Thrilling Showdown: Stanford Edges Past North Carolina 72-71 in a Nail-Biter!

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — — Duke graduate transfer Jaylen Blakes made a close jumper with 1.5 seconds remaining, securing a 72-71 victory for Stanford against North Carolina on Saturday. This marked their inaugural clash as Atlantic Coast Conference competitors and the first triumph for the Cardinal over the Tar Heels in 15 encounters.

After Seth Trimble made two foul shots for North Carolina with 7.7 seconds left, Blakes received the inbounds pass in the backcourt and maneuvered up the left side. He made contact with a defender as he approached the basket, then stepped back and effortlessly sank the shot.

This concluded a closely contested match featuring 12 ties and 14 lead changes, with the largest margin being seven points. Both sides had managed a five-point advantage in the latter half.

Maxime Raynaud tallied 24 points, 13 rebounds, and four blocks for the Cardinal (12-6, 4-3), while Blakes contributed 20 points along with seven assists. Oziyah Sellers added 11 points.

RJ Davis led the Tar Heels (12-7, 5-2) with 19 points, as their impressive four-game winning streak came to a halt. Ven-Allen Lubin scored 13 points, and Elliot Cadeau contributed 12.

Following Raynaud’s three made free throws, Sellers netted a jumper that propelled Stanford to a 57-52 advantage midway through the second half. North Carolina responded with a 14-4 spurt, taking a 66-61 advantage through two free throws by Davis with 4:23 left on the clock.

In the clutch moments, Raynaud hit a crucial 3-pointer, and Blakes converted four free throws, the last coming with 24.1 seconds remaining, propelling Stanford back ahead 70-69.

The Tar Heels were leading 36-35 at halftime.

North Carolina is set to face Wake Forest on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Stanford will commence a three-game homestand when Miami comes to visit on Wednesday.

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