Cal Bears podcast Stephen Ruderman: Cal hosts Pacific Saturday; Cal on four game win streak

Cal Bears forward Lee Dort (34) is excited at the conclusion of the win over the Utah Utes on Tue Dec 2, 2025 at Haas Pavilion in Berkeley (Cal Bears X photo)

Cal Bears podcast Stephen Ruderman:

#1 With Cal Bears guards like Dai Dai Ames and Justin Pippen in Cal’s backcourt, how might their perimeter defense and shooting had put pressure on the Utah Utes defense?

#2 Can forwards such as Chris Bell or Lee Dort use their size advantage to dominate the paint, to limit Utah’s interior scoring, and control the boards if they face a smaller pilot front line?

#3 Given that Cal’s roster also includes centers like Milos Ilic and Mantas Kocanas, how might their presence affect Utah’s ability to drive to the rim or get second-chance points?

#4 Considering Utah’s fast-paced style, how would Cal — with a mix of experienced players like DeJuan Campbell and newcomers — aim to control tempo and avoid getting caught in a run-and-gun exchange?

#5 If Cal’s rotation extends to freshmen guards such as Luke Butler or Jorell Clark, how much trust should the team put in young players’ composure under pressure when defending a team like the Utes?

Cal Bears podcast with Stephen Ruderman is heard each Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Utah Utes can’t handle the ‘Haas of Pain’ as Golden Bears win, 79-72

California Golden Bear #34 Lee Dort slams down an alley-oop from his teammate #2 John Camden. (Photo by Michael Villanueva Sports Radio Service)

By Michael Villanueva

BERKELEY – Happy December from Berkeley, where the Golden Bears enter the final month of 2025 on the heels of a strong 6-1 start and a perfect 5-0 record at Haas Pavilion. The Golden Bears have transformed their home court into a legitimate advantage as they enter a pivotal eight-game home stretch, averaging 84.4 points per game and posting a +14.8 scoring margin.

That run started tonight against Utah (6-2), a Big 12 opponent who adds importance to the matchup. Cal is 0-1 this season against Big 12 teams, with its only encounter coming on November 13 at Bramlage Coliseum, a hard-fought 99-96 loss to Kansas State. Tuesday night, the Golden Bears get a second chance to make a statement against the Big 12 conference.

Utah comes into Berkeley on a high level, having won a close 75-74 game over Ole Miss behind Don McHenry’s 27 points. The Utes have a balanced, tough squad that ranks ninth in the Big 12 for offensive rebounds (9.6 per game), topped by James Okonkwo’s 4.0. They also have one of the conference’s leading scoring duos, Terrence Brown (21.8 PPG, 3.4 APG) and McHenry (17.9 PPG).

Cal entered the game with confidence after defeating No. 18 UCLA 80-72 on November 25 at Chase Center, the program’s first win over a ranked opponent since 2020. Offensively, the Golden Bears continue to rely on the efficient performance of Dai Dai Ames (18.1 PPG, 2.7 threes per game at 52.8%) and Chris Bell (16.6 PPG, 50.0% shooting).

The Golden Bears’ starting lineup tonight included Justin Pippen, Dai Dai Ames, John Camden, Chris Bell, and Lee Dort, who combine scoring, experience, and defensive versatility. Utah responded with Josh Hayes, Keanu Dawes, Terrence Brown, Don McHenry, and Seydou Traore, a group meant for athleticism, rebounding, and perimeter shooting.

The game got off to a quick start, with both sides swapping early baskets. Utah scored first on the first possession, with Terrance Brown instantly establishing himself by scoring seven points on 3-of-5 shooting. Cal’s Dai Dai Ames matched the pace right away, making all three of his first field-goal attempts and scoring seven points in the first few minutes.

Despite Utah’s early efficiency, Cal kept pace thanks to Ames, who remained perfect from the field and aggressive in his drives. By the midpoint of the first half, he had already tallied 9 points on 4-of-4 shooting.

Cal’s balanced attack and sharp shooting in the final minutes of the half propelled them ahead to a 42–34 lead at halftime. The Bears finished the first 20 minutes with 6-of-12 shooting from three and 14-of-32 overall, displaying strong teamwork with 21 rebounds and nine assists. Ames continued his dominant performance, ending the half with 11 points on 5-of-7 shooting in just 15 minutes, keeping Cal in control against a talented Utah squad. With help from John Camden, who is shooting perfect beyond the arc at 3 of 3 with 9 points and 1 assist.

