The Santa Clara Broncos and the Stanford Cardinal meet Tuesday in college basketball action from Maples Pavilion. Santa Clara is currently 2-0 overall and fresh off a Saturday win over St. Francis PA. As for Stanford, they’re 2-0 this season as well after a big win over Sacramento State last week. Check back all season long for free college basketball picks at Sports Chat Place.

Santa Clara Broncos 

The Broncos opened up the year versus Utah Tech, jumping out to a 41-29 edge by the break. Santa Clara was outscored 40-36 from there but still held on for the win 77-69. Carlos Marshall led the team with 22 points in 22 minutes, and Adama Bal added 17 points with six rebounds and three assists. 

In game two versus St. Francis PA, the Broncos logged an even bigger win to move to 2-0 overall. Santa Clara scored 46 points in the first half and 36 more from there in an 82-59 blowout. Marshall was tops once again with 25 points and six boards. Johnny O’Neil added 12 points in 22 minutes of work. 

Stanford Cardinal 

Over on the Stanford side, they were able to handle Cal State Northridge in their opener. The Cardinal took an 88-79 victory in that one thanks to a 43.5 percent shooting effort from the floor, 18 team assists and a 42-39 rebounding advantage. Tops in scoring was Maxine Raynaud, who doubled up on 23 points and 15 rebounds. 

Stanford kept it rolling in game two versus Sacramento State back on Friday. The Cardinal shot even better this time: 55.7 percent from the field and 42.1 percent (8-of-19) from 3-point range. The result was a 91-73 win. Brandon Angel topped the team this time with his 18 points, while Spencer Jones chipped in 15 points in 16 minutes. 

ANDREW’S FREE PICK 

I’ll probably stay with Stanford here. It’ll be interesting to see how the Broncos can stack up, however. In any case, the Cardinals did some things very well in their win over Sacramento State—namely the high shooting percentage, four turnovers and 22 team assists. Stanford was outpaced 44-32 on the boards however, and allowed 19 offensive rebounds to the Hornets. If that stat becomes a trend, the Cardinals will have some major issues keeping pace on the scoreboard. That said, I think Stanford can handle Santa Clara at Maples, even if the Broncos end up hanging around for most of the game.