Mar 12, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; Stanford Cardinal ahead Chisom Okpara (10) shoots as California Golden Bears ahead Spencer Mahoney (7) defends within the first half at Spectrum Heart. Obligatory Credit score: Bob Donnan-Imagn Photos Pushed in its opener, Stanford may very well be in for one more check on Saturday at dwelling towards a Montana squad with two lopsided wins beneath its belt.
Cardinal coach Kyle Smith mentioned he expects a spirited effort from the visiting Grizzlies.
“They will be motivated. They’re used to successful,” Smith mentioned. “Their greatest participant (Cash Williams) is from the Bay Space.”
Stanford beat Portland State 89-79 on Tuesday evening, successful its season opener for the fifteenth consecutive yr.
The Cardinal received 26 factors from Ebuka Okorie, probably the most by a real freshman in a Stanford debut in a minimum of 29 years.
“The key out that he is fairly good,” Smith mentioned. “There might be some tough patches, I am certain, however let’s simply see the place this takes us.”
Chisom Okpara added 21 factors for the Cardinal, with Jeremy Dent-Smith including 14 and Benny Gealer 12.
Montana faces upgraded competitors after snug triumphs towards Northwest Indian Faculty on Monday and Ottawa (Ariz.) on Wednesday. The Grizzlies are 2-0 for the primary time in seven years.
“We’re nonetheless working kinks out and defensively we proceed to develop,” Montana coach Travis DeCuire mentioned. “I believe our protection was loads additional alongside than it has been at this stage, however our offense is not essentially clicking.”
Cash Williams was the preseason MVP for the Massive Sky Convention. He notched his first profession double-double within the 73-39 romp over Ottawa with 15 factors and 10 rebounds.
DeCuire continues evaluating what personnel will work greatest for the Grizzlies’ major rotations. There are as much as 13 gamers who may very well be within the combine.
“It makes it onerous on me, and I simply can’t play that many guys as a result of it will get folks out of rhythm attempting to get extra guys within the sport,” DeCuire mentioned.
No matter how that pans out, Williams might be on the forefront of these plans.
“I really feel like he’ll should play large minutes in these subsequent two video games,” DeCuire mentioned.
Smith mentioned the Cardinal might be tasked with higher perimeter protection after Portland State sank 13 of 27 3-pointers.
That is the second sport in Stanford’s season-opening five-game homestand.
–Subject Stage Media
