Stanford Stuns NC State with Late Run, Okorie Scores 33 | NCAA Basketball Highlights

Raleigh, N.C. – Ebuka Okorie scored 33 points, Jaylen Thompson played a pivotal role in a late game surge, and Stanford secured an 85-84 road victory over North Carolina State on Saturday afternoon, completing their Atlantic Coast Conference regular season schedule with a hard-fought win. The Cardinal (20-11, 9-9 in ACC play) clinched their second consecutive 20-win season under coach Kyle Smith, even as the Wolfpack (19-12, 10-8) saw their four-game winning streak come to an end.

Okorie, who entered the day as the ACC’s leading scorer, delivered another dominant performance, connecting on 5 of 8 attempts from beyond the arc. His scoring prowess was crucial, but it was Thompson’s contributions during a decisive 12-1 run that ultimately propelled Stanford to victory. The win marked a significant end to the regular season for both programs, with implications for their respective postseason aspirations.

Cardinal Surge Seals the Deal

The game remained tightly contested throughout, with NC State building a lead that reached 58-55 following a three-pointer from Matt Able with 11:06 remaining. However, Stanford responded swiftly. Benny Gealer connected on a three-pointer just 33 seconds later, tying the score. Following a free throw from Scottie Ebube, Gealer found Thompson for a dunk, giving Stanford its first lead of the second half at 60-59 with 9:13 left on the clock.

The momentum continued to swing in Stanford’s favor as Gealer added another three-pointer, and Thompson converted an inside basket. Okorie then capped off the impressive run with a layup at the 6:39 mark, extending the Cardinal’s lead to 67-59. This 12-1 burst proved to be the turning point, giving Stanford a cushion they would necessitate to withstand a late Wolfpack rally.

NC State Fights Back, But Falls Short

NC State refused to go quietly, chipping away at the deficit and getting within 81-79 on a layup by Quadir Copeland with 51 seconds remaining. A missed free throw by Stanford’s AJ Rohosy presented the Wolfpack with an opportunity to tie or capture the lead with a three-pointer. However, Jeremy Dent-Smith came up with a crucial steal, intercepting a pass from Copeland and drawing a foul. Dent-Smith calmly sank both free throws with 25 seconds left, extending Stanford’s lead to four.

Dent-Smith then sealed the victory with two more free throws with nine seconds remaining, rendering a buzzer-beating three-pointer from Paul McNeil Jr. Inconsequential. The Cardinal’s ability to close out the game at the free-throw line proved to be a key factor in their success.

Key Performances and Statistical Highlights

Beyond Okorie’s game-high 33 points, Jaylen Thompson contributed 15 points and AJ Rohosy added 14 for Stanford. Rohosy and Donavin Young each grabbed seven rebounds, leading the Cardinal in that category. Stanford’s sharp shooting from three-point range, where they outscored NC State 33-21, also played a significant role in the outcome.

Ven-Allen Lubin led the Wolfpack with 17 points and a game-high 11 rebounds, recording a double-double. Quadir Copeland chipped in with 16 points, while Tre Holloman and Matt Able each added 15 and 13 points, respectively. Despite their balanced scoring attack, NC State struggled to contain Okorie and Thompson, and their 25-8 advantage in free throw points wasn’t enough to overcome Stanford’s overall efficiency.

Looking Ahead

With the regular season now complete, both Stanford and NC State will turn their attention to the upcoming ACC Tournament. The Cardinal will gaze to build on this momentum and make a strong push for an NCAA Tournament berth. The Wolfpack, despite the recent losing streak, will aim to regroup and make a run in the tournament to secure their own spot in March Madness. The ACC Tournament bracket and schedule will be released in the coming days, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the conference season.

Stanford’s victory underscores their growth under Coach Smith and their potential to make noise in the postseason. The Cardinal’s ability to win on the road against a quality opponent like NC State demonstrates their resilience and determination. For NC State, the loss serves as a reminder of the competitive nature of the ACC and the importance of consistency as they prepare for the tournament.