STANFORD, Calif. – The ACC basketball season commenced on the Maples court for the first time, with Stanford men’s basketball securing a 70-59 win against Virginia Tech. The Cardinal improves their record to 10-5 this year and 2-2 in the ACC.
Maxime Raynaud and Oziyah Sellers spearheaded the Cardinal with 19 points each, collectively contributing 15 successful field goals and seven three-pointers. Raynaud, who came into the game as the conference leader in scoring and rebounding, tallied 14 rebounds, achieving his nation-leading 12th double-double of the season. Sellers hit the 19-point mark for the third time in the past five contests and the fifth time this year.
Jaylen Blakes contributed 17 points along with six assists, tying his career high with 10 successful free throws. Donavin Young recorded a career-best seven points. Stanford dominated the rebounding battle, 36-25, and secured six offensive boards in the second half.
Stanford started sluggishly against the Hokies (6-9, 1-3 ACC), falling behind 16-4 after 10:30 of play. Raynaud and Blakes made key shots to draw Stanford within six after a 9-3 run, bringing the score to 19-13, while Sellers hit consecutive three-pointers to reduce the deficit to a single possession in the final moments of the half. Virginia Tech led 30-25 at the intermission.
The Cardinal offense regained its momentum in the second half, outscoring Virginia Tech 45-29 in the final 20 minutes. Raynaud netted 13 of his 19 points in the second half, including a reverse layup with 15:15 remaining that gave the Cardinal its first lead of the half, 39-38. Stanford concluded the game with a 14-3 run in the last 5:08, highlighted by five points from Blakes and four from Ryan Agarwal, who also collected eight rebounds and dished out four assists.
Stanford will next be in action on Saturday, Jan. 11 at 1 p.m. against Virginia. The matchup will be broadcast on ESPNU.
