Maxime Raynaud leads Stanford to victory over CSU Northridge

In a decisive matchup on March 18, 2025, Stanford University hosted CSU Northridge in the National Invitational Tournament (NIT). The game took place in Stanford, California, where the Cardinal showcased their basketball prowess by overcoming the Matadors with an impressive final score of 87-70. Maxime Raynaud emerged as the standout player for Stanford, contributing significantly to the score with 22 points, complemented by 11 rebounds and five blocks. This performance not only solidified his reputation but also propelled Stanford forward in the tournament. The Cardinal’s offensive strategy appeared well-prepared, leading them to a substantial 46-29 lead by halftime, thanks in large part to Raynaud’s scoring abilities. Oziyah Sellers and Benny Gealer also played crucial roles in the victory, with Sellers netting 20 points and Gealer adding 13. The team demonstrated excellent coordination and subtle plays that rendered the defense of CSU Northridge ineffective, especially during the first half. In contrast, CSU Northridge fought hard, with Keonte Jones and Scotty Washington scoring 18 and 17 points, respectively. However, their efforts fell short as they could not match Stanford's intensity on both ends of the court. To their credit, the Matadors had a strong season record of 22-11 but were unable to capitalize on their strengths against Stanford’s tactical execution. As the tournament progresses, the focus will now shift to Stanford’s next opponent, Kent State, who awaits them in the second round. Overall, this victory not only boosts Stanford's momentum going into the tournament but also highlights the individual brilliance of players like Maxime Raynaud, whose contributions were critical in navigating their way to the second round of the NIT. Such performances could be pivotal for Stanford as they aim for a deeper tournament run, renewing fans' hopes for potential glory in collegiate basketball.