GAME NOTES: The Stanford Cardinal kick off a four game home stand tonight, hosting the Oregon Ducks in a Pac-10 Conference matchup at Maples Pavilion. Oregon has won two of its last three games, most recently downing in-state rival Oregon State, 63-59, on Saturday. The Ducks hope the winning remains contagious, as they had dropped six straight games before their mini run of success. They now sit at 2-5 in Pac-10 play.
Maples Pavilion should appear to Stanford a site for sore eyes. The Cardinal has gone 8-1 at home this season, as opposed to 2-7 on the road. A four game homestand should provide the Cardinal with ample opportunity to bolster its 3-4 Pac-10 record. With regard to the all-time series, tonight’s matchup marks the 133rd meeting between Oregon and Stanford. The Cardinal currently holds a demanding 88-44 lead over the Ducks.
Oregon used a strong defensive effort to down Oregon State in its last contest. The Ducks held Oregon State to just 24 first half points on 36.4 percent shooting to build a 11 point lead heading into the break. On the night, Oregon State shot just 38.5 percent from the floor and 25 percent from three-point range. The Ducks’ offensive attack was led by E.J. Singler, who scored 16 points and grabbed six boards. Garrett Sim scored 15 points, as did Jay-R Stowbridge, who came off the bench to convert 6-of-9 field goal attempts. The 59 points allowed was about 10 under the Ducks’ season average of 69.4 ppg allowed. While the defense is not strong, it is opportunistic, forcing 16.3 turnovers per game. The Ducks post a plus-3.5 turnover margin, only coughing the ball up 13.3 times per game. They score a solid 69.7 ppg. Joevan Catron typically leads the team in scoring at 15.4 ppg, but he has missed time recently due to a back injury. Singler has been asked to pick up the scoring slack in his stead. He scores 11.8 ppg on the year.
The Cardinal have lost three straight games and four of their last five. The most recent loss came on Saturday, as Stanford fell, 68-57, to UCLA. The Cardinal managed to shoot just 30.8 percent from the field, including 31.8 percent from three-point range on the night. Leading by one at the break, Stanford allowed UCLA to score 42 second half points . UCLA drained 17-of-21 free throw attempts over the final 20 minutes to hand Stanford the loss. Josh Owens played valiantly in defeat, posting a double-double with 14 points and 12 boards. He also handed out three assists and shot 50 percent from the field. Jeremy Green added 12 points, but his shooting effort was more indicative of the Stanford effort as a whole, as he hit just 4-of-15 attempts from the field. Anthony Brown added 10 points off the bench. Green continues to lead the Stanford attack, scoring 14.7 ppg. Josh Owens is a solid compliment, leading the team in rebounding (6.9 rpg) and coming in at second in scoring (11.8 ppg). Green and Owens receive little help, however, as the Cardinal scores just 63.4 ppg. Stanford wins games with defense, holding opponents to just 60.6 ppg.
This may be a low-scoring game, but look for Stanford to thrive due to its homecourt advantage and strong defense.
GAME NOTES: The Stanford Cardinal kick off a four game home stand tonight, hosting the Oregon Ducks in a Pac-10 Conference matchup at Maples Pavilion.
FACTS & STATS: Site: Maples Pavilion (7,329) — Stanford, California. Television: none. Home Record: Oregon 8-6, Stanford 8-1. Away Record: Oregon 1-3, Stanford 1-5. Neutral Record: Oregon 0-1, Stanford 1-2. Conference Record: Oregon 2-5, Stanford 3-4. Series Record: Stanford leads, 88-44.
Thursday, January 27th, 10:00 p.m. (et)
Stanford 64, Oregon 61