Stanford defeats San José St 82-86
Stanford Edges San José St in Thrilling Non-Conference Showdown
In a nail-biting contest that had fans on the edge of their seats, Stanford emerged victorious with an 86-82 win over host San José St at the Provident Credit Union Event Center.
The game's primary storyline was one of back-and-forth intensity, with neither team willing to yield. The home crowd watched in awe as the two teams traded baskets and momentum throughout the contest. At halftime, Stanford held a slim 36-44 lead, but the Spartans showed no signs of surrendering their advantage.
San José St's Yaphet Moundi was nearly unstoppable on offense, scoring 26 points on an impressive 57.1% shooting clip. The forward also contributed five rebounds and one steal, solidifying his presence as a dominant force in the Paint.
On the other end of the court, Stanford's Chisom Okpara proved to be a formidable three-point threat, connecting on three of four attempts (75%) from beyond the arc. He finished with 20 points, along with nine rebounds and five assists.
One key differentiator between the two teams was their free throw shooting percentages. San José St made 18 out of 20 attempts, while Stanford went 21 for 29. This advantage proved crucial in the end, as the Spartans' consistent free throw shooting helped them maintain a narrow lead down the stretch.
The final margin of victory was four points, the largest lead change throughout the contest. As the clock wound down, both teams showed remarkable resilience and determination, with neither able to pull away for good.
Ultimately, Stanford's balanced attack and efficient shooting (61% from field goal range) proved too much for San José St to overcome. The final score reflected the intensity of the matchup, as the visiting Spartans emerged victorious in a game that had all the makings of a classic.
The win marks an important non-conference victory for Stanford, which looks poised to make a strong push in the Pac-12 standings. Meanwhile, San José St's loss serves as a reminder that even the best teams can fall short against a determined opponent.