The strength of Baylor for the most part has been Simms and Griner. at different times, Williams, Hayden or Pope have stepped up. but a majority of the scoring and offense has come from the big 2. and Simms as the PG often has the ball in her hands so the decision making her hers.
the problem for Baylor is that Stanford starts a center (Tinkle) who is surprising mobile and loves to run across the lane to get an open look for a 3. additionally, both Chiney and Nneka (especially Nneka) have shown they can hit the mid range jumper with accuracy.
this somewhat negates Baylor's huge 6'8" weapon, Griner. not saying she won't be a factor, but if Baylor keeps her in the post, the rest of the Stanford team can range around and get open looks.
i said from the beginning of the NCAA's, when some UCONN fans were pining for Stanford in our bracket - they are a MUCH different team than when we beat them earlier. KML was on fire, Nneka was out for about 10 minutes in the 1st half, and they started Greenfield and Laroque that game. now they start Tinkle and Orrange in their place along with Kokenis and Ogwumike (x2), and to my untrained eye, Chiney has improved as much as anyone in the country since December...
i'm not saying Stanford will win, but they are a very good, deep, well coached and disciplined team. they beat the snot out of Tennessee by a similar margin putting up almost 100 points on the LVols. granted that was back in late december, but i think Stanford was still starting Greenfield and Laroque. i'd be shocked (if Baylor does win), if the margin is by more than 5-6 points. and i'd not be surprised to see Stanford send Baylor home. i'll be rooting for the Cardinal either way...
