Nick Townsend elevated his scoring output significantly in Stanford’s 91-73 victory over Rice on Monday night, delivering a career-high 31 points to secure the Cardinal’s third straight win. The sophomore guard established an early advantage by scoring 19 of his total points before halftime, helping Stanford build a commanding 45-29 lead at the break. Townsend’s efficiency was notable, as he converted all 11 of his free-throw attempts while contributing to a team effort that saw Stanford shoot 32 of 62 from the field.
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Supporting Townsend’s offensive surge, Stanford’s bench provided crucial depth with Christian Bliss and Austin Maurer each adding 12 points, while Julius Price contributed 10. The Cardinal maintained control throughout the second half, extending their lead to 30 points with 8:46 remaining in the fourth quarter following a layup by Evan Stinson. Despite a modest 3-point shooting percentage of 7-for-19, Stanford’s ability to finish at the rim and dominate the free-throw line, where they went 20-for-21, proved decisive against Rice’s defensive efforts.
Rice (1-2) struggled to contain Stanford’s pace, shooting just 25 of 61 from the field and missing 17 of their 23 three-point attempts. Jaxson Thompson led the Owls with 14 points, while reserve Dallas Hobbs added 12, but the team’s inability to generate consistent perimeter offense allowed Stanford to dictate the game’s tempo. With this win, Stanford improves to 3-0, showcasing a balanced attack and disciplined execution that positions them strongly for the upcoming schedule.
Source: Yahoo Sports
