![\"NCAA](\"https:\/\/images.deadspin.com\/tr:w-900\/25652671.jpg\")
Mar 12, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; Stanford Cardinal forward Chisom Okpara (10) shoots as California Golden Bears forward Spencer Mahoney (7) defends in the first half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images <\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\nPushed in its opener, Stanford could be in for another test on Saturday at home against a Montana squad with two lopsided wins under its belt.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n Cardinal coach Kyle Smith said he expects a spirited effort from the visiting Grizzlies.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n “They’ll be motivated. They’re used to winning,” Smith said. “Their best player (Money Williams) is from the Bay Area.”<\/p>\n<\/section>\n Stanford beat Portland State 89-79 on Tuesday night, winning its season opener for the 15th consecutive year.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n The Cardinal got 26 points from Ebuka Okorie, the most by a true freshman in a Stanford debut in at least 29 years.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n “The secret out that he’s pretty good,” Smith said. “There will be some rough patches, I’m sure, but let’s just see where this takes us.”<\/p>\n<\/section>\n Chisom Okpara added 21 points for the Cardinal, with Jeremy Dent-Smith adding 14 and Benny Gealer 12.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n Montana faces upgraded competition after comfortable triumphs against Northwest Indian College on Monday and Ottawa (Ariz.) on Wednesday. The Grizzlies are 2-0 for the first time in seven years.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n <\/p>\n “We’re still working kinks out and defensively we continue to grow,” Montana coach Travis DeCuire said. “I think our defense was a lot further along than it has been at this stage, but our offense isn’t necessarily clicking.”<\/p>\n<\/section>\n Money Williams was the preseason MVP for the Big Sky Conference. He notched his first career double-double in the 73-39 romp over Ottawa with 15 points and 10 rebounds.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n DeCuire continues evaluating what personnel will work best for the Grizzlies’ primary rotations. There are up to 13 players who could be in the mix.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n “It makes it hard on me, and I just can’t play that many guys because it gets people out of rhythm trying to get more guys in the game,” DeCuire said.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n Regardless of how that pans out, Williams will be at the forefront of those plans.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n “I feel like he’s going to have to play big minutes in these next two games,” DeCuire said.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n Smith said the Cardinal will be tasked with better perimeter defense after Portland State sank 13 of 27 3-pointers.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n