Maya was back on the bench and without a walking boot. Joining Mikaela and DiJonai.

There has been a lot of angst among SWBB fans about the injury situation to two really important upperclassmen who were expected to play prominent roles on a team that was considered a Final Four favorite by many. For me, the increase in playing time for the freshmen is not a bad thing. As a matter of fact, it will help in the long run. Looking at the stats, playing time has been spread out so much so that twelve different players are averaging double digits. All good. The PAC-12 regular season winner will in all likelihood come from the state of Oregon. But neither of those teams are built to win the PAC-12 Tournament. Three games in three days is a tough road. Only Stanford has the kind depth to take full advantage of that format. Oregon ran out of gas last year in the final. Oregon ran out of gas in the holiday tournament they played in this past Thanksgiving. I like Stanford in the final this year too. Thence onto the Big Dance.

Washington was fresh off defeating Cal and feeling really good about their game. They were down early, came back in the second period to take a lead and finished the first half tied. Then the rest of the game happened. Here are some random thoughts and observations:

If you are going to start two freshmen then you will have to suffer with the learning curve that leads to turnovers. That's just the way it is. While Haley had good overall numbers for the game, this was her poorest first half at home. Missing easy shots and turnovers. A couple of those missed shots were layups. And did I mention turnovers?

Fran is working hard on her post up game. You can see flashes of it but still a work in progress.

Anna. Love the intensity she brings on defense.

At one point there where three freshmen on the floor. Haley, Fran and Hannah. The future is exciting.

Lexie might be slightly under rated defensively. She has such quick hands.

Nadia is moving better with each game. It's amazing to watch and as she builds her stamina she will only get better.

Kiana is the driver of this train. She turned it on in the second half and brought her teammates to a higher level. Whether it was a penetration drive and kick out pass, pull up jumper or straight to the basket, she was in the groove. She found open teammates for uncontested shots and had a terrific all around game. If Kiana is the driver, DiJonai is the emotional engine. She will be needed for a deep run in March. Get well soon Di!

Final word goes to Lacie. She only played six minutes, all in the second half and did exactly what Tara was hoping for. Scoring eight points and playing solid defense.

Home and home against Cal.

Go Card!