Before the Texas Longhorns go on a short holiday break, they must face the last power 5 conference opponent in the non-conference schedule, the Stanford Cardinal.
Stanford Cardinal Basics:
Conference: Pac-12
Record: 6-3
Location: Palo Alto, CA.
Overview:
After shocking the Kansas Jayhawks in the second round of the NCAA tournament, the Stanford Cardinal looked to build off that momentum in the 2014-15 season. They have yet to capitalize on that momentum this season. The best win this season is against the UNLV Rebels but the Cardinal also suffered losses to Duke, Depaul, and BYU. All of those games have been away from home which gives an advantage to the Longhorns.
Player(s) to watch.
Chasson Randle, Stefan Nastic, and Anthony Brown.
While the Cardinal play 9 players consistently, the bulk of the minutes are taken up by these 3 players. Each play 30 minutes or more a game and all 3 average double digit points per game. All 3 are very good free throw shooters as well, with Chasson Randle shooting 94% from the line. These 3 players are the key for any team to stop.
Prediction
The Longhorns are looking to finish the non-conference schedule with the only loss being against the top ranked Kentucky Wildcats. With the Kansas Jayhawks losing big last night, it’s imperative that the Longhorns finish strong in the non-conference schedule so that the Big 12 can still hang their heads high. The Big 12 has 7 teams ranked in the Top 25 but Texas is the highest ranked team. Getting a big win over the Pac-12 will help boost the perception of the Big 12 and give them a better seed than a loss would. I predict another struggle out of the gate but the Longhorns win a close game.
Texas wins 71-66.
