Stanford Basketball: 2019-20 keys for Cardinal in matchup against Kansas

Stanford Basketball: 2019-20 keys for Cardinal in matchup against Kansas Jayhawks

CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 12: KZ Okpala #0 of the Stanford Cardinal dunks against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the first half of their game at the Dean Smith Center on November 12, 2018 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

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MEMPHIS, TN – MARCH 27: Stanford Cardinal fans (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

2. Maples needs to be rocking

Unfortunately for the Cardinal, the students will be on break when Kansas comes to The Farm. This matchup will be the biggest men’s game that Maples Pavilion has seen since North Carolina visited in November 2017. The Cardinal faithful need to fill the seats and rock the house.

Adding to the home-court advantage for the Cardinal is the fact that Kansas is 0-1 in true road games this season. That loss came in their last ballgame, a 56-55 loss at #10 Villanova on Dec. 21.

A raucous crowd will be needed if Stanford can rattle Kansas into the turnovers needed for fastbreak points. In addition, Kansas ranks #247 with a 67.3 free throw percentage. Should the game come down to clutch free throws in the final minute, Maples can do nothing but help with a fired-up crowd.

Stanford, on the other hand, is 8-0 at home this season and has a KenPom home court advantage ranked #27. However, their best win at home came to #102 San Francisco by the score of 64-56 on Dec. 17. The Dons do not quite carry the pedigree of the Kansas Jayhawks.

Kansas, coming off the loss to Villanova, will be focused and ready to show they are worthy of a number one ranking. Stanford students need to show up in droves for this one if the Cardinal stands a chance.

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