Tag: NCAA MBB

Cardinal manhandled the Mavericks 76-60 on Wednesday Night on the Farm

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The Stanford Cardinal forward Chisom Okpara (10) drives to the basket against the UT Arlington Mavericks guard Cash Chavis (1) at Maples Pavilion in Palo Alto on Wed Dec 17, 2025 (KGO San Francisco ABC 7 still photo)

By Michael Roberson

STANFORD, Calif. — The Stanford Cardinal (9-2) were un-hospitable hosts for the University of Texas – Arlington Mavericks (7-4), as they defeated them 76-60 inside the environs of Maples Pavilion on Wednesday night.

Although the Mavericks scored first points and led early by two, the Cardinal muscled their way into the lead and extended the margin to a high of 16 points, with the assistance of a 12-0 run.

During the first 20 minutes of play Stanford shot 50% from the field, and 43% from beyond the arc. They held the Mavericks to 41% and 20% respectively. By the end of the half, the Cardinal had garnered a 15-point lead, 40-25.

There was one player in double figures in the initial segment of the game. Stanford senior guard Benny Gealer tallied 11 points to forge the home team into a power position on the court.

In the second half, Stanford kept the pedal to the metal and sustained a significant lead throughout the second 20-minute block. They even increased their largest advantage to 19 points in the second half. Despite the large margin, Stanford’s last home game had to be in the back of their collective mind.

UTA did not just lay down on account of the huge deficit; they competed, pressed and fought with Texas Pride. However, the Cardinal was able to pull away and win by 16 points, 76-60.. Despite shooting worse in the second half, Stanford accomplished a comfortable home win.

The Cardinal produced four players with ten points or more. Both Chisom Okpara and Gealer scored 17 points, while AJ Rhosy offered 13 points and seven rebounds and Jeremy Dent-Smith chipped in ten points and five assists. UTA provided two players reaching that criteria, Sophomore guard Casmir Chavis put up 14 points and senior guard Marcell McCreary gave his team 12 points and five assists.

The Cardinal will next be in action Saturday, December 20 in Arizona at 5 PM PT as part of the Hall of Fame Series Phoenix against Colorado on ESPNU. The Mavericks will head to Tulsa, OK to face Oral Roberts, Monday, December 22 at 7 PM CT.

Stanford Cardinal podcast Michael Roberson: Arlington-Stanford expected to be a great match up Wednesday night at Maples

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Stanford Cardinal Benny Gealer (5) scored eight points against the San Jose State Spartans Sat Dec 13, 2025 at Provident Union Events Center has been a force with teammates Chisom Okpara and AJ Rohosy (photo by Stanford Cardinal)

Stanford Cardinal podcast Michael Roberson:

#1 How will the Stanford Cardinal (8-2) set the tempo early against UT Arlington’s (7-3) defensive schemes?

#2 Which Cardinal player will be the key matchup problem for the Mavericks on both ends of the floor?

#3 Can the Cardinal exploit their size and depth advantage in the paint against UT Arlington?

#4 How prepared is the Cardinal backcourt to handle UT Arlington’s pressure and transition offense?

#5 What adjustments will the Cardinal need to make if the Mavericks keep the game close into the second half?

Join Michael Roberson for the Stanford Cardinal podcasts each week at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Stanford Cardinal Daniel Dullum podcast: Stanford holds on at the end to defeat SJSU 86-82

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Stanford Cardinal forward Chisom Okpara (10) and guard Jeremy Dent-Smith (25) battle the San Jose State Spartans at Provident Union Event Center in San Jose on Sat Dec 13, 2025 (Stanford Cardinal X photo)

Stanford Cardinal Daniel Dullum podcast:

#1 Stanford’s AJ Rohosy, shot 8-for-9 and scored 20 points Saturday night — what did you see from the San José State defense that allowed him to have such a high-efficiency night?”

#2 Stanford’s Chisom Okpara, hit all three of his 3-point attempts. What helped him stay so confident from deep in a tight road game?

#3 Jeremy Dent-Smith, added four 3-pointers and gave Stanford a spark — how important was it to keep the offensive momentum going when San José State went on their late run?

