LAS VEGAS — Chasson Randle’s 3-pointer with three seconds remaining not only lifted Stanford to a 71-69 victory over Washington in the first round of Pac-12 tournament Wednesday, but it also kept a Utah streak alive.
The Cardinal advanced to Thursday’s quarterfinals, becoming the seventh different conference tournament opponent for the Utes. Since joining the Pac-12 in 2011-12, they’ve never faced the same foe twice in the postseason gathering.
Utah played Colorado in 2012; USC, California and Oregon in 2013; then Washington and Arizona in 2014.
After adding Stanford to the list, that leaves just Arizona State, Oregon State, UCLA and Washington State left for the Utes to play in the Pac-12 tourney.
FIRST THINGS FIRST: At 20-12 overall, UCLA is very much on the bubble when it comes to the NCAA tournament. The Bruins, who crushed USC 96-70 in the Pac-12 quarterfinals, obviously could use the boost of a semifinal victory over fifth-ranked Arizona on Friday.
“Our main focus is just getting the win and dealing with this tournament before we start thinking about the NCAA tournament,” said senior guard Norman Powell. “Our focus is doing what we need to do to prepare for Arizona.”
UCLA is the defending Pac-12 tournament champions.
KEEP CALM: After 10th-seeded Colorado’s 78-71 victory over No. 7 Oregon State on Wednesday, senior guard Askia Booker said the Buffaloes need to keep it in proper perspective.
“We can’t go out and celebrate because we’re in Vegas,” he remarked. “It’s not the time for that. We’re here for business.”
TOUGH SLEDDING: Washington’s once-promising season ended with 11 losses in its last 13 games and a 16-15 record.
“It started off great, then we went on a rollercoaster ride. But that’s part of basketball, that’s part of life,” said junior guard Andrew Andrews. “You have your ups and downs. You just have to fight through them.”
Added head coach Lorenzo Romar: “A lot of misfortune. To sum it up in one word, a lot of misfortune.”
GET IT RIGHT: USC coach Andy Enfield corrected a reporter who said that Wednesday’s 67-64 win over Arizona State was the first by the Trojans over a Pac-12 opponent outside of the Galen Center during his two-year tenure at the helm.
“We won a road game last year (at Washington State). This would be our second,” Enfield said. “I count those. When you only have two of them, that’s big.”
OURS AND THEIRS: Although Arizona wound up eliminating California 73-51 in Thursday’s semifinals, Bears senior forward David Kravish downplayed the matchup between the No. 1 and No. 8 seeds a day earlier.
“It’s just another opponent you’ve got to attack. They’re going to do what they’re going to do. But we’ve got to come out and play hard,” Kravish said. “And whatever it says on the front of their jersey, we’re playing for what’s on the front of ours.”
‘CAT CROWD: As usual, Arizona was backed by a large and loud group of fans at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
“It was pretty much like McKale (Center). Our fans are the best,” said senior guard T.J. McConnell. “They travel with us wherever we go and we appreciate them.”
THAT’S A WRAP: Washington State guard DaVonte Lacy reflected on his collegiate career after it came to a conclusion with a first-round loss to Cal.
“I’ve given everything I have. I’ve broken bones and been injured a lot and it’s all for the program,” he said. “To have it end was kind of an emotional realization. My teammates did a great job of just being there for me and I really love them for it.”
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