Category: NCAA

WSU ends Cardinal season 79-62 in Pac-12 tourney; Haase dismissed

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Stanford Cardinal guard Andrej Stojakovic (2) shoots over the Washington State Cougars center Ruben Chinyelu (20) in the first half of the Pac 12 Tournament quarter round at the T Mobile Center in Las Vegas on Thu Mar 14, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Daniel Dullum

Thursday, March 14, 2024

Two things happened Thursday when Washington State defeated Stanford 79-62 in the quarterfinal round of the final Pac-12 men’s basketball tournament.

1) The loss ended the Cardinal’s season, and 2) almost simultaneously, Coach Jerod Haase was dismissed after leading Stanford to a 126-127 record in eight seasons at the Cardinal’s helm.

In a statement, the Stanford athletic department said a nationwide search for Haase’s replacement would begin immediately.

The No. 2-seed Cougars (24-8) will make their first appearance in the Pac-12 semifinals since 2008 on Friday. Stanford’s season ends with a record of 14-18. They were 8-12 in the conference.

Fifth-year forward Isaac Jones, an All-Pac-12 first team selection, led the Cougars with 16 points and six rebounds while making 7-of-12 shots. Myles Rice, the Pac-12 Freshman of the Year and all-conference first team, and Jaylen Wells each scored 14 points and grabbed six rebounds. Rice and Wells combined for 11 assists.

Andrej Jakmovski scored 13 points for WSU, followed by Kymany Houinsou and Rueben Chinyelu with 11 and 10 points, respectively, off the Cougars bench.

The Cardinal took an early 9-7 lead before Washington State took a 15-9 advantage. Over the next five minutes, the Cougars extended their lead to 10 points, eventually leading 29-19.

Brandon Angel and Michael Jones combined for 21 first-half points, as no other Cardinal had more than three points at the break. WSU held a 45-29 halftime lead after holding Stanford to 1-for-10 on 3-pointers in the first 20 minutes.

Five minutes into the second half, Rice’s jumper pushed the Cougars’ lead to 58-34. Stanford responded with a 12-2 run, cutting its deficit to 60-46.

After Rice converted a steal into a dunk, Washington State pushed its lead back to 21 after a Wells 3-pointer. Isaac Jones made a short jumper and Rice’s layup put the Cougars up 69-48 with 7:22 left.

Michael Jones led Stanford with 22 points, followed by 15 points by Angel. The Cardinal never got closer than 17 points for the remainder of the game.

Cal Bears game wrap: Bears’ season ends in tragedy with blown lead to hated rivals 87-76 in overtime

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The Cal Bears guard Jaylon Tyson (20) gets snuffed by the Stanford Cardinal forward Spencer Jones (14) in overtime in round one of the Pac 12 Tournament at the T Mobile Center in Las Vegas on Wed Mar 13, 2024 (AP News photo)

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada

Stanford Cardinal 87

California Golden Bears 76

By Stephen Ruderman

Tragedy struck on the opening day of the 2024 Pac-12 Tournament, as the Bears’ bounce back season came to a sudden end after they blew an 18-point lead to their hated rivals, the Stanford Cardinal losing at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas 87-76.

After losing both games to Stanford in the Regular Season, which included getting trounced by the Cardinal in the regular season finale last Thursday, the two bitter rivals were set to face off in the opening round of the final Pac-12 Tournament.

Every team in the Pac-12 got a spot in the tournament, regardless of how their season went. The Bears went 13-18, which was not the greatest season on paper, but miles better than their 3-29 season a year ago.

It was a season that has seen so many epic comebacks and memorable moments for the Bears. Tonight was one more chance to continue their improbable longshot fight towards March Madness.

Stanford won the opening tip, but it was Cal who struck first when Jalen Celestine hit a three. The Bears assumed control of the game early, as they jumped out to a 15-4 lead just over five minutes into the game. In that opening run, Jalen Cone hit a pair of threes; Fardaws Aimaq hit a layup and a jumper; and Jaylon Tyson contributed with a layup.

Stanford went on a 12-5 run to cut Cal’s lead to 20-16, but the Bears quickly regained control, and went on a 7-1 run to jump back out to a 10-point lead at 27-17 with 6:55 to go in the first half. The Cardinal then scored five unanswered points to make it 27-22, but the Bears regained control again, and went into the half up 45-34.

The Bears carried their momentum into the second half, and a three by Celestine opened their lead to 18 points at 63-45 with 14:36 to go.

