In an intense ACC showdown, the Stanford Cardinal secured a significant 70-59 victory over the Virginia Tech Hokies on Wednesday night. The game featured two former Duke Blue Devils, Jaylen Blakes and Jaden Schutt, showcasing contrasting performances. Blakes, now a starting guard for Stanford, delivered a standout performance with his offensive prowess and defensive tenacity. Meanwhile, Schutt struggled, failing to score for the first time as a Hokie. This match highlighted the varying trajectories of players who left Duke's program following last season.
The evening was particularly notable for Blakes, whose contributions were instrumental in Stanford's success. Despite facing challenges from Virginia Tech's defense, Blakes managed to accumulate 17 points, six assists, and one steal in 31 minutes of play. His ability to draw fouls and convert free throws proved crucial, as he made 10 out of 12 attempts at the line. Blakes' overall season statistics reflect his growth, averaging 14.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 2 steals per game. His shooting efficiency has also improved, hitting 45.3% from the field and 79% from the free-throw line.
Schutt, on the other hand, faced a tough night against Stanford. Having redshirted last year due to a knee injury, Schutt returned this season but found himself struggling in key moments. Against the Cardinal, he missed both of his field goal attempts and finished without scoring. Schutt contributed four rebounds and one assist in 34 minutes, yet his season average dipped to 8.2 points per game. This setback comes after another disappointing performance earlier in the season when Schutt scored only three points in Virginia Tech's loss to Duke.
The contest also shed light on the broader impact of transfers from Duke's basketball program. Seven players departed in the spring, with Blakes and Schutt among those who chose to remain within the ACC. While Blakes has thrived at Stanford, Schutt's transition has been more challenging. Both players will likely face their former teammates again when Stanford visits Duke on February 15th. Until then, fans can anticipate how these former Blue Devils continue to evolve in their new environments.
Stanford's win underscores the team's resilience and adaptability, especially given their recent struggles. The Cardinal have now demonstrated their capability to overcome adversity, with Blakes leading the charge. As the season progresses, it will be intriguing to see how both teams—and their transferred players—continue to develop. The upcoming matchups against Clemson and Virginia promise to offer further insights into the dynamics within the ACC.