In a thrilling Atlantic Coast Conference showdown on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, the Stanford Cardinal men’s basketball team secured a vital 75-67 victory over the Pittsburgh Panthers at Maples Pavilion. The win comes at a critical juncture for second-year head coach Kyle Smith, as the Cardinal looked to rebound from a difficult stretch in conference play.
Ebuka Okorie Dominates with Sixth 30-Point Game
The story of the night was sophomore standout Ebuka Okorie, who poured in 34 points to lead the Cardinal rally. This performance marked Okorie’s sixth 30-point game of the 2025-26 season, further cementing his status as one of the premier scorers in the ACC. Stanford trailed in the first half but utilized a high-octane second-half surge to overtake the Panthers, who were led by freshman Roman Siulepa’s 22 points.
The victory was essential for Stanford (17-11, 6-9 ACC), as it snapped a two-game losing streak that included a disappointing 72-66 loss to rival California last Saturday. That defeat marked the first time since the 2009-10 season that the Golden Bears completed a regular-season sweep of the Cardinal.
Season Outlook and ACC Standings
Under the leadership of Kyle Smith, who took over the program following the dismissal of Jerod Haase in 2024, Stanford is navigating its second season as a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference. The team currently holds a middle-of-the-pack position in the standings, battling for seeding ahead of the ACC Tournament in March.
Statistically, the Cardinal have remained competitive throughout the winter, averaging 75.1 points per game. However, defensive consistency has been a focal point for Coach Smith’s staff, which includes Associate Head Coach Eric Reveno. The win over Pittsburgh improves Stanford’s home record and provides much-needed momentum as the regular season enters its final week.
Women’s Basketball: Cardinal Prepare for SMU
The Stanford women’s basketball program also continues its strong tradition in the post-Tara VanDerveer era. Following a successful road trip that included a 77-61 victory over Florida State on February 22, the Cardinal women (17-12, 6-10 ACC) are set to host SMU at Maples Pavilion on Thursday, February 26.
The women’s team has shown resilience in a highly competitive ACC landscape, recently led by balanced scoring and a defensive identity that has kept them in contention for a favorable NCAA Tournament berth. Fans are keeping a close eye on the “West Coast Swing” as ACC opponents adjust to the long travel to Northern California.
What’s Next for the Cardinal?
The men’s team will look to build on Okorie’s momentum as they prepare for their final road games of the regular season. With the ACC Tournament looming, the Cardinal are focused on improving their defensive efficiency (currently allowing 72.5 points per game) to ensure a deep run in the postseason.
For Stanford fans, the remainder of February 2026 promises high-stakes basketball at Maples Pavilion as both the men’s and women’s programs fight for national relevance in their new conference home.