By Daniel Dullum
Sports Radio Service
Friday, March 14, 2014

Stanford’s run in the Pac-12 men’s basketball tournament came to a halt Friday, as a sluggish shooting night for the Cardinal led, in part, to an 84-59 semifinal defeat by UCLA at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, Nev.

While the Cardinal (21-12) struggled offensively in both halves, UCLA’s Norman Powell bagged 22 points and Travis Wear added 16 more for the Bruins (25-8) as the Bruins shot 65 percent from the floor. Also for UCLA, Kyle Anderson contributed 13 points, eight rebounds and seven assists.

Dwight Powell led the Cardinal with 16 points, followed by Chasson Randle with 11.

The win gives UCLA a 2-1 edge in the season series. After the Bruins won their first meeting at Pauley Pavilion, Stanford won the rematch 83-74 at Maples Pavilion.

The Bruins opened the game with a 14-2 run and cruised from there. UCLA hit 18 of 29 floor shots in the first half, building a 44-29 lead at the break.

Stanford opened the second half making 2 of 9 from the field, while the Bruins made seven of their first nine shots to build a 62-34 advantage.

UCLA moves on to the tournament championship game against Arizona. Despite the loss, Stanford’s otherwise strong showing in the Pac-12 tournament could punch the Cardinal’s ticket to the Big Dance.

Stanford earned wins over Washington State and Arizona State before facing UCLA in its third game in three days. Now, the Cardinal will be tuned in for Selection Sunday to see which postseason tournament they’re headed for.

(TAGS: Stanford,UCLA,Pac-12 men’s basketball tournament)