• Stanford women's basketball team talk at half court following a win over CSU Bakersfield 57-34 at Maples Pavilion. Stanford wore turquoise uniforms to celebrate Native American Heritage Month. Photo: Bob Drebin / Bob Drebin / Isiphotos.com / Bob Drebin / isiphotos.com
Photo: Bob Drebin / Bob Drebin / Isiphotos.com
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Stanford women's basketball team talk at half court following a win over CSU Bakersfield 57-34 at Maples Pavilion. Stanford wore turquoise uniforms to celebrate Native American Heritage Month.
Stanford women's basketball team talk at half court following a win over CSU Bakersfield 57-34 at Maples Pavilion. Stanford wore turquoise uniforms to celebrate Native American Heritage Month.
Photo: Bob Drebin / Bob Drebin / Isiphotos.com
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November 4, 2017 -- Stanford, CA: Alanna Smith of Stanford shoots during a women's NCAA basketball game against UC San Diego in an exhibition game at Maples Pavilion. Stanford won 60-46.
November 4, 2017 -- Stanford, CA: Alanna Smith of Stanford shoots during a women's NCAA basketball game against UC San Diego in an exhibition game at Maples Pavilion. Stanford won 60-46.
Photo: Bob Drebin / Bob Drebin / Isiphotos.com
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Alanna Smith of Stanford's women's basketball team dribbles around the CSU Bakersfield defense on November 19, 2017 I Stanford, CA. Stanford defeated CSU Bakersfield 57-34 at Maples Pavilion. Stanford wore turquoise uniforms to celebrate Native American Heritage Month. less
Alanna Smith of Stanford's women's basketball team dribbles around the CSU Bakersfield defense on November 19, 2017 I Stanford, CA. Stanford defeated CSU Bakersfield 57-34 at Maples Pavilion. Stanford wore ... more
Photo: Bob Drebin / Bob Drebin / Isiphotos.com
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Tara Van Derveer talks to her team during a Stanford Women's Basketball game against UC Riverside at Maples Pavilion in Stanford, on November 17, 2017. Stanford won the game over UC Riverside 53-43.
Tara Van Derveer talks to her team during a Stanford Women's Basketball game against UC Riverside at Maples Pavilion in Stanford, on November 17, 2017. Stanford won the game over UC Riverside 53-43.
Photo: Bob Drebin / Bob Drebin / Isiphotos.com
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Tennessee forward Kortney Dunbar (13) celebrates after defeating Texas 82-75 in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Calvin Mattheis)
Tennessee forward Kortney Dunbar (13) celebrates after defeating Texas 82-75 in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2017, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Calvin Mattheis)
Photo: Calvin Mattheis, Associated Press
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Stanford’s timing could be better. On the heels of the Cardinal women’s stunning home loss to Western Illinois on Monday night, they play a Tennessee team off to its best start in 12 years.

The Lady Vols (11-0) are ranked No. 7, and they probably are eager for a win at Maples Pavilion on Thursday night, having lost their past five games there.

Stanford (6-5) is ranked No. 18 but is probably headed downward in next week’s poll unless it pulls an upset in the 6 p.m. game.

After losing to a mid-major team, “they’re going to be spitting nails, I’m sure,” Tennessee head coach Holly Warlick said.

The Lady Vols, who rolled 90-61 at Long Beach State on Sunday, have reached 100 points three times and have six players averaging at least 8.5 points, topped by Oregon natives Jaime Nared (17.0) and Mercedes Russell (16.9). A third Oregonian, guard Evina Westbrook, is one of two freshman starters, along with guard/forward Rennia Davis.

Warlick, who was an All-American at Tennessee, is in her sixth year as head coach. She was an assistant coach to the late Hall of Fame coach Pat Summitt for 27 years.

Without Brittany McPhee, who has missed all but two games because of an injury, and DiJonai Carrington, who has missed the past two games, Stanford has just one player averaging more than 7.5 points, forward Alanna Smith (15.0).

Tom FitzGerald is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer.

Thursday’s game

Who: No. 7 Tennessee (11-0) at No. 18 Stanford (6-5)

When: 6 p.m.

TV: P12Net