Throughout the season, when the Bears were down by double digits in the second half, that often meant that they were going to come back. However, forgotten through all of the Bears’ comebacks was the fact that the Bears being up double digits in the second half often meant they were going to blow a big lead, as has happened too many times this season.

Right on queue, Stanford immediately scored eight unanswered points to cut Cal’s lead to 63-53. The Bears got a quick reprieve when Jaylon Tyson hit a jumper to make it 65-53, but Stanford kept coming. Spencer Jones led the way for the Cardinal, and suddenly it was 65-63 with 3:45 to go.

There would be no scoring for nearly two minutes until there was a sudden change in fortunes. Stanford was just about to tie it, as a jumper went in, but after review, it was determined that the shot went in after the shot clock had expired. The Bears got the ball back, and Jalen Cone hit a three-ball to make it 68-63.

The Bears were up five with less than two minutes to go, and after catching a massive break, they seemed to have the momentum back on their side. Brandon Angel laid one in for Stanford to make it 68-65 with 1:01 to go. Cone was fouled, and made one of two from the line, and the Bears were up 69-65, and 32 seconds away from another late epic win.

Spencer Jones was fouled and made of two from the line to make it 69-66. Keonte Kennedy then had the ball stolen from by Benny Gealer, and Gealer passed it to Michael Jones who tied the game with a three with 18 seconds to go. Both teams missed shots on their next drives, and the game was going to overtime at 69-69.

The Bears won the tip in overtime, but neither retake the lead for nearly a minute. Brandon Angel and Spencer Jones made threes to put Stanford up 75-69.

After Spencer Jones made one of two from the line to make it 79-71 with 1:46 to go, the Bears were all but dead. However, Jalen Cone was fouled going for three, and made all three at the lint to make it 79-74.

Perhaps, the Bears had one last fight in them, but it wasn’t meant to be. The Cardinal proved to be too much for the Bears, and went on to win it by a final of 87-76 to crush the Bears’ faint March Madness hopes and brutally end their painful bounceback season.

Despite how grueling the end to the Bears’ season was, they did have an incredible year. Going from 3-29 to 13-18 with a slim chance to get into March Madness just a year later was no small feat.

It was an all-around team effort. Jaylon Tyson and Jalen Cone led the way for the most part, but Fardaws Aimaq, Jalen Celestine and Keonte Kennedy also had their moments, as did Rodney Brown Jr. and Grant Newell.

The Bears’ season was also thanks in large part to Head Coach Mark Madsen, who was extended another two years through the 2029-30 season prior to tonight’s game.

However, a lot of the players from this year’s team may not be back next year. Cone, Aimaq and Kennedy are all graduates, and if they do indeed leave, the Bears will have lost three solid players. Tyson, who was arguably the Bears’ most valuable player this season, will return next season as a senior, as will Celestine. Brown and Newell will also be returning.

The Bears will also begin a new era, as they and Stanford will move to the Atlantic Coast Conference next season. Despite some big names leaving, the Bears appear to be headed in the right direction under Madsen going forward, and it is safe to say that the excitement at Haas Pavilion is back.

Stanford Cardinal game wrap: Cardinal ends Cal’s season with 87-76 overtime win in Pac-12 tourney

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Stanford Cardinal forward Brandon Angel (23) celebrates after hitting a three pointer against the Cal Bears in overtime at the T Mobile Center in Las Vegas on Wed Mar 13, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Daniel Dullum

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Stanford enjoyed a big overtime period to upend California 87-76 in the opening round of the final Pac-12 men’s basketball postgame tournament at Las Vegas, Nev.

The game was tied 69-69 before the Cardinal (14-17) outscored Cal 18-7 in the extra period. The Bears were held scoreless for nearly 10 minutes in the second half, blowing an 18-point lead in the process.

Spencer Jones led Stanford with 21 points and seven rebounds, Maxime Raynaud was next with 20 points and a team-high 13 boards. Brandon Angel had 16 points and eight rebounds, and Kanaan Carlyle added 10 points.

Cal (13-19) was led by Jalen Cone with 18 points and five assists. Jaylon Tyler had 18 points, eight assists and seven rebounds, John Celestine was next for the Bears with 14 points and five rebounds, and Keonte Kennedy had 11 points and five boards.

Stanford outshot Cal from the field 42.6 percent (29 of 68) to 39.4 percent (28 of 71). The Bears hit 14 3-pointers, while the Cardinal made five shots behind the arc.

