Stanford’s Okorie and Gealer score 43, withstand late Boston College push in 70-64 win
Stanford controls key stretches at Conte Forum as Boston College’s skid reaches five games
Stanford rode a 43-point combined night from freshman guard Ebuka Okorie and sharpshooting wing Benny Gealer to beat Boston College 70-64 on Wednesday night in Chestnut Hill, a result shaped by decisive scoring runs on both sides and a late-game response from the visitors.
Okorie finished with 22 points and five assists, shooting 8-for-14 from the field with two 3-pointers and going 4-for-5 at the line. Gealer added 21 points and did most of his damage from deep, hitting six 3-pointers on 13 attempts. Jeremy Dent-Smith provided a third scoring pillar for Stanford with 11 points, including two late free throws that helped close the game.
How the game turned
Boston College and Stanford went to intermission tied 34-34 after a first half that swung sharply in both directions. Stanford built separation early, then Boston College closed the gap before the break, setting up a second half in which the Cardinal’s perimeter shooting and a prolonged Eagles scoring drought proved costly.
After Boston College briefly moved in front early in the second half, Stanford answered with a surge that included two Gealer 3-pointers—one to start the run and another to end it—helping the Cardinal create a two-possession cushion they repeatedly protected through the final minutes.
Boston College’s late rally falls short
Boston College tightened the margin in the closing minutes. A 6-0 push that included four points from Jayden Hastings cut the deficit to 65-62 with 1:53 remaining. Stanford responded immediately: Gealer knocked down a 3-pointer to restore breathing room, and Dent-Smith’s free throws with 22 seconds left sealed the outcome.
By the numbers and key contributors
Boston College was led by Boden Kapke (15 points, three 3-pointers) and received 14 points from Fred Payne, 13 from Luka Toews, and 11 from Hastings.
Stanford’s efficiency edge came largely from 3-point volume and makes, with Gealer accounting for most of the difference beyond the arc.
The result left Stanford at 16-9 overall and 5-7 in ACC play, while Boston College fell to 9-15 and 2-9 in conference play.
Okorie’s 22-point night continued a season in which he has approached the program’s freshman scoring benchmark, underscoring Stanford’s reliance on his creation and pace-setting in the backcourt.
What’s next
Stanford is scheduled to play at Wake Forest on Saturday. Boston College returns to Conte Forum on Saturday to host California.