The second half followed the same fast-paced, physical pattern, with both teams hitting the paint and battling for every possession. Within the first ten minutes of the half, the Golden Bears had stretched their lead to 62-55, thanks to a combination of aggressive drives and excellent free-throw shooting. Both teams were repeatedly sent to the free-throw line, but Cal took advantage of their chances, going 15-of-16 for a stunning 93% conversion rate.

Cal’s scoring was led by the dynamic combo of Justin Pippen and Dai Dai Ames, who each had 17 points by this time. Pippen shot 5-of-9 from the field, including 3-of-5 from three, while Ames went 8-of-13 overall despite missing his only three-point effort. Keanu Dawes and Seydou Traore, who combined scoring and playmaking, kept Utah in play. Dawes was on the verge of a double-double, with 10 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists, while Traore had 12 points, 3 rebounds, and two assists.

Also, Cal maintained its domination on the glass, grabbing 30 rebounds to Utah’s 23, securing second-chance opportunities, and controlling the tempo inside the paint.

Cal’s shooting continued to click in the final minutes of the game, as the team approached 50% from the floor and maintained control of the game. Justin Pippen and Dai Dai Ames repeatedly attacked Utah’s defence, keeping the Utes’ lead barely out of reach. Utah, however, refused to go quietly. With three minutes remaining, Seydou Traore and Keanu Dawes scored rapid backdoor baskets to reduce the Bears’ lead to two points.

Cal answered at the line, with Chris Bell making 1-of-2 free throws to extend the advantage to 73-70 with a minute and a half left. At the 50-second mark, Ames was fouled on a drive and casually went 2-for-2 from the line, bringing the score to 75-70. From there, the Golden Bears’ defence took control. Utah failed to get a shot, resulting in a shot clock violation, and they missed their final four field-goal attempts. Cal’s defensive efforts, along with their efficient shooting, secured the victory.

Dai Dai Ames led all scorers with 25 points on 9-of-14 shooting, keeping up his strong season performance. Justin Pippen scored 23 points, including 3-of-7 from beyond the arc, to help secure the victory. Inside, Lee Dort anchored the paint, grabbing 11 rebounds and scoring eight points. While five of Utah’s players scored in double digits, and their bench added 19 points, Cal’s mix of shooting, defensive pressure, and rebounding proved crucial.

The Golden Bears finished the game shooting 45.5% from the field, including 7-of-18 from three, proving that their balanced scoring and lockdown defence can carry them through difficult games. The 79-72 victory over Utah not only represented a great home opener for the December stretch, but it also showed Cal’s ability to produce under pressure, laying the groundwork for the future challenges in their eight-game homestand.

Looking ahead, the Golden Bears will face the Pacific Tigers (6-2) on Saturday, December 6, at 2 p.m., as part of their eight-game homestand. The game will be broadcast on ACC Extra, offering fans another opportunity to see Cal continue their December home stand and build on tonight’s hard-fought 79-72 victory against Uta

NCAA Women’s Tournament/Headline Sports with Jessica Kwong: Clark offered $5 million to play in the Big 3; NCAA president bans prop betting; plus more news

The Iowa Hawkeyes guard Caitlin Clark has been offered $5 million to join the Big 3 league owned by Ice Cube. The Hawkeyes are currently in the Sweet 16 facing Colorado Buffaloes this Sat Mar 30, 2024 in the NCAA Tournament. (AP News photo)

Headline Sports with Jessica Kwong:

#1 Ice Cube made a big offer to Iowa’s Caitlin Clark to play in the Big 3 league for $5 million. Ice Cube wanted to keep the offer private until the NCAA Tournament was over but since the news leaked out Cube confirmed the news,  “But I won’t deny what’s now already out there: BIG3 made a historic offer to Caitlin Clark. Why wouldn’t we? Caitlin is a generational athlete who can achieve tremendous success in the BIG3.”

#2 NCAA president Charlie Baker says he’s banning prop bets that something anything can go wrong since the bet is not about the final score of the game but based on how many three pointers are converted or missed or how many free throws are converted or missed. Baker says it’s big problem and temptation that could throw games or