The Cardinal enjoyed an advantage at the free throw line, hitting 24 of 36; Cal made 6 of 9. Stanford outrebounded the Bears 58-39.

Cal was leading by four points with 33 seconds left in regulation. Spencer Jones made it a three-point game by making a free throw with 26.4 remaining. A Cal turnover led to a Michael Jones 3-pointer that tied the game at 69-69 with 19.6 seconds remaining.

After Stanford made a pair of 3s to open the overtime, the Bears never got their offense going in the extra period.

Stanford will meet Washington State in the quarterfinals on Thursday, while Cal ended its season with four straight losses.

San Jose State Spartans Lose In The First Round Of The Mountain West Tournament To Colorado State 72-62

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San Jose State Spartans were eliminated from the Mountain West Tournament at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas after losing to the Colorado State Rams on Wed Mar 13, 2024 (photo by San Jose State Spartans)

Wednesday, March 13th, 2024

By Troy Ewers

It’s the first round of the Mountain West Conference tournament and the San Jose State Spartans are in Sin City taking on the Colorado State Rams. Last game for the Spartans lost to No. 22 Utah State.

Alvaro Cardenas recorded his fourth double-double of the season to lead San José State (9-22, 2-16 Mountain West) in a 90-70 loss to Utah State (25-5, 13-4 Mountain West) on Wednesday night. Unfortunately for the Spartans they were one and done after this first tournament game losing 72-62 in Las Vegas at the Thomas and Mack Center.

The 1st Half for the Spartans started off very hot, but Colorado State went on a run to end the half that gave them a nice lead. 34-29 at half, Colorado State on top.

The second half had a lot of Spartans fans thinking they had a chance to move on to the next round. Cardenas and MJ Amey Jr. were the leading scorers all game for SJSU, but the gap was never closed. As for CSU, they were led by two big performances from Joel Scott, who had 18 points and Isaiah Stevens who recorded a double-double.

CSU despite not shooting great from the three point line won by 10, 72-62. Almost all of CSU’s points came from the paint or mid range and it was all they needed to beat a SJSU team who surprised a lot of people in this tournament game. 

The season isn’t over for Colorado State as they face off against the Nevada Wolfpack in round 2 of the tournament, but for Tim Miles and the Spartans, the season has come to an end. 9-23, with a 2-17 Mountain West record is nothing to brag about, but guys like Amey Jr, Cardenas, and Tibet Gorener had a highlight season where they could hang their hat on going into their off seasons.

Stanford Cardinal/Pac 12 Tournament podcast with Michael Roberson: Stanford and Cal meet Wednesday for first tournament game

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Stanford Cardinal Maxime Raynaud (42) led with 20 points on the last day of the regular season against the Cal Bears at Maples Pavilion in Palo Alto on Thu Mar 7, 2024. Raynaud and the Cardinal face the Golden Bears in a Pac12 rematch on Wed Mar 15th at the T Mobile Center in Las Vegas (Stanford Cardinal file photo)

On the Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson:

#1 The Stanford Cardinal (13-17)sent the California Golden Bears (13-18) into Hibernation on the Farm, 80-58, in their last Bay Battle as members of the Pacific 12 Conference last Thu Mar 7th.

#2 Michael talk about Maxime Raynaud he’s had a great season he led with 20 points against the Cal Bears.

#3 The Cardinal Kanaan Carlyle followed up with 12 points, the Cardinal stayed ahead of Cal for most of the game and Carlyle’s contribution helped keep the gap wide for Stanford.

#4 Cal’s top scorer was Fardaws Aimaq with 18 points followed by Jayson Tyson with 15 points, try as hard as they may the Bears couldn’t catch the Cardinal.

#5 Stanford and Cal match up once again this Wed night for a 6:00pm PDT tip off at the T Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Do you see Cal making a closer game since they had just seen Stanford or will Stanford get another blow because they just saw Cal?

Michael Roberson is a Stanford Cardinal beat writer at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Stanford Cardinal/Pac 12 Tournament podcast with Michael Roberson: Stanford tips off against USC Sunday at the MGM Grand Arena

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Stanford Cardinal guard Hannah Jump (33) is fired up after hitting a three pointer in the first half against the Oregon State Beavers at the Pac 12 Tournament in the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas (AP News photo)

On the Stanford Cardinal Women’s basketball podcast with Michael:

#1 Michael, the Stanford Cardinal’s (28-4) Hannah Jump scored 20 points against the Oregon State Beavers (24-7) at the Pac 12 Tournament in Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Garden Arena to help lead the Cardinal to a 66-57 win.

