Stanford University will host Rice on Monday, Nov. 9, 2026, at 7 p.m. at Maples Pavilion as the Stanford Cardinal men’s basketball team aims to extend its undefeated start to 3-0. The game will air on ACC Network Extra with radio coverage via YouTube, Sirius XM, and GoStanford.com.
The Cardinal enter the contest with a 2-0 record, led by Nick Townsend, who is averaging 18.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 3.0 steals per game. Townsend delivered an impressive 25-point, eight-rebound, four-assist, and four-steal performance in Stanford’s recent 81-63 win over Oakland.
Under third-year head coach Kyle Smith, the 2024 Pac-12 Coach of the Year, Stanford continues to build a competitive program bolstered by its highest-rated recruiting class since 2023. This recruitment class, ranked among the top 25 nationally, features key freshmen Julius Price, Aziz Olajuwon, and Isaiah Rogers, all of whom have started games and scored in double figures.
Stanford reached the postseason last year with an appearance in the College Basketball Crown, marking back-to-back postseason showings for the first time since 2015. The program also maintained its streak of NBA draftees with Ebuka Okorie selected 17th overall by the Detroit Pistons, giving Stanford three consecutive players drafted to the NBA.
CSB Take
Stanford Cardinal men’s basketball is progressing well under coach Kyle Smith’s leadership, demonstrating balanced offensive contributions and strong defensive efforts early in the season. The emergence of standout player Nick Townsend along with impactful freshmen provides Stanford with a promising outlook. Hosting Rice at Maples Pavilion offers a valuable chance to continue their early success and build momentum toward a productive season and postseason contention.
Source: Original report
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