#4 Stanford’s guard Benny Gealer, closed the game from the free-throw line — what was going through his mind at the end there, and how did he handle pressure situations like that?

#5 Stanford guard Ryan Agarwal, nearly posted a double-digit rebound night with 11 points and nine boards — how do you think Stanford’s defense and rebounding impacted his ability to control the game?

Daniel Dullum does the Stanford Cardinal podcasts each Sunday night at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Stanford Cardinal game wrap: Cardinal Conquer the Spartans 86-82 in Silicon Valley Capital City, Saturday Evening

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Stanford Cardinal guard Jeremy Dent-Smith throws the ball with a big smile in front of the San Jose State Spartans bench at Provident Credit Union Event Center in San Jose on Sat Dec 13, 2025 (Stanford Cardinal X photo)

By Michael Roberson

SAN JOSE, Calif. — The Stanford Cardinal (8-2) invaded the South Bay campus of the San Jose Spartans (5-6) and handed them a 86-82 loss in the Santa Clara County Clash.

The Cardinal wasted no time jumping all over their regional neighbor.  They lad by as many as 14 points in the first half, with the assistance of a 6-0 run.  This was accomplished without the services of their freshman sensation, Ebuka Okorie.

Okorie was held out of the game with a reported lower body injury.  The team’s leading scorer (21) and assists (3.1) guy was apparently not needed for the dispatching of the Spartans. Stanford controlled the first 20 minutes of the game, never trailing or tied.

At recess, the visitors from Palo Alto led by eight points, 44-36.  Two of their players reached double-figures.  Senior forward Chisom Okpara led with 13 points, senor guard Jeremy Dent-Smith added 11 points to the Cardinal total.

The Spartans only presented one player to reach the aforementioned plateau.  Senior forward Yaphet Moundi led his squad with 10 points.

In the second half, Stanford increased their single-digit halftime advantage to a high of 14 points, although SJSU did cut the deficit to four points midway through the second stanza..

The Cardinal immediately went on a 7-0 run over 1:29 span, putting them back up by 11.  The lead did reach 14 points, as it did in the first half.

The Spartan did try to utilize their swords and shield to knock over the mighty Tree, but the Cardinal seemed to have an answer for every SJSU run.  They cut it to two a couple of times, but Stanford had the every time..

The crucial sequence was a turnover by SJSU with 7 seconds left in regulation.  Gealer was fouled with 3-6 seconds left.  His clutch free throws sealed the game, and gave the Cardinal a four point victory, 86-82.

Okpara and AJ Rohosy both led the Cardinal with 20 points each, while Den-Smith added 16 and Agarwal chipped in 11.  SJSU was led by Moundi’s 26 points and 5 rebounds, and Colby Garland 20 points 9 assists, , in addition to Adrian Myers contributing 14 points.

The Cardinal will next be in action Wednesday, December 17, as they host UT-Arlington at 7 PM PT on ACCNX.  The Spartans travel to the Southwest to take on New Mexico Saturday, December 20, at 6 PM PT on MWN.

Cal Bears game wrap: Camden and Ames help Bears pull off surprisingly-close 79-70 win over Northwestern State

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Northwestern State Demons Justin Redmond (13) and Chris Mubiru (11) defend against the Cal Bears forward Lee Dort (34) at Haas Pavilion on Sat Dec 13, 2025 (Cal Bears X photo)

Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025

Haas Pavilion, Berkeley, California

Northwestern State Demons 70 (2-8)

California Golden Bears 79 (10-1)

By Stephen Ruderman

BERKELEY–It was a close one—and perhaps closer than some people thought it should have been—but John Camden and Dai Dai Ames carried the Bears to a 79-70 win over the Northwestern State Demons to keep their hot start alive, and get their 10th win.

After a 93-71 rout of Dominican on Tuesday, the Bears were 9-1, and off to their best start in 11 years. Today, they looked to get their 10th win against the Northwestern State Demons of the lesser-known Southland Conference. The Demons came into today’s game with a record of 2-7, but once this game got underway, that would prove to mean absolutely nothing.

The Bears got off to a strong start. John Camden hit a three, a little over a minute in, to open the scoring. Izzy Miles was fouled, and hit one of two from the line to put the Demons on the board. Chris Bell then scored two more for Cal with a layup; and Camden was fouled, and hit both shots from the line.

