On the second game of their two game road trip, Stanford visited Chapel Hill, to take on the North Carolina Tar Heels. Entering the game, the Cardinal were 3-3 in conference play, and coming off a loss on Wednesday in Winston-Salem against Wake Forest.
Despite the inconsistency that the Tar Heels had shown throughout the season, they were still a great basketball team, and sat at 5-1 in ACC play.
Stanford entered as 11.5 point underdogs, and it seemed like they were going to go into the Dean Dome and get slaughtered.
The game was very even for the most part, as Stanford once again came out with a purpose. Sadly for Cardinal fans, they had a tendency to take a lead on the road, but blow the lead and come out with a loss. This was evident in all three east coast road games this season, where they led Clemson, Pitt, and Wake Forest at halftime, but just couldn’t pull it out.
Stanford trailed by one going into the half, looking decent, but not good enough.
Somehow, in the second half, Stanford started to do the opposite, playing even better than the first. Regardless of the packed crowd in Chapel Hill, they did a great job regulating the noise, and using it as an advantage.
It went back and forth, but with just five seconds to go on the clock, Seth Trimble hit two free throws to take the lead. Stanford knew who to give the ball to, and made the most out of it.
Duke graduate transfer Jaylen Blakes got the ball, and went all the way before creating space to take a mid range shot for the win…
Onions.
Stanford picked up a much needed win, to improve to 4-3 in conference play. Not only did they break the barrier of winning on the road, but they also proved that they can truly compete in the ACC. The Cardinal saved their chance at a possible March Madness bid, which although is still unlikely, is a lot more possible after the win.
Maxime Raynaud and Jaylen Blakes both put up great games, combining for 45 points, 17 rebounds, and 7 assists (all Blakes). They further proved why both players should be in contention for the ACC player of the year award.
Stanford returns to Palo Alto, and will have three straight home games, against Miami, Florida State, and Syracuse. They are favorites against Miami and Syracuse, and about a 50/50 with Florida State. If Stanford can pick up three more wins, a tournament bid may truly be on the horizon.
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