Stanford, California, January 3, 2026
In a thrilling college basketball game, Stanford Cardinal achieved an 80-76 victory over the No. 16 Louisville Cardinals at Maples Pavilion. This win marks Stanford’s first triumph over Louisville in five attempts and highlights freshman Ebuka Okorie’s standout performance with 28 points. The tightly contested game featured numerous lead changes and showcased Stanford’s strong defense, limiting Louisville’s shooting successes. With this win, Stanford advances to a record of 12-3, setting the stage for their upcoming match against Virginia Tech.
Stanford Triumphs Over No. 16 Louisville with 80-76 Victory
Stanford, California – In a thrilling college basketball matchup, the Stanford Cardinal secured an 80-76 win over the No. 16 Louisville Cardinals on January 2, 2026, at Maples Pavilion. This victory marked Stanford’s first-ever win against Louisville in five meetings and their first ranked win under head coach Kyle Smith.
Key Performances
Freshman Ebuka Okorie led the charge for Stanford, scoring 28 points on 9-of-18 shooting, including two three-pointers, and converting 8-of-10 free throws. This performance was his eighth 20-point game of the season and moved him into a tie for seventh in Stanford’s freshman history for free throws made.
Chisom Okpara contributed significantly with 17 points, eight rebounds, two assists, two blocks, and two steals. Ryan Agarwal added 12 points, all from beyond the arc, while Jeremy Dent Smith and Benny Gealer chipped in nine and seven points, respectively.
Game Highlights
The game was closely contested, featuring 18 lead changes and 14 in the second half. Stanford gained a seven-point lead after a 13-3 run, but Louisville narrowed the gap to just one point at halftime. In the final minutes, Agarwal’s three-pointer with 4:26 remaining gave Stanford a lead they maintained, and Gealer’s free throws with 8.2 seconds left sealed the win.
Defensive Efforts
Stanford’s defense was instrumental in the victory, limiting Louisville to a season-low 6-of-27 shooting from beyond the arc. This was particularly significant as Louisville entered the game ranked in the top five nationally for three-point attempts per game.
Looking Ahead
With this win, Stanford improves to 12-3 on the season and 1-1 in the Atlantic Coast Conference. They will next face Virginia Tech on January 7, 2026, at 4 p.m. ET.
About the Teams
Stanford Cardinal: A member of the Atlantic Coast Conference, Stanford has a rich basketball tradition and is known for its strong academic and athletic programs.
Louisville Cardinals: Also part of the Atlantic Coast Conference, Louisville boasts a storied basketball history with multiple national championships and a reputation for competitive play.
Recent Matchups
Prior to this game, the teams had faced each other four times, with Louisville winning all previous encounters. The most recent matchup was on March 13, 2025, when Louisville edged out Stanford with a 75-73 victory in the ACC Tournament quarterfinals.
Fan Engagement
Fans can look forward to more exciting matchups as the season progresses. For the latest updates and game schedules, visit the official Stanford Athletics website.
Conclusion
Stanford’s victory over No. 16 Louisville is a significant milestone for the program, showcasing the team’s resilience and skill. With promising performances from key players and a strong defensive showing, the Cardinal are poised for continued success in the ACC this season.
FAQ
Who led Stanford in scoring against Louisville?
Freshman Ebuka Okorie led Stanford with 28 points, including two three-pointers and eight free throws.
What was the final score of the game?
The final score was Stanford 80, Louisville 76.
When is Stanford’s next game?
Stanford’s next game is against Virginia Tech on January 7, 2026, at 4 p.m. ET.
How many times have Stanford and Louisville played each other?
Prior to this game, Stanford and Louisville had faced each other four times, with Louisville winning all previous encounters.
What is Stanford’s record after this win?
After this win, Stanford’s record is 12-3 on the season and 1-1 in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Game Date | January 2, 2026 |
| Location | Maples Pavilion, Stanford, California |
| Final Score | Stanford 80, Louisville 76 |
| Stanford’s Record After Game | 12-3 overall, 1-1 in ACC |
| Top Scorer for Stanford | Ebuka Okorie with 28 points |
| Next Game for Stanford | January 7, 2026, against Virginia Tech at 4 p.m. ET |
Now Happening on X
- @WDRBNews (January 1, 2026, 4:21 AM) LMPD is investigating a shooting outside a fast food restaurant in downtown Louisville near NuLu. View on X
- @WLKY (December 29, 2025, 7:10 PM) Louisville experienced a deadly weekend with anti-violence groups pushing for prevention efforts amid rising concerns. View on X
- @Aleric45 (December 27, 2025, 7:24 PM) A user criticizes Mayor Greenberg’s claims that crime is down in Louisville, highlighting ongoing public safety debates. View on X
- @WDRBNews (December 29, 2025, 5:00 PM) A Louisville man was arrested after allegedly shooting a woman during an argument over a snack, raising local violence concerns. View on X
- @WLKY (December 30, 2025, 12:10 AM) Over 100 Louisville public housing residents are displaced by a fire and power outage, facing uncertain futures in community recovery efforts. View on X
- @courierjournal (December 28, 2025, 5:27 PM) Severe weather including gusty winds and rain showers is possible in Louisville, impacting local travel and safety. View on X
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
University of Louisville Reveals 2026 Football Schedule
College Basketball Heats Up: Thrilling Matchups Ahead
Louisville’s Economic Landscape: Impact of ACC Sports Scene
