Kansas vs Stanford: 2019-20 college basketball game preview, TV schedule
Kansas looks to avoid two straight losses when they travel out west to face Stanford. But can the Cardinal pull off the upset for a massive win?
TV schedule: Sunday, December 29, 3:00 pm ET. ABC
Arena: Maples Pavilion in Stanford, California
The curse of the No. 1 ranking continued last week, with the Kansas Jayhawks falling by a single point on the road at Villanova. It was a back and forth affair that could’ve gone either way but it was the Wildcats who won 56-55. Devon Dotson led the team with 15 points, while big man Udoka Azubike had a double-double (12 points, 11 rebounds) on the night. The offense overall struggled, going 3/13 from three-point range and 4/10 from the free throw line.
It ends a nine-game winning streak for Kansas (9-2), who now faces a team flying under the radar in Stanford (11-1). The only loss for the Cardinal is a one-point defeat to the 12th-ranked Butler Bulldogs. They had to fight it out last week against San Diego but came out with a 62-59 win. Tyrell Terry and Oscar Da Silva, the two leading scorers on the season for Stanford, combined for 49 out of the 62 points in the win.
But it’s the defense that has carried the Cardinal so far, ranked 11th nationally in points allowed at 57.7 ppg. This is a balanced team that has good size and quick guards that can give the Jayhawks fits. Kansas hopes to return the favor defensively if they’re able to have Marcus Garrett out there. The sophomore guard/wing missed the second-half of the Villanova game with an ankle injury, which impacted the team on both ends. He’ll be needed to go up against Stanford’s Daejon Davis and Bryce Davis. As a team, the Cardinal shoots right around 40% from three-point range so perimeter defense is of the utmost importance for Coach Bill Self.
Next. Latest Bracketology. dark
Despite the great early record, Stanford doesn’t have that huge resume-building win yet. Having Kansas at home on a Sunday afternoon is the best opportunity this team can ask for. The question will be whether or not the Jayhawks will be able to match the intensity of all 40 minutes. If they can’t and the Cardinal gets some momentum, Kansas will be heading into Big 12 play with negative momentum.