#2 The Cardinal who outscored the Beavers in the third quarter 23-8 put the stop on the Beavers offense eliminated the Beavers from the tournament.

#3 The Cardinal are a battling group and if they can go all the way they’ll pick up their 16th and final Pac 12 Tournament championship.

#4 Cameron Brink on Friday scored 16 second behind jump pulling down 12 rebounds this was her second consecutive double double in the tournament. Kiki Iriafen picked up 14 points and Brooke Dementre scored ten points against OSU.

#5 The Cardinal face the USC Trojans (25-5) on Sunday for a 2:00pm PDT tip at MGM Grand Garden Arena. The Trojans are ranked No.2. They defeated the UCLA Bruins (25-6) Friday in overtime 80-70. USC women have won four straight games and have won seven of their last ten games. How do you see this match up on Sunday afternoon in Vegas?

Michael Roberson is a Stanford Cardinal beat writer for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Stanford Cardinal game wrap: Cardinal Win Final PAC-12 Battle of the Bay versus the Golden Bears, 80-58, inside Maples Pavilion, on Senior Night

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The Stanford Cardinal bench stood up thrilled to end the season with a win over the Cal Bears at Maple Pavilion in Palo Alto in the last Pac 12 regular season game in league history (Stanford Cardinal

By Michael Roberson

STANFORD, Calif. — The Stanford Cardinal (13-17, 8-12 Pac-12)sent the California Golden Bears (13-18, 9-11 Pac-12) into Hibernation on the Farm, 80-58, in their last Bay Battle as members of the Pacific 12 Conference.

California got the party started, with an opening layup. The two point advantage would be their largest lead of the first 20 minutes of play, despite having a 5-0 run during this timeframe. There were also 5 lead changes.

Stanford, on the other hand, led by as much as 14 points. This included a 9-0 run and making 7 threes in the first half. The Cardinal shot 48% from the field, and a whopping 47% from beyond the arc.

The Golden Bears did claw their way back into the game, by cutting the deficit to six points, with 14 seconds before recess. However, freshman Kanaan Carlyle put a dagger into the visitors’ momentum, with a three-pointer 10 seconds later. This put the Cardinal up by nine, and was the margin at intermission, 41-32.

Stanford only had one double-digit scorer at the half, and he was junior Maxime Raynaud, with 13 points and 5 rebounds. Cal’s junior guard Jaylon Tyson contributed 15 points for his east Bay squad.

Senior forward Spencer Jones’ 8 first half points put him into the Cardinal hoopers’ Top 10. He added two rebounds, two assists and a steal.

The second half began with the Cardinal getting on the scoreboard first. They also led by as much as 24 points and had a 10-0 run. Stanford was in total control of the second 20-minute block.

The Cardinal added three other players to the double-digit plateau. Maxime Raynaud tallied 20 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. Kanaan Carlyle added 12 points on four 3s. Freshman Andrej Stojakovic scored 10 points and grabbed 8 rebounds. Senior Spencer Jones also garnered 10 points, with 4 rebounds in his last game at Maples. Senior James Keefe was able to get into the scoring column, despite his troubling 0-4 from the free throw line.

California added one other player to the tens column. Tyson only improved total by two (17) and graduate senior Fardaws Aimaq offered 18 points and 9 rebounds.

After 40 minutes of basketball action, the home team won by 22 points. Stanford 80, California 58, on a late Thursday night game.

Both teams will next be in action March 13-17 in Las Vegas (T-Mobile Arena) for the Last PAC-12 Conference tournament. This rivalry will continue in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) starting next season.

San Jose State Loses Final Game To Utah State 90-70

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The San Jose State Spartans guard Latrell Davis (6) and forward Tibet Gorener (5) battle Utah State Aggies forward Great Osobor (1) at Provident Credit Union Event Center in San Jose on Wed Mar 6, 2024 (AP News photo)

Wednesday, March 6th, 2024

By Troy Ewers 

San Jose, CA – In the final home game of the season, the San Jose State Spartans host Utah State. Last game Alvaro Cardenas scored 17 points to lead San José State (9-21, 2-15 Mountain West) in a 68-50 loss at UNLV (18-10, 11-5 Mountain West) on Saturday night. • Cardenas shot an efficient 6-for-9 from the field and 3-for-4 from 3-point range. On Wednesday night San Jose State lost their last game of the season by 20 points to end the season 90-70 to Utah State.

