Stanford Cardinal forward Maxime Raynaud led in scoring against the Northridge Matadors at Maples Pavilion in Palo Alto on Tue Mar 18, 2025 (Stanford Cardinal X photo)
By Michael Roberson
STANFORD, Calif. — The Second ranked (NIT SF Regional) Stanford Cardinal (21-13) utilized their Maples Magic to handle instate opponent California State University – Northridge Matadors (22-11) 87-70, inside their Maples Pavilion.
Stanford led from wire to wire and had an advantage in the first 20 minutes The Cardinal was in control from the first shot made by redshirt-sophomore guard Ryan Agarwal from beyond the arc. They never looked back after that bucket.
The home team also produced a 9-0 run, while playing stellar defense against the Matadors. Stanford forced CSUN to shoot 37% from the field and 22% from three in the first half.
Senior forward Maxime Raynaud led all players in scoring at recess. He compiled 15 points, 5 rebounds and an intimidating 4 blocks in the initial half of the contest. Raynaud was not only the leading scorer for both squads, he was the only Cardinal player in double figures.
Although Benny Gealer was in single digits at the midway point of the game, his second three-pointer was at the halftime buzzer, which gave them their then largest lead (17). Also during the beginning frame, Raynaud placed himself in Stanford’s Top 10 scoring list.
Senior forward Keonte Jones was the Matadors’ lone double-digit scorer (11) and was the key player attempting to keep Stanford in reasonable reach.
After the Stanford mid-game buzzer beater, Stanford led by 17 points, 46-29. All the momentum seemed to be in Stanford’s favor and the sting of that heart-wrenching loss in the ACC Tournament appeared to be a distant memory
The second half had a similar start as the first half did 20 minutes prior. This time it was freshman forward Donavin Young launching a trey, putting his Cardinal up by 20 immediately. They would add another point to that impressive scoring margin during the final half.
CSUN tried to make it competitive, as more players contributed from the scoring aspect. However, Stanford was able to hold on to their large lead and win by 17 points, 87-70. Out of the Cardinal’s 21 wins, 17 have been in the friendly confines of Maples Pavilion.
Raynaud posted another double-double, 22 points, 11 rebounds and 5 blocks. Oziya Sellers also scored 20 points, while Benny Gealer dropped 13 points and Jaylin Blakes chipped in 11 points and offered four assists.
The Matadors had four players scoring at least 10 points. Keonte Jones led CSUN with 18 points and 5 rebounds, while Scotty Washington tied Jones in rebounds while producing and tallied 17 points. Grady Lewis led his team in rebounds (7), while while producing 12 points, and Tyler Beard mustered up 10 points and team high four assists.
The Cardinal will play Round 2 of the NIT at Maples hosting Kent State, Saturday March 22 or Sunday March 23, time and date TBA at a later date,.
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