Stanford Faces Tough Task at Home vs. Oregon: Game Preview
Jan 24, 2013; Boulder, CO, USA; Stanford Cardinal guard Chasson Randle (5) controls the basketball in the second half of the game against the Colorado Buffaloes at the Coors Events Center. The Buffaloes defeated the Cardinal 75-54. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
The Stanford Cardinal (12-8) face number 10 in the AP polls the Oregon Ducks (18-2) in the friendly confines of their own stadium this evening.
While Oregon is doing very well this season they do only have the 80th ranked strength of schedule so far to date. With that being said this is an Oregon team that has 5 guys averaging double figures and is undefeated so far in Pac-12 play with a 7-0 record. Stanford is 3-4 so far in the Pac-12.
Stanford is coming off of a blowout win against Utah on Sunday and hopes to end their streak of a win followed by a loss for the past 6 games. With that being said guys like Dwight Powell and Chasson Randle will have to be at the top of their games while the supporting cast with guys like Aaron Bright and John Gage are going to need to bring everything they’ve got as well.
Randle has been especially on fire as of late hitting at least 15 points in his last 6 games and the Cardinal hope he can put in a similar performance. Powell and his team leading 14.5 ppg will have to show up and then some as well in order for this game to be competitive.
Anything can happen in college basketball and if Stanford can keep it close until the end of the game and get a little run mixed in they could have a chance.
They are going up against an Oregon team that has defeated Arizona (currently ranked above the Ducks) and right now are firing on all cylinders. In fact, they are even better on the road at scoring than at home averaging 77.3 points per game which is good for 6th in the nation in that category.
They have 5 guys averaging over 10 points per game including Damyean Dotson (11.7 ppg), E.J. Singler (11.2ppg), Tony Woods (10.9ppg), Carlos Emory (10.2 ppg)and Dominic Artis (10.2 ppg). Fortunately for Stanford Artis, the teams starting point guard, hurt his ankle a couple games ago and has not been back since, however Oregon still seems to be clicking on all cylinders.
If Stanford wants to win this game EVERYONE on the team will have to bring their A-game. It is a tall order to be sure, but Stanford has shown the ability to stick with the other good teams in the conference (such as in their game against UCLA) and if they can play well in this game it could help their confidence to try and get back to the Pac-12 tournament looming around the corner.