300th Career Win For Kyle Smith Highlights Season Opener

STANFORD, Calif. - Julius Price scored 11 of his team-high 17 points in the second half as Stanford pulled away for a 74-65 victory over Eastern Washington in its season opener on Monday night at Maples Pavilion.

Stanford (1-0) received double-figure scoring from five players, closing the game on a 10-0 run to help secure career win No. 300 for head coach Kyle Smith.

Trailing 65-64 with 2:45 remaining, Stanford moved in front for good following a layup from Nick Townsend, who added 12 points on 5-6 shooting to go along with six rebounds and five assists in a team-best 36 minutes.

One of three freshmen to play substantial minutes, Price was an efficient 7-12 from the field, pacing the Cardinal’s offensive attack at 54.9 percent from the floor. Two other newcomers produced strong debuts, as Aziz Olajuwon contributed 12 points, four rebounds and six steals while Isaiah Rogers added 10 points, four boards and four assists. Olajuwon is just the fifth Stanford player since 2005 with six steals in a game, and second in the past decade, joining Benny Gealer (2026), Chasson Randle (2014), Fred Washington (2005) and Chris Hernandez (2005). 

Recording its 17th straight win in a season opener, Stanford overcame a 13-point deficit in the first half after Eastern Washington (0-1) moved in front 28-15 with 6:08 before halftime.

The Cardinal then clamped down defensively, closing the period on a 19-2 surge that included a go-ahead layup from Townsend at the 1:41 mark and a triple from Olajuwon with one second on the clock.

Stanford led for the entire second half until Eastern Washington moved in front 65-64 with 2:45 before intermission.

The Cardinal was outrebounded 32-26 but was opportunistic on defense, totaling 25 points off 13 turnovers from the Eagles. Senior Aidan Cammann added 13 points with four rebounds, helping Stanford to a 44-22 advantage in the paint.

Stanford returns to Maples Pavilion on Friday, Nov. 6, hosting Oakland at 7 p.m., continuing a three-game homestand that wraps up on Monday, Nov. 9, against Rice.