Okorie and Dent-Smith Power Stanford Past Notre Dame for Third Straight Win

College Sports · By Sarah Mitchell · March 5, 2026
Okorie and Dent-Smith Power Stanford Past Notre Dame for Third Straight Win
Stanford continued its late-season surge on Wednesday night, defeating Notre Dame 86-78 behind a dominant scoring performance from Ebuka Okorie and Jeremy Dent-Smith. The win marks the Cardinal's third consecutive victory, adding momentum as the regular season winds down. Okorie led all scorers with 24 points, delivering consistent offense that kept the Cardinal ahead during key stretches. Dent-Smith contributed 21 points, providing a potent one-two punch that Notre Dame struggled to contain. Together, the pair accounted for over half of Stanford's points, illustrating their critical roles in the team's recent success. Stanford's offense set the tone early, establishing a lead in the first half and maintaining control despite several surges from Notre Dame. The Cardinal's ability to answer runs and execute in halfcourt sets proved pivotal, especially as the Fighting Irish attempted to mount a comeback in the closing minutes.
  • Ebuka Okorie scored a game-high 24 points
  • Jeremy Dent-Smith contributed 21 points
  • Stanford secured its third straight win
  • Final score: 86-78 in favor of Stanford
With the win, Stanford continues to climb in conference standings, building a case for postseason consideration. The Cardinal's offense, now firing on all cylinders, has averaged over 80 points per game during the current three-game winning streak. Notre Dame, meanwhile, struggled to keep pace, especially on the defensive end. The Fighting Irish were unable to contain Okorie's drives and Dent-Smith's perimeter shooting, which ultimately made the difference in the outcome. Stanford's balanced attack and improved defensive intensity have been hallmarks of their recent success. As the team prepares for its next matchup, the performances of Okorie and Dent-Smith remain central to the Cardinal's aspirations for a strong finish to the season.

Sources

  1. [1]ESPN College Sports