The first half for the Spartans was a fast paced half, but not with the results SJSU was hoping for. Missed shots and turnovers created a gap between Utah State and SJSU where the Spartans were further and further away from the lead.

A lack of offensive boards didn’t help the fact that the Spartans were missing shots. Only 4 offensive boards in the half. MJ Amey Jr. was taking over on offense for SJSU with 15 points in the first, but the lead was still significant for Utah State. Mason Falslev of Utah State hit a 3 pointer to end the half with a statement as they led the Spartans 53-37 at halftime. 

Hot start for Utah State and they didn’t let up the whole half. Darius Brown II had 21 points and 9 assists and Falslev had 20 points (8-11 FG, 2-3 3pt) which led Utah State in a big lead.

Falslev, despite a great game went down with two minutes left in the game with what appeared to be an ankle injury. For SJSU Amey Jr. led the Spartans with 20 points, but it was nowhere enough as they clocked in a 90-70 loss in their final regular season game.

Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson: Men’s Cardinal close Pac 12 season against Cal Thursday night; Women’s Brink gets player of the year and defensive player of the year

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Stanford Cardinal were defeated by ten points by the Colorado Buffaloes in Colorado on Sun Mar 3, 2024 (Stanford Cardinal photo)

Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson:

#1 Stanford’s final Pac-12 men’s basketball road game ended in Boulder, Colo., with an 81-71 defeat at the hands of Colorado Sunday at the CU Events Center.

#2 Colorado (20-9 overall, 11-7 Pac-12) was led by Tristan da Silva with a game-high 27 points on 11 of 18 shooting, including five 3-pointers. 

#3 KJ Simpson also drained five 3s and finished with 22 points. J’Vonne Hadley scored 15 points for the Buffs, followed by Eddie Lampkin with 10.

#4 The Cardinal will be hosting the Cal Bears at Maple Pavilion. After winning three straight games the Bears dropped the next two games. How do you see this final Pac 12 regular season this Thursday night at 8:00pm PT.

#5 Cameron Brink picked the women’s Player of the Year Award and the Defensive Player of the Year award an amazing season for Cameron Brink.

#6 Stanford women get ready for the Pac 12 Tournament on Thu Mar 7th most likely getting a lower seeded team. Do you see the Cardinal going deep in the month of March?

Michael Roberson is a Stanford Cardinal beat writer at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Colorado holds off late Cardinal rally, wins 81-71

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Colorado Buffaloes guard KJ Simpson (left) blows past Stanford Cardinal guard Kanaan Carlyle (3) at CU Events Center in Boulder Col on Sun Mar 3, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Daniel Dullum

Sunday, March 3, 2024

Stanford’s final Pac-12 men’s basketball road game ended in Boulder, Colo., with an 81-71 defeat at the hands of Colorado Sunday at the CU Events Center.

Colorado (20-9 overall, 11-7 Pac-12) was led by Tristan da Silva with a game-high 27 points on 11 of 18 shooting, including five 3-pointers. KJ Simpson also drained five 3s and finished with 22 points. J’Vonne Hadley scored 15 points for the Buffs, followed by Eddie Lampkin with 10.

DaSilva also grabbed 11 of Colorado’s 38 rebounds, and Simpson collected seven assists.

The Cardinal (12-17 overall, 7-12 Pac-12) received a 26-point effort from Maxime Raynard, who made 10 of 13 field goal attempts including two 3-pointers. The Paris, France, native registered his 11th double-double by pulling down 12 rebounds and equaling his season-best three blocks.

Michael Jones was next for Stanford with 13 points, followed by Kanaan Carlyle with 12 points and Brandon Angel had 10 points.

There were seven lead changes in the first half, with Stanford leading by as many as five points. Raynaud, Angel and Jones led a 12-3 run that put the Cardinal up 24-19. The Buffaloes responded with a 17-3 run, and though Stanford scored seven of the last nine points in the first half, CU led 44-37 at the break.

Raynaud scored 13 of his points in the second half, and Stanford whittled away at the Colorado lead. The Cardinal used a 13-3 run to close the second half, but the Buffaloes held on for the win,

Stanford returns to Maples Pavilion Thursday for its final regular season home game against California. Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m.