Stanford Cardinal guard Andrej Stojakovic (2) takes a shot over the Arizona Wildcats center Motiejus Krivas (14) during the first half at Maples Pavilion in Palo Alto on Sun Dec 31, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Michael Roberson

STANFORD, Calif. — Led by Freshman sensation Kanaan Carlyle’s career best 28 points with 6 Threes and team’s record 16 made treys, the Stanford Cardinal (6-6, 1-1 Pac-12) upset the #4 Arizona Wildcats (10-3, 1-1 Pac-12) 100-82, in a matinee conference battle inside Maples Pavilion.

Carlyle and three other Cardinal players eclipsed double-figures, and the team shooting a whopping 64% beyond the arc, was a huge contributing factor to Stanford’s 18-point victory on the Farm. The Cardinal more than made amends for the dramatic 76-73 loss to Arizona State two days prior.

Head Coach Jerod Haase explained what he uttered to the team making the transition from the crushing loss, to facing conference juggernaut Arizona, with a day in between. “Just do your job.” Said Haase.

Stanford scored the first points on a Brandon Angel bucket, and then Maxime Raynaud scored another shot. Was there going to be magic in the air on the peninsula side of the Bay?

Arizona never led, but did tie the game at 12, approximately seven minutes into the contest. However., the Cardinal commenced to go on a 5-0 run after the score was even. The Wildcats’ faithful tried to make their presence felt with the overwhelming cheer in the arena.

The support may have helped, as they continued to claw into the deficit and kept it competitive. Despite several runs by the Cardinal, Arizona still managed to get within one point (22-21) late in the half, but that was short lived.

The Cardinal went on a 11-0 run after that, spearheaded by Carlyle’s 4-point play, and his flaming hot hand put the team firmly in the driving seat.

At recess, Carlyle was perfect (4-4),from ThreeLand and amassed 13 points and 3 rebounds off the bench. He was the only player on either team with double-digits. The team shot 50% from the field, and 58% from 3.

Although Stanford led by as much as 15 points the first 20 minutes, they settled for a 9-point advantage (44-35) at the half.

Arizona started the second half with an immediate layup, trying to eventually take over the lead and game. To their dismay, Stanford continued their scorching shooting display, by going 5-5 to start the second stanza of play

Despite the Top 5 team in the country’s many attempted comebacks, the Cardinal led by as much as 20 in half number two. They shot better in every category, showing no complacency with the large lead. They definitely took their coach’s sage advice.

As the warning seconds were ticking off, the aforementioned and en fuego Kanaan Carlyle launched a deep 3 that splashed the net, like the pros up North in San Francisco (Warriors). That buzzer-beater gave him a career high 28 points, 6-8 3s & 8-8 FTs.

As the home crowd exploded, the Cardinal performed a colossal upset victory, 100-82. Stanford got their first conference win, after losing the other in the last seconds.

Besides Carlyle’s extraordinary numbers, three others hit double-digits, Andrej Stojakovic (16), Spencer Jones (21) and Maxime Raynaud (12). Jared Bynum scored 9 points and dished out 11 assists.

Arizona presented two players with double-figures; Caleb Love (23) and Oumar Ballo (12).

Stanford will next be in action Wednesday, January 3, 2024 in Los Angeles, as they will play UCLA at 6 PM PDT on ESPN2. Arizona heads back home to host Colorado, Thursday January 4 at 6:30 PM PDT on ESPN.