Stanford Cardinal guard Andrej Stojakovic (2) goes up for a bucket against the Eastern Washington Tigers at Maples Pavilion in Palo Alto on Fri Nov 17, 2023 (Stanford Cardinal photo)

By Michael Roberson

STANFORD, Calif.– The Stanford Cardinal (3-1, 0-0 Pac-12) and Bay Area inclimate weather did not allow the Eastern Washington Eagles (0-4, 0-0 Big Sky) to soar inside or outside of Maples Pavilion, 95-70.

Stanford started the game off trying to respond to the12-point loss in their previous contest. They also were down two senior starters (Spencer Jones & Brandon Angel) at gametime (6 pm PDT). However, EWU wanted to get their first win period, no matter the locale or opponent.

The Eagles got off to a flying start and led most of the first half. They were in front by as much as 12 points and had an 8-0 run during that time frame. Eastern Washington was also hot from beyond the 3-point arc, shooting a sizzling 57% from Downtown/Suburbs. Their junior guard/forward Cedric Coward was really “en fuego,” as he was perfect (4-4) from Threeland and garnered 14 points by recess.

The Cardinal had to battle from behind for nearly 13 minutes before they finally gained the advantage on the scoreboard. Graduate transfer Jared Bynum nailed a jumper (7:14) to put them in front, 27-26. That was a pivotal juncture in the half and game.

Stanford went on a 17-0 run themselves and also led by as many as 12 points. This was also the margin at intermission, 47-35. Freshman guard Andrej Stojakovic led the Cardinal with 12 points, while Bynum offered 9 points, 5 assists and 3 rebounds.

The second half Stanford widened their margin to as large as 25 points. Which was also the distance of the final tally, 95-70.. The aforementioned Pivot Time was when the Cardinal took over the lead and game for good.

Famous basketball son/player Stojakovic, led the Cardinal and opposing players at the half, as well as at the end of the game in points (18), with a variety of scoring options. Michael Jones chipped in 15 points, while sophomore guard Benny Gealer scored 13 points. Jared Bynum (11 points, 9 assists & 5 rebounds) and James Keeth (8 points & 12 rebounds) were both either an assist or a basket from a double-double in the blowout victory.

With the great play of the two newcomers Bynum and Stojakovic, Stanford Head Coach Jerod Haase explained what type of high character player comes to the program, “We’re really trying to bring in the guys who fit in with Stanford.”

The Cardinal are next in action in Paradise (Paradise Island, Bahamas) as they will participate in the Battle4Atlantis tournament in the Atlantic Ocean locale. They are scheduled to take on the Arkansas Razorbacks Wednesday, November 22 at 7:30 pm EST, and possibly face either the Michigan Wolverines or Memphis Tigers on Friday, November 24 at TBD.

EWU heads back to Cheney, WA to host the Walla Walla Wolves Wednesday, November 22 at 6 pm PDT.