The Stanford Cardinal, with a record of 0-0, faced off against the UCLA Bruins at the iconic Pauley Pavilion and emerged victorious with a final score of 59-53. The Bruins, also entering the game without prior wins or losses, fought valiantly but fell short in their home venue.

Jan 3, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA guard Sebastian Mack (12) reacts during the first half in a game against the Stanford Cardinal at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom. Mandatory Credit: Yannick Peterhans-USA TODAY Sports

The Cardinal's performance was marked by resilience and effective execution on both ends of the court. The team showcased its defensive capabilities by accumulating seven steals and blocking one shot. Offensively, Stanford was efficient from the free-throw line with an impressive 81 percent accuracy, sinking 17 out of 21 attempts. This proficiency contributed significantly to their overall score.

Stanford's scoring efforts were balanced across halves as they posted 26 points in the first half followed by an improved output of 33 points in the second half. Their ability to maintain offensive momentum played a crucial role in securing their win over UCLA. The team's field goal percentage stood at a solid 36 percent for the game with an equally consistent three-point shooting percentage at 30 percent.

Jan 3, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA guard Will McClendon (4) attempts a three point shot as Stanford Cardinal guard Kanaan Carlyle (3) defends during the first half at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom. Mandatory Credit: Yannick Peterhans-USA TODAY Sports

The Cardinal dominated certain aspects of play which were pivotal to their success; they scored nine fast break points and capitalized on turnovers by adding another 16 points to their tally from such opportunities. Additionally, they managed to grab eight offensive rebounds leading to six second-chance points which kept them ahead in tight situations.

On the other side, despite being outscored by Stanford, UCLA demonstrated strong rebounding skills with a total of 36 rebounds compared to Stanford's total rebound count of 30. However, this advantage was not enough for them as they struggled from beyond the arc hitting only three out of thirteen attempts resulting in a low three-point shooting percentage of just about 23 percent.

Jan 3, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruins and the Stanford Cardinal tip off the ball in the first half of a game at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom. Mandatory Credit: Yannick Peterhans-USA TODAY Sports

Furthermore, while both teams had identical steal numbers at seven each and nearly equal turnovers with Stanford having fourteen compared to UCLA's sixteen; it was Stanford that better utilized these opportunities effectively contributing towards their win margin.

Looking ahead for fans eager to follow their team’s progress: The next challenge awaiting Stanford will be against USC Trojans at Galen Center located in Los Angeles on January sixth two thousand twenty-four scheduled for one o'clock post meridian Pacific Time zone broadcasted on Pac-12 Network where supporters can tune in live for action-packed basketball entertainment.

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