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Stanford Takes Aim at Andrej Stojakovic, Cal
Stanford and California are set to renew their storied rivalry on Saturday afternoon in Berkeley, Calif., for the first time as Atlantic Coast Conference opponents. Both teams are eager to showcase their strong non-conference records and prove their mettle in this new chapter of competition.
Stanford’s Season So Far
Stanford (7-2) has built a solid record but has faced challenges recently, including an upset loss at home to Cal Poly last Saturday. The Cardinal have benefited from playing seven of their nine games at home and have yet to leave California this season.
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The team is led by center Maxime Raynaud, who has been dominant with averages of 22.3 points and 12.2 rebounds per game. The preseason All-ACC selection has notched double-doubles in eight of nine games and had two 20-point outings against Cal last season.
Despite returning just one of its top seven scorers from last season, Stanford has added talent like Duke transfer Jaylen Blakes, who brings both experience and a fresh perspective to the rivalry.
Cal’s Strong Start
California (6-2) has faced tougher competition, including games against SEC opponents. While the Golden Bears fell short in their SEC/ACC Challenge matchup, losing 98-93 at Missouri, they’ve proven their ability to compete on the road.
Cal’s standout player is Andrej Stojakovic, a former Stanford recruit who transferred after his freshman year. Stojakovic has thrived with the Golden Bears, leading the team in scoring at 18.8 points per game. His increased role and confidence under the Cal coaching staff have paid dividends.
“I thought that when I played a large amount of minutes (last season), I performed to what I was expected to do,” Stojakovic said. “But just going into Cal and having a more consistent role and having the confidence instilled from the staff has been huge so far.”
The Rivalry
Stanford won last year’s season series 2-1, with the decisive game being an overtime thriller in the Pac-12 Conference tournament. Both teams finished last season with comparable records, showcasing just how tight the competition has been.
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With Stojakovic now donning Cal colors, Saturday’s game brings an added layer of intrigue. The forward will face his former team for the first time, setting up a compelling storyline in what is already a heated rivalry.
Key Players to Watch
- Maxime Raynaud (Stanford): The center’s consistent double-double performances will be critical for the Cardinal, especially in the paint.
- Andrej Stojakovic (Cal): Stojakovic’s scoring and playmaking ability have been key for the Golden Bears, and his matchup against his former team will be a focal point.
What’s at Stake
Both teams are eager to start their ACC campaigns strong and validate their early-season records. For Stanford, bouncing back from a recent upset is crucial, while Cal looks to assert itself against its longtime rival.
Tip-off is set for Saturday afternoon in Berkeley, where the Golden Bears hope home-court advantage and Stojakovic’s star power will propel them to a statement win.
