Opinion
3 min read

Cardinal Clashes with Golden Bears in Battle for Supremacy at Maples Pavilion

As the Stanford Cardinal prepares to face off against the California Golden Bears, fans are buzzing with anticipation for what promises to be an electrifying encounter at Maples Pavilion. The Cardinal, coming off a dominant performance against UC Davis Aggies on December 20th, where they cruised to a 92-52 victory, have shown that their offensive firepower is not to be underestimated.


Jan 22, 2023; Stanford, California, USA; Stanford Cardinal guard Hannah Jump (33) keeps the ball in play against the Colorado Buffaloes during the first quarter at Maples Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

The Cardinal's shooting efficiency was on full display as they hit an impressive 58 percent from the field and a scorching 50 percent from beyond the arc. Their free throw accuracy was nearly flawless at 89 percent, underscoring their ability to capitalize on every scoring opportunity. With such numbers, it's clear that STAN has honed its shooting prowess to near perfection.


In contrast, CAL must be wary of their upcoming opponents' defensive tenacity. The Cardinal's ability to turn defense into offense was evident when they scored 24 points off turnovers against UC Davis. This facet of their game could prove pivotal in determining the outcome of their next matchup.


However, it would be remiss not to acknowledge CAL's potential threat; after all, any team stepping onto the court has a fighting chance. But given STAN’s recent form and home-court advantage – where they also dispatched Portland Pilots with an assertive 81-51 win – it seems like a tall order for the Golden Bears.


While some may point out that Stanford did stumble away against Gonzaga Bulldogs earlier in December (78-96), this appears more like an anomaly rather than a trend. The loss can serve as a learning curve and motivation for STAN who will undoubtedly look forward to bouncing back stronger in front of their home crowd.


With such high stakes and both teams eager to assert dominance in this storied rivalry, fans can expect nothing short of relentless competition come game night. It is here where stars shine brightest and legacies are forged; Stanford looks poised and ready for battle.


Mark your calendars for February 16th at Maples Pavilion; tip-off is set for February 17th at 7:00 PM local time (PST). Fans unable or unwilling to miss this clash can catch all the action live as it unfolds right from their homes or wherever they may find themselves within reach of broadcast coverage.

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