Cal had an early 7-1 lead, and the early vibes of this game seemed to indicate that it would be all Bears today. The Demons cut it to 7-5, but the Bears got back to a six-point lead when Semetri Carr hit a three to make it 14-8.

However, the Bears’ offense suddenly went quiet in the middle of the first half. The Demons showed that they were going to be a tough match for the Bears today, and they went on an 18-6 run to take a 26-20 lead with 6:29 to go.

Cal sprung back to life in the final minutes of the first half. Carr hit a three, and Miles Iloc delivered a layup to make it 26-25. 

The middle of the first half may have been quiet, but the end was going to be quite dramatic, and even a bit chaotic. With the Demons up 32-31 and 1:15 to go, Nolan Dorsey stole the ball, and passed it to Camden, who hit a three to put the Bears up 34-32.

Miles was fouled, and hit two from the line to tie it. Demons Head Coach Rick Cabrera was hit with a technical foul with 27 seconds remaining, and Camden hit one of two from the line to put the Bears back ahead. 

Justin Redmond hit a three with six seconds left. to give the Demons the lead again. Dai Dai Ames then beat out the clock with a driving layup to tie the game going into the half. The play was confirmed after review, and it was the shot in the arm the Bears needed going into the second half.

Ames only scored seven points in the first half, but his thrilling layup was just the beginning of what would turn out to be a big night for him. 

It was 37-37 going into the second half, and the second half was jam packed with action. The lead changed hands several more times, and the Demons had a five-point lead at 58-53 with 12:19 to go.

However, the Bears never relented, and Camden and Ames led the charge in the second half. Camden and Ames both hit threes, and the Bears were right back ahead at 59-58.

The Demons were ahead again. They led it 65-62 with 7:25 left on the clock after a three by Jumawan. Lee Dort then came through with a dunk to make it 65-64, and Ames made a layup to put the Bears back ahead at 66-65. 

Ames’ layup would prove to be the final lead change of the game. There would not be any more scoring for nearly two minutes, but Camden slammed one down after a steal by Dort to make it 68-65.

Carr and Dort were both fouled, and both hit each of their two shots from the line. The Bears had finally taken control of the game, as they had a seven point lead at 72-65. It was the first time either team held a seven-point lead in this one.

The Bears ended up winning by a final of 79-70.

John Camden led the way with 16 points in the second half, and 25 overall. He was also 6-for-9 from beyond the arc for the game. Dai Dai Ames scored 13 points in the second half to cap off a 20-point performance. Believe it or not, Ames was only 5-for-11 in field goals for the second half, but he was 3-for-4 from beyond the arc in that same period.

The Bears are now off to a 10-1 start, their best start in 11 years.

The Bears have two games left in non-conference play. They will take on the Morgan State Bears of the Mid-Eastern Atlantic Conference next Friday night at Haas Pavilion. That will be followed up two days later by a Sunday matinee against the Columbia Lions of the Ivy League.

Tipoff against the Morgan State Bears next Friday will be at 7 p.m.

Stanford Cardinal podcast Michael Roberson: Cardinal take on SJSU in San Jose Saturday

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The Stanford Cardinal center Oskar Giltay forward (15) drives to the basket against the UNLV Runnin Rebels on Sun Dec 7, 2025 at Maples Pavilion (Stanford Cardinal photo)

Stanford Cardinal podcast Michael Roberson:

#1 Stanford’s freshman Ebuka Okorie has been a standout this season with a high scoring average. Will he continue to carry the offense?

#2 Stanford has been hot from three-point range recently, making nine or more threes in prior games. Can SJSU’s defense contain them?

#3 Guards Colby Garland, Jermaine Washington, and JaVaughn Hannah have been key playmakers for the Spartans this season.

#4 San José State’s forward Yaphet Moundi provides size inside, while Stanford’s frontcourt includes players like Oskar Giltay and Donavin Young — how will this matchup impact rebounding and paint points?

#5 Adrian Myers and other SJSU reserves have contributed big scoring performances recently. How much will bench scoring influence the game’s outcome?

Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson Thursdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Stanford Cardinal podcast Daniel Dullum: Stanford loses heartbreaker to UNLV 75-74

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Stanford Cardinal lose in a heartbreaker to the UNLV Running Rebels at Maples Pavilion on Sun Dec 7, 2025 (Stanford Cardinal X photo)

Stanford Cardinal podcast Daniel Dullum Sun Dec 7, 2025:

#1 Daniel, what were the biggest takeaways from Stanford Cardinal (7-2) close performance Sunday with the UNLV Running Rebels (4-5), and where do you feel the game ultimately swung in UNLV’s favor?”

#2 How would you assess the defensive execution in the second half, especially during the key stretches where momentum shifted as the Rebels outscored the Cardinal 37-35 in the second half for the narrow win?

#3 Several players had standout moments Sunday—what did you see from your younger guys/veterans that encouraged them to move forward?

#4 Rebounding seemed to be a major factor in this matchup. What adjustments did Stanford need to make to control the boards?

#5 With a quick turnaround ahead, what’s the biggest focus for the team coming out of this game, whether in terms of corrections or building on positives?

Daniel Dullum does the Stanford Cardinal podcasts Sundays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Stanford Cardinal game wrap: Cardinal overtaken by Runnin Rebels 75-74, Sunday Afternoon on the Farm

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The Stanford Cardinal forward Oskar Giltay (15) drives to the basket against the UNLV Running Rebels at Maples Pavilion in Palo Alto on Sun Dec 7, 2025 (Stanford Cardinal photo)

By Michael Roberson

STANFORD, Calif. — The Stanford Cardinal (7-2) were unable to halt the visitors’ rebellion, in a 75-74 loss to the University of Nevada – Las Vegas Runnin’ Rebels (4-5) inside the friendly confines of Maples Pavilion.

Senior guard Benny Gealer got the Day Party started with a 3-pointer to open the scoring advantage, in a tightly contested first 20 minutes of play.  The Cardinal never trailed, although there were several (5) ties along the way.  Both teams had significant runs: 5-0 for UNLV and 9-0 for Stanford.

The Cardinal parlayed that 9-0 run to their largest lead of the first half 9; 33-24).  UNLV was not finished with their push, as they performed an additional 7-0 run, putting them within one, (37-36) with less than a minute before recess.  Gealer converted two free throws to extend the lead to three.  However, the Runnin’ Rebels had an answer to that, when sophomore center Emmanuel Stephen ended the half with a dunk, to cut the deficit to a lone point again, 39-38.

Redshirt-junior guard Ryan Argawal led the cardinal with 10 points, while as a team, they shot 41% from the floor and 33% from beyond the arc.  The Runnin’ Rebels shot an impressive 53% from two, and 40% from Threeland.

At the midway point of the game, the Cardinal had a slim 1-point lead clutched by their branches, 39-38.

The second half had a huge momentum shift, as Stephen had consecutive baskets to end the first, and begin the second stanza.  That bucket gave the Runnin’ Rebels their first lead of the game, and a great deal of confidence.

That was the first of nine lead changes for the Golden and Silver States’ battle.  The game was also tied 13 times, to give the crowd of nearly 4,000 a nail-biting finish.

During the second 20 minutes of play, UNLV had a high of  a three point lead, while Stanford was able to go up by as much as four, but they exchanged their advantages like a hot potato.  The three point shooting for both teams was 30%; however, the equivalent fractions were at a different clip.  UNLV was 3/10, while Stanford was 9/30.  Same percentage, but an 18 point difference..  the Runnin’ Rebels made up for that disadvantage from deep, with 20 points (48:28) margin in the paint.

The free throw % was close, as both squads attempted 27 FTs, with Stanford’s 17 being one more than their Sin City opponent.  Unfortunately for the Cardinal one free throw advantage was not enough when the final buzzer sounded.

With several crucial misses from the charity stripe on both sides, the game was in balance throughout the closing minutes.  Clutch layups, jumpers, rebounds, and steals, made the ending so dramatic.

