In a stunning turn of events, former Duke guard Jaylen Blakes delivered a clutch performance to lead Stanford to a 78-75 victory over the University of North Carolina on Saturday. The Tar Heels had seemed poised to secure a victory late in the second half, but Blakes, a transfer who had only joined Stanford this season, emerged as the unlikely hero, hitting the go-ahead basket with just seconds remaining.
The loss marked another heart-wrenching defeat for UNC, who once again squandered a late-game lead, continuing a troubling trend of failing to close out tight contests. The Tar Heels were in control with a 10-point advantage with under four minutes left, but Stanford’s late-game surge, powered by Blakes’ offensive brilliance, dashed any hopes of a comeback for UNC.
Blakes Shines in the Final Moments
Jaylen Blakes, who spent two seasons as a guard for Duke before transferring to Stanford, found himself in a high-pressure moment against his former rivals. With Stanford trailing by two points in the final seconds of the game, Blakes, who had been instrumental in keeping his team within striking distance, took control. He drove to the basket, weaving through the UNC defense, and made a contested layup with just 15 seconds remaining to give the Cardinal a 76-75 lead.
UNC had one final chance to respond, but after a rushed shot attempt, the Tar Heels were unable to get a clean look at the basket, allowing Stanford to hold on for the dramatic win. Blakes’ heroics were a testament to his poise and ability to perform in the clutch, something that was evident even during his time at Duke but now on full display for his new team.
“Jaylen’s composure in that moment was incredible,” said Stanford head coach Jerod Haase. “He’s a guy who understands the magnitude of those situations, and he executed flawlessly. To see him make that play, especially against a team like North Carolina, was huge for us.”
Late-Game Struggles Plague UNC
The defeat was yet another chapter in a season-long saga for the Tar Heels, who have repeatedly struggled to finish games in the closing moments. Despite a solid performance from key players like Caleb Love and Armando Bacot, who combined for 34 points, UNC’s inability to execute in crunch time allowed Stanford to make a late run and steal the game.
Coach Hubert Davis was visibly frustrated after the game, acknowledging that his team’s failure to close out games has been a significant issue. “We’ve got to be able to execute, especially when we have a lead,” Davis said. “It’s about discipline, focus, and knowing how to play in those crucial moments. We’ve shown we can compete, but we need to finish.”
The loss to Stanford was the third time this season that UNC had let a lead slip away in the final minutes, and questions about the team’s mental toughness and ability to handle pressure are beginning to mount. With ACC play fast approaching, Davis and his players will have to find a way to turn the tide before conference play intensifies.
A Season of Change for Blakes
For Jaylen Blakes, the win over UNC was not only a career-defining moment, but it also underscored the growth he has experienced since transferring from Duke. Blakes, known for his defensive tenacity and quickness, has now added scoring to his arsenal, becoming a key contributor for Stanford in his first season with the team.
“I’ve worked hard on my game, especially in the offseason, and I knew I was capable of moments like this,” Blakes said after the game. “To have it come against a team like North Carolina, it’s special, but it’s also a testament to my teammates and our system. We all believed in each other down the stretch.”
Blakes’ performance serves as a reminder of how transfers can impact programs in unexpected ways. In just a few short months, he has established himself as a player capable of shifting the momentum of a game when it matters most.
Looking Ahead for Both Teams
For Stanford, the win was a significant milestone, and the confidence gained from pulling off such a dramatic victory could serve them well as they move forward. The Cardinal have shown flashes of brilliance this season, and with players like Blakes stepping up in big moments, they could be a force to be reckoned with in the Pac-12.
Meanwhile, UNC must quickly regroup after this disheartening loss. With ACC play on the horizon, the Tar Heels will need to address their persistent late-game issues if they want to remain a serious contender this season. The challenge for Coach Davis and his squad will be to find the mental toughness and discipline required to close out games effectively.
As for Blakes, his performance against UNC has undoubtedly set the stage for what could be a breakout season in Stanford’s pursuit of success in the Pac-12. The transfer’s clutch bucket has cemented his place in Cardinal lore and given his new team a significant victory to build on as the season progresses.
In the end, it was Blakes’ unforgettable moment that sealed the win for Stanford, but the story of UNC’s continued struggles in the clutch is one that will dominate their season if they cannot find a way to overcome it.
