Most DU fans did not expect the Pioneers (0-1, 0-0 Summit League) to beat Stanford on the road to open the 2024-25 campaign. Denver’s best chance to compete in this game (and this season, for that matter) depended on limiting turnovers, relying on veterans, and playing solid defense. Denver had trouble in all three categories Monday afternoon against Stanford. Denver had 20 turnovers, only generated 28 points from their 5-player returning core, and surrendered 80+ points. Emerging freshman guard, Sebastian Akins, led Denver in scoring (15) but his performance cast a shadow on Denver’s more experienced players.
It’s the first game of the season against a power-conference opponent on the road so it would be wise to not overreact. This team, ideally, will find their identity during non-conference play and pick up steam in conference play. However, it’s key to keep an eye on these issues and see how DU adjusts as the season progresses.
Denver and Stanford were knotted 14-14 eleven minutes into the first half. However, Stanford outscored DU 24-11 over the final nine minutes, triggered by a spate of turnovers, and at the break, Denver trailed 38-22.
The second half was more of the same. The Cardinal racked up 47 points and coasted to the 85-62 win.
It should be noted that DU’s 7’0″ footer freshman, Adbulai Fanta Kabba was not listed as active for the game. Consequently, DU was outsized and out-muscled by the Cardinal’s big men. Stanford hauled down 36 rebounds and forced 6 blocks. DU’s bigs – Polish freshman Tymo Sternicki (6 points-6 rebounds), and vets Pedro Lopez Sanvicente (10-2) and Isiah Carr (2-4) struggled against the Cardinal front line.
Sophomore guard DeAndre Craig scored 12 points but lost the ball 7 times and generated only 4 assists, struggling to get the offense into a consistent rhythm. Grad Student Isaiah Addo-Ankrah struggled as well with 3 points and 5 turnovers. DU junior guard Josh Lee was not shown on the game-day roster, and his defensive skills would have helped on the perimeter against the Cardinal’s leading scorer Oziyah Sellers who scored 24 points.
Denver returns home to face Western Colorado on Friday at 1:00 pm at Hamilton Gym.
Dunker watched the game and you pretty much nailed it. Assuming Stanford will be pretty good, the Polish kid and Pedro should have better numbers against lesser competition. Carr better play like a 7 footer. Ankara better get loose for more shots. Careless perimeter passing killed us in the 1st half. DeAndre doesn’t need to think it’s all on him. New players showed potential. Atkins looked polished, especially as a rookie. I could see that the Polish kid is a player. We have enough talent to have a winning season. Nobody on the rest of our schedule should clobber us. We will see!!
I was actually there. Up close and personal. To be honest, the team looked good. The defensive pressure got to us in the middle of each half. But the first 12 minutes of the game was very promising. Stanford then upped the pressure at the point, and we struggled. Same story in the 2nd half. We hung in there. Kept the game respectable for 12-14 minutes. And then Stanford cruised in the last 6 minutes. It was obviously a first real college game for several of our players. Stanford was big and very physical, especially in their perimeter defense. Stanford’s big man is an NBA prospect for sure. Carr battled him as well as could be expected until he just wore out. Atkins was good. He can really play. Craig was fine despite the turnovers. He will need to learn to play without Bruner this year, and it will take him some time. But she held up well from a physical standpoint against some strong, veteran Stanford guards. Shogbonyo was a JUCO guard playing in this first real college game. But again, he fit in. He will be okay as he learns what basketball at this level is about. Sternicki is a player. He showed flashes of brilliance and understanding that is rare in a young player, especially inn his first game. Pedro and Isaiah need to be better. But they are both proven players in the Summit, so Ii will bet no them coming thru. And finally Mani has a chance to be a star. He looked very comfortable once he got over his jitters. He understands the game (like Sternicki) and does things others can’t do. His one basket was a thing of beauty. It was really a good outing for a first game. Closer than the score indicated. Lots to like. I see real possibilities this year.
Great to have a first-hand account! Feel free to share your thoughts anytime!