Less than 18 seconds left in regulation, Stanford tied the game at 74, on a Ebuka Okorie FT.  With absolute irony in the Palo Alto air, UNLV was on the free throw line with 3.8 seconds left on the clock.  Senior forward Kimani Hamilton stepped to the line, with all kinds of pressure on his shoulders.  The crowd wanted him to miss for a dual reason.  If he missed both, Stanford would not only have a chance to win in regulation or go to overtime, but they’d also get a food prize.

Whenever an opposing player misses consecutive free throws, the fans win a free hamburger from a popular nearby restaurant.  Hudson really got the audience fired up when he missed the first FTA.  To the dismay of the Cardinal faithful, he converted the second shot, which eventually became the GWFT.

With the Runnin’ Rebels up by one (75-74) with seconds left in the contest, Okorie’s desperation shot came up short, and the team from the entertainment desert got the upset win in the Bay Area.  After 40 minutes of basketball action, UNLV won by the score of 75-74.

Stanford had three players reach double-digits scoring.  Freshman sensation Ebuka Okorie led with 18 points, while Ryan Argawal chipped in 13 points, and Benny Gealer added 11 points.  UNLV presented four double-figure hoopers. 

Emmanuel Stephen topped the team with 18 points and 10 rebounds.  Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn contributed 15 points and 5 rebounds, Kimani Hamilton offered 15 points and 4 rebounds, while Tyrin Jones put up 11 points for the team’s total.

The Cardinal is next in action Saturday, December 13 in the Capital City of the Silicon Valley, as they take on the San Jose State Spartans at 4 PM CT on CBSSN.  UNLV returns to Las Vegas on the same date, to host Tennessee State Tigers at 6:30 PM PT at the Jack Jones Classic.

Cal Bears podcast Stephen Ruderman: Cal hosts Pacific Saturday; Cal on four game win streak

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Cal Bears forward Lee Dort (34) is excited at the conclusion of the win over the Utah Utes on Tue Dec 2, 2025 at Haas Pavilion in Berkeley (Cal Bears X photo)

Cal Bears podcast Stephen Ruderman:

#1 With Cal Bears guards like Dai Dai Ames and Justin Pippen in Cal’s backcourt, how might their perimeter defense and shooting had put pressure on the Utah Utes defense?

#2 Can forwards such as Chris Bell or Lee Dort use their size advantage to dominate the paint, to limit Utah’s interior scoring, and control the boards if they face a smaller pilot front line?

#3 Given that Cal’s roster also includes centers like Milos Ilic and Mantas Kocanas, how might their presence affect Utah’s ability to drive to the rim or get second-chance points?

#4 Considering Utah’s fast-paced style, how would Cal — with a mix of experienced players like DeJuan Campbell and newcomers — aim to control tempo and avoid getting caught in a run-and-gun exchange?

#5 If Cal’s rotation extends to freshmen guards such as Luke Butler or Jorell Clark, how much trust should the team put in young players’ composure under pressure when defending a team like the Utes?

Cal Bears podcast with Stephen Ruderman is heard each Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Stanford Cardinal podcast Michael Roberson: Stanford continues to roll at 7-1; Host UNLV Sunday at the Farm

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Stanford Cardinal bench rises after a basket is scored against the Portland Pilots at Maples Pavilion in Palo Alto on Mon Dec 1, 2025 (photo by Stanford Cardinal Athletics Dept)

Stanford Cardinal podcast Michael Roberson:

#1 How did Stanford Cardinal Jeremy Dent-Smith’s 5-for-10 shooting from 3-point range impact Stanford’s offensive rhythm and early lead beating the Portland Pilots 94-72?

#2 What role did Benny Gealer and Oskar Giltay play in providing scoring depth off the bench to help Stanford reach six players in double-figures?

#3 How effective was Chisom Okpara inside the paint and on the boards, and how did that contribute to Stanford’s dominance against Portland’s interior defense?

#4 In what ways did Ebuka Okorie influence the tempo or transition game for Stanford, including scoring, playmaking, or defense?

#5 Given that Stanford made 14 of 33 from three-point range, how critical was the long-range shooting from players like Dent-Smith, Gealer, Giltay, to establishing and sustaining their lead over the Pilots?

Michael Roberson does the Stanford Cardinal podcasts each week at http://www.sportsradioservice.com