No. 13 Stanford women’s basketball (14-3, 4-1 Pac-12) dominated Utah (12-4, 1-4) 77-58 this Friday, claiming its 21st straight victory over the Utes.

The Cardinal were able to move through the Utes’ defense, and were more efficient than against Oregon State last week. Senior guard Karlie Samuelson led Stanford with 14 points, bouncing back from a tough night against Oregon State, and drilled four of her seven three-point attempts. Senior forward Erica McCall and sophomore forward Alanna Smith also scored in the double digits.

While Utah’s defense ranks 11th in the country, holding opponents to 33-percent shooting, Stanford converted 43 percent of its attempts. Although the Utes protected the paint very well, the Cardinal responded with eight three-pointers and efficient ball movement. The team finished the game with 15 assists, while the Stanford bench chipped in 28 points. Stanford retained the lead for the entire game, save the two opening minutes of the contest during which the game was tied.

A solid defensive performance complemented this strong offensive effort. The Cardinal held the Utes to a 34-percent shooting game, and boasted 10 steals and 10 blocks. While Utah hit seven three-pointers during the game, Stanford only allowed eight scores in the paint.

Part of the Cardinal’s success came from a strong opening quarter. Outscoring Utah 20-9 in the first period, Stanford was able to impose its strength throughout the game. Even though the Utes outscored the Cardinal by three points during the third quarter, Stanford scored 27 points in the fourth quarter alone, and held Utah scoreless during the final three minutes of the game.

Up next, the Cardinal will face Colorado (11-4, 1-3) in Boulder on Sunday at 1 p.m.

Contact Alexandre Bucquet at [email protected]