In a thrilling display of freshman prowess, Ebuka Okorie propelled Stanford to an electrifying 80-76 victory over 16th-ranked Louisville, proving that youth and determination can triumph against seasoned opponents.

Okorie was nothing short of spectacular, scoring 28 points on an impressive 9-of-18 shooting and converting 8 of 10 free throws during his 38-minute performance. His remarkable effort helped Stanford secure its first win against a ranked opponent since beating then-No. 4 Arizona on December 31st, 2023.

The game was a testament to Stanford's resilience, marking their first victory in five meetings with Louisville, their Atlantic Coast Conference rival. Teammates Chisom Okpara and Ryan Agarwal provided crucial support, with Okpara scoring 13 of his 17 points in the second half and Agarwal contributing 12 points.

Louisville's Ryan Conwell, typically averaging 27.8 points per game, struggled mightily throughout the contest. He missed his first nine shots, including eight three-pointers, and didn't make his first basket until late in the first half. Despite Isaac McKneely's 17 points and Sananda Fru's 15, the Cardinals couldn't overcome Stanford's determined performance.

The game's pivotal moment came when Benny Gealer made a critical pair of free throws with just 8.2 seconds remaining, effectively sealing Louisville's fate. Earlier, Khani Rooths had tied the game at 65-all with a three-pointer, but Agarwal quickly responded with his own three-pointer, giving Stanford the momentum they needed.

This victory represents more than just a win for Stanford—it's a statement of their potential and a showcase of emerging talent like Okorie. With their record improving to 12-3 overall and 1-1 in conference play, the Cardinal have demonstrated they are a team to watch this season.

Next up, Stanford will travel to Virginia Tech on Wednesday, looking to continue their winning streak, while Louisville will host No. 6 Duke on Tuesday in what promises to be another thrilling matchup.