Men’s basketball preserves winning streak after Oziyah Sellers’ career high

In a rousing ACC matchup at Maples Pavilion, Stanford emerged victorious against Florida State Saturday with a 78-71 win. Junior guard Oziyah Sellers led the Cardinal with a career-high 27 points, shooting an impressive 63% from the field, including 4-of-6 from beyond the arc. Senior forward Maxime Raynaud anchored Stanford’s defense and rebounding effort, grabbing a game-high 13 rebounds while chipping in eight points.

The two teams entered the game ranked mid-pack in the ACC standings, with Stanford improving to 6-3 in conference play and Florida State falling to 4-5. Both teams were seeking to solidify their standing as the season nears its midpoint.

Stanford started strong, dominating in the paint with a series of dunks and layups. While Florida State struggled offensively, shooting just 32% from the field in the first half, Stanford capitalized on turnovers and showcased its perimeter shooting. Sellers and junior guard Benny Gealer hit timely 3-pointers to extend the lead midway through the first half. With five minutes left, Gealer ignited the crowd with a 3-pointer to widen a slim two-point lead, followed by another from Sellers to push his first-half total to 13 points. Stanford carried an eight-point advantage into halftime, leading 33-25.

Florida State opened the second half aggressively but was hindered by foul trouble, with two technical fouls adding to the self-inflicted wounds. This allowed Sellers and graduate guard Jaylen Blakes to convert four consecutive free throws, extending Stanford’s lead to 49-36 just four minutes into the half. The Cardinal remained efficient, shooting 56% from the field and 50% from 3-point range in the second half. Blakes contributed 13 points and knocked down all six of his free throw attempts.

The Seminoles attempted to mount a comeback behind guard Jamir Watkins, who led Florida State with 20 points and eight rebounds. Malique Ewin added 16 points, including 10 from the free-throw line, but Florida State’s inability to defend the perimeter and limit turnovers proved costly. Stanford scored 13 points off turnovers and outshot Florida State 45.8% to 30% from beyond the arc.

Stanford’s defensive efforts were critical in the game’s closing minutes. Raynaud and the Cardinal frontcourt stifled Florida State’s attempts to cut the lead further, with Raynaud’s back-to-back dunks in the final four minutes sealing the win. Sellers added a highlight-worthy fastbreak dunk with just over a minute remaining, capping off his career night. The victory marked Stanford’s third consecutive win, improving its overall record to 14-6.

Next, Stanford looks to continue its momentum against Syracuse (9-11, 3-6 ACC) at home on Wednesday night. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m.

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