Stanford is set to host Miami on Wednesday night, riding high after a monumental 72-71 victory at North Carolina last weekend. The game represents a tale of two programs moving in opposite directions within the fiercely competitive Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). The Cardinal (12-6, 4-3 ACC) have been formidable at home this season, boasting a 9-1 record. Their recent victory at North Carolina not only stunned the basketball world but also highlighted their growing potential in their first year in the ACC. Head coach Kyle Smith underscored the challenge of proving themselves in their new conference. “In the ACC, you’re not going to get any breaks. You have to earn your respect,” Smith said. Key to Stanford’s success is center

Florida State University’s men’s basketball team is gearing up for a critical two-game road trip to California, beginning with their first-ever visit to Berkeley to face the University of California, Berkeley (Cal) on Wednesday night. The Seminoles are determined to continue their ascent in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) standings, even as they face the challenge of playing on the road. The last—and only—time these two teams met was in the 2008 Global Sports Classic in Las Vegas. Florida State narrowly edged out Cal in that matchup, winning 80-77. However, this time, the stakes are higher as both teams aim to solidify their positions in their respective conferences. Florida State (13-5, 4-3 ACC) enters the game in strong form, having

Former Portland Trail Blazers teammates Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum will meet again on opposite sides when the Milwaukee Bucks visit the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night. Both teams are playing some of their best basketball of the season, setting up a high-stakes showdown between two surging squads. The Bucks (32-14) head into a six-game road trip riding a four-game winning streak after sweeping a homestand. Milwaukee has won seven of its last eight games, finally looking like the title contender many expected. Giannis emphasized the importance of continued improvement despite the Bucks’ strong stretch. “We’re playing great team ball, we’re competing defensively, we’re playing at a good pace,” Antetokounmpo said. “We’ve been playing good. But it’s not enough.”

The Houston Rockets will look to bounce back from a disappointing loss when they host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night. Despite their recent strong form, Houston struggled against Detroit’s aggressive defense on Monday, while Cleveland dominated Phoenix even without key players. Jalen Green was named Western Conference Player of the Week on Monday, but the Detroit Pistons made sure to slow him down later that night. This performance came after an incredible scoring stretch, where Green: Rockets head coach Ime Udoka acknowledged that opponents will now scheme to slow Green down. Despite the loss, Houston has won six of their last eight games and will look to regain their offensive rhythm against Cleveland. The Cavaliers (30-16) are proving their