The Stanford Cardinal and Wake Forest Demon Deacons are set to collide in a non-conference showdown that holds real consequences for both teams' tournament hopes. With Wake Forest struggling in conference play, having lost 5 of their last 6 games, they desperately need a quality win to bolster their resume, which currently features a 0-8 record in Quad 1 games and a 3-4 mark in Quad 2 contests. Stanford, meanwhile, is looking to build on their recent wins, having gone 2-2 in their last 4 games, and improve their Quad 1 record, which stands at 4-3.
Wake Forest Demon Deacons Have Struggled Mightily in Quad 1 Games, Posting a 0-8 Record
The game is scheduled to take place on February 14, 2026, at 7:00 PM ET at the LJVM Coliseum, with the broadcast available on [insert channel/streaming platform]. Fans can tune in to witness the clash between these two teams, each fighting for a spot in the NCAA Tournament, with Wake Forest's NET ranking of 65 and Stanford's ranking of 69 making every game count.
The Stanford Cardinal have had an up-and-down season, compiling a 16-9 overall record and a 5-7 mark in conference play. They have shown flashes of brilliance, particularly in their 4 Quad 1 wins, but have also struggled with consistency, losing 3 of their last 6 games. With a NET ranking of 69, the Cardinal are still in the tournament conversation, but they need to keep winning to stay ahead of the bubble, especially considering their Quad 2 record of 2-3. Their recent form has been marked by a mix of wins and losses, with a 2-2 record in their last 4 games, including a 75-70 win over California.
Key Matchups
The Wake Forest Demon Deacons, on the other hand, have struggled to find their footing, posting a 12-12 overall record and a 3-8 conference mark. Their NET ranking of 65 is a reflection of their tough schedule, but their 0-8 record in Quad 1 games is a major concern. Wake Forest has lost 5 of their last 6 games, including a 80-75 defeat to Virginia Tech, and desperately needs a win to turn their season around. With a Quad 2 record of 3-4, the Demon Deacons have shown they can compete with quality opponents, but they need to start winning consistently to stay in the tournament picture.
The matchup between Stanford and Wake Forest features two teams with distinct styles, with Stanford averaging 73.4 points per game and Wake Forest scoring at a rate of 71.9 points per contest. The Cardinal have a significant edge in rebounding, grabbing 38.5 boards per game compared to Wake Forest's 34.2. However, the Demon Deacons have been more efficient from beyond the arc, shooting 36.5% from 3-point range, while Stanford has converted 34.2% of their 3-point attempts. With Stanford's Quad 1 record of 4-3 and Wake Forest's Quad 2 record of 3-4, this game has real consequences for both teams' tournament resumes.
CHD Scout Prediction
Stanford
75
Wake Forest
78
For Stanford, Spencer Jones has been on a tear, averaging 18.5 points per game over his last 5 contests, including a 25-point outing against UCLA. Meanwhile, Wake Forest's Tyree Appleby has struggled, scoring just 10.3 points per game over his last 4 games, well below his season average of 14.5 points per contest. Stanford's Harrison Ingram has also been playing well, averaging 12.8 points and 6.5 rebounds per game, while Wake Forest's Andrew Carr has been a force in the paint, scoring 13.2 points and grabbing 6.8 rebounds per game.
Tournament Stakes
According to the CHD Scout prediction, Wake Forest is favored to win by 3.5 points, with a 61.9% win probability. This prediction is based on the teams' recent form and statistical edges, with Wake Forest's home-court advantage and Stanford's struggles on the road factoring into the equation. With Stanford's 4-3 Quad 1 record and Wake Forest's 0-8 Quad 1 mark, this game is a crucial opportunity for both teams to bolster their tournament resumes.
This game has real consequences for both teams' NCAA Tournament hopes. A win for Wake Forest would be a much-needed Quad 1 victory, improving their record to 1-8 in such games, while a loss would further damage their already slim tournament chances. For Stanford, a win would be a valuable Quad 1 road victory, improving their record to 5-3 in such games, and helping to solidify their position in the tournament field. With the NET rankings and quad records playing a significant role in the tournament selection process, this game is a must-see for college basketball fans.

