Benny’s Buzzer-Beater Secures Stanford’s Acrisure Invitational Title
In a thrilling conclusion to the Acrisure Invitational, Stanford pulled off a dramatic 78-77 victory over Saint Louis. Benny Gealer’s last-second three-pointer secured the victory, marking Stanford’s first multi-team event title since 2007.
Benny Gealer’s Stellar Shot
With just 0.8 seconds remaining, Gealer executed a perfect catch-and-shoot from the corner. His decisive shot concluded an exciting game that showcased Stanford’s resilience.
How the Game Unfolded
- Stanford faced a challenging start, trailing by 15 points early in the first half.
- They struggled initially but rallied with an 11-2 run to narrow the gap.
- At halftime, Stanford trailed 47-36 after Chisom Okpara’s last-second three-pointer.
The second half saw a rejuvenated Stanford team. They quickly trimmed the deficit to just one point at 55-54, showcasing impressive teamwork and shooting skills.
Player Highlights
- Chisom Okpara: 19 points and 6 rebounds
- Ebuka Okorie: 17 points, 6 assists, no turnovers
- Jeremy Dent-Smith: 12 points, 5 rebounds, 4 three-pointers
- AJ Rohosy: 11 points, 9 rebounds
- Ryan Agarwal & Aidan Cammann: 8 points each
Stanford exhibited strong shooting, finishing the game with a season-high 13 three-pointers. The teamwork was evident, especially in the closing moments, as AJ Rohosy secured a crucial offensive rebound, setting up Gealer’s game-winning shot.
Moving Forward
With this victory, Stanford improved its overall record to 3-0 against the Billikens, who now stand at 6-1. The Cardinal will return to Maples Pavilion for their next game against Portland on Monday, December 1, at 7 p.m. on ACC Network Extra.