Stanford once again settled into very hostile confines
Saturday afternoon, looking for its third victory. 20,000
Boiler-backers surrounded them, and as expected Purdue brought
its physical and very aggressive game. But Stanford was able to
win another close game, 78-62, pulling away in the end to improve
their record to 3-0.
This couldn’t have been won without some superb efforts.
Casey once again was able to make things happen and put up 26
points as well as a career high 12 rebounds. Josh Childress
looked extremely smooth and scored 21 points on a very efficient
9-14 shooting. But the real story of the night was Curtis
Borchardt. He dominated the glass, never letting Purdue get
second chances, and ended up with a career-high 20 rebounds to go
with his 13 points. He also was able to get all of the Purdue
postmen in foul trouble, most importantly John Allison. Allison
was limited to 18 minutes and only scored 4 points. Borchardt
easily played his best game at Stanford, and to top it off he had
6 blocks! This runs his career totals to 75 blocks in 40 games in
a Stanford uniform... which is Mutombo-esque.
Purdue was led by Rodney Smith, who was able to score 15
points and pull down six rebounds. Will Deane provided some much
needed energy for Purdue off the bench, slashing to the hoop and
getting to the line 10 times en route to 13 points. Purdue really
had no great individual efforts, as Stanford’s defense was
playing at a very high level (33% from the field and 29% from
3-point range). It seems as if the team is starting to play
defense again this year, after opponents were consistently
shooting in the 40% range last season. Maynard Lewis,
Purdue’s top player and leading scorer, was held to 10
points and was very ineffective. Credit Jacobsen’s defense,
which is vastly improved.
Many things looked very good last night once again. Childress
is the real deal, people, and outside of Memphis' DaJuan Wagner I
can’t find a better freshman. Childress is making upperclass
moves and is playing great defense. He thus far has had to play
against very athletic wings and has shut down all of them with
his very long wingspan and quick feet. There isn’t enough I
can say about him, as he led the team into the 20,000 strong at
Canseco Fieldhouse by scoring some quick points and setting the
tempo.
Another thing is that this was another tough road win, which
can only mean good things for the future. That meeting at McKale
and the Pit aren’t going to seem so bad after having
encountered 20K Purdue and 20K Lobo supporters. After feeling
very worried about this team to start the season, I'm at ease.
The PG situation still isn’t ironed out, but it looks like
Julius and Tony will be able to do the job.
Curtis Borchardt was amazing yesterday. He was everywhere,
grabbing all the boards and not giving Purdue’s smaller post
players even a chance at rebounds. He and Casey are the reason
why Stanford won the rebounding battle 57-37 yesterday and really
controlled the game. I really see what we have missed in the last
two tournaments, and one can only think what could have been if
Curtis was available off the bench against Maryland.
Overall there is a lot you can get excited for. I was able to
catch the football comeback against the Irish, and the basketball
team is going to be right in the thick of the Pac-10. Two early
road tests are going to really benefit this team but the tests do
not get easier as they make another Midwest trip to the United
Center to play Texas. Unfortunately it looks like the Bulls would
be the easier matchup.
Questions or comments?
email Stanfordfinal4@hotmail.com