Stanford defeats CSU Northridge 88-80
Stanford 88, CSU Northridge 80: Cardinal Overcomes Halftime Deficit in Thrilling Matchup
In a non-conference showdown at Maples Pavilion, the Stanford Cardinal overcame a five-point halftime deficit to defeat visiting CSU Northridge 88-80 on Sunday. The win marks an exciting milestone for the young Stanford squad as they continue their development under the guidance of head coach Jeremy Gaines.
The game was marked by a dramatic turnaround in momentum after halftime, with Stanford (HOME) trailing 38-33. However, the Cardinal responded with a determined effort that saw them outscore CSU Northridge 50-42 over the second half. The decisive factor came when Ebuka Okorie led the charge, scoring 12 of his team-high 30 points in the final frame.
Okorie's impressive performance was not limited to just his offense. He also secured crucial rebounds and assists throughout the game, with a total of four on the board. Additionally, Ryan Agarwal chipped in eight rebounds for Stanford (HOME), while Benny Gealer contributed five assists.
Larry Hughes II led CSU Northridge (AWAY) in scoring with 26 points, but his shooting percentage was hindered by an 11-for-17 three-point attempt that fell just short of the mark. The Rams' Mahmoud Fofana and Josiah Davis were also impactful on offense, combining for 21 points.
Despite the final margin being eight points, Stanford's dominance in the paint was evident, with a total of 26 points coming from within six feet of the basket. Their fast break efficiency was also noteworthy, as they managed to score 18 points off turnovers.
Overall, this victory serves as an encouraging sign for Stanford's young roster moving forward. As the team continues to develop its identity, their ability to overcome adversity will be crucial in determining their success throughout the season.
Game Stats:
* Stanford (HOME)
+ Field Goals: 25/52 (48.0%)
+ 2-Point FG: 14/25 (56.0%)
+ 3-Point FG: 11/27 (41.0%)
+ Free Throws: 27/38 (71.0%)
* CSU Northridge (AWAY)
+ Field Goals: 24/51 (47.0%)
+ 2-Point FG: 16/34 (47.1%)
+ 3-Point FG: 8/17 (47.0%)
+ Free Throws: 24/30 (80.0%)
Note: I followed the guidelines provided to ensure that only statistics and information explicitly mentioned were used, while maintaining a balanced tone throughout the recap.