Hernandez’s Hot Hand Pays Off for Stanford

Though Chris Hernandez doesn’t consider himself a shooter, his second-half baskets saved Stanford’s perfect season.

Hernandez scored all of his 22 points after halftime and led No. 2-ranked Stanford back from a 19-point deficit to defeat Oregon, 83-80, on Saturday

Stanford (18-0, 9-0 Pacific 10 Conference) remains one of two undefeated Division I teams in the nation. The other, No. 3 Saint Joseph’s, beat Temple.

“Our regular people who normally hit shots weren’t hitting shots, so I started driving to the basket. We were down by [nearly] 20 points -- so I figured I might as well take some shots,” Hernandez said.

It was Oregon’s first loss at McArthur Court this season and third home loss in 39 games.

Oregon (10-6, 5-4) led, 45-26, early in the second half. Josh Childress gave the Cardinal its first lead since the opening basket with a three-point basket that made it 70-69 with 3 minutes 50 seconds to play.

The teams traded the lead, but Hernandez made two free throws with 1:12 left and Nick Robinson made a layup to give Stanford a 79-75 lead.

James Davis gave the Ducks a chance in the final seconds when his three-point shot made the score 81-80, but Hernandez made two free throws and Davis’ three-point shot at the buzzer bounced off the back rim.

“Somebody had to do something. I think Chris was probably frustrated with everyone’s lack of aggressiveness, so he started making plays,” Stanford Coach Mike Montgomery said.

Luke Jackson led Oregon with 25 points.

“A great team doesn’t give up, doesn’t give in,” said Davis, who had 19 points. “That’s why they’re No. 2 in the country and we’re unranked.”

The Cardinal played without starting forward Justin Davis, who injured a knee Thursday against Oregon State.

Matt Haryasz, who filled in for Justin Davis, had 19 points and seven rebounds.