San Jose State Hosts Intense Bay Area Clash
On December 13, 2023, San Jose State will host Stanford men’s basketball in what promises to be an intense Bay Area clash. The match is scheduled for 4 p.m. and will be broadcast on CBS Sports Network.
Stanford’s Strong Start
This season, Stanford boasts an impressive 7-2 record. The team has secured victories against notable opponents including Minnesota, Saint Louis, and Portland. Currently, they are outscoring competitors by an average of 9.7 points per game.
Stanford won the Acrisure Invitational by defeating both Minnesota and Saint Louis. A highlight of the tournament was Benny Gealer’s thrilling buzzer-beater on November 28, which clinched the win.
Key Players
- Ebuka Okorie: He is currently ranked 14th nationally in scoring, averaging 21.0 points per game, marking him as the second highest among freshmen.
- Chisom Okpara: Averaging 14.7 points per game, he ranks 20th in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
This is Stanford’s second season in the ACC, where they finished seventh last year. Under coach Kyle Smith’s leadership, they have matched a program record with 17 home wins and have reached the postseason for the first time since 2018.
Historical Context
This matchup will be the first between Stanford and San Jose State since November 15, 2021. In their last meeting, Stanford achieved a 76-62 victory at Maples Pavilion. The Cardinal have won the last six meetings against their Bay Area rivals, with the last San Jose State win dating back to December 3, 1992.
The rivalry spans over a century as this season marks 101 years since their inaugural game in 1924-25.
Shooting Stats
Stanford’s recent shooting performance has been noteworthy. The team has made nine or more three-pointers in each of their last three games. They set a season high by hitting 14 threes against Portland on December 1. This streak is their best since their postseason run last year.
This Bay Area clash not only signifies local bragging rights but also serves as a crucial game for both teams as they aim to solidify their standings early in the season.
