the talent of their opponents. Mississippi, an eighth seed, was able to defeat Stanford, a No.1 seed, and will now advance to the Sweet Sixteen in Seattle. The loss was a shock to the Stanford players, and it will take some time to wear off.

The end of this season marks the end of an era for some of the players, such as Haley Jones, who wants to play in the WNBA, and Fran Belibi, who will be headed to Harvard to pursue her dream of becoming a pediatrician. Cameron Brink, who will be a senior next season, is ready to lead the young Cardinal team on her shoulders.

Overall, Stanford’s loss to Mississippi was unexpected and disappointing. However, it is a reminder that women’s basketball is changing and that upsets can happen. Mississippi’s victory is a testament to their talent, and Stanford’s players recognized the bigger picture.

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