Okorie, Dent-Smith lead Stanford over Notre Dame 86-78

March 5, 2026 - 07:16

SOUTH BEND, Ind. – A potent backcourt duo propelled Stanford to a hard-fought 86-78 win against Notre Dame on Wednesday night. The Cardinal secured their third consecutive victory behind standout performances from Ebuka Okorie and Jeremy Dent-Smith.

Okorie led all scorers with a dominant 24-point effort, while Dent-Smith provided crucial offensive support, chipping in 21 points. Their combined firepower proved essential in a contest where Stanford consistently held off spirited challenges from the Fighting Irish on their home floor.

The game remained tightly contested throughout, with Notre Dame refusing to fade quietly. However, Stanford’s execution in key moments, particularly from their leading scorers, created just enough separation to maintain control down the stretch. The Cardinal defense delivered critical stops in the final minutes to stifle any potential comeback attempt.

This road victory strengthens Stanford's momentum as they progress through their schedule. The team showcased resilience and the ability to close out a competitive matchup in a challenging environment, attributes that will serve them well in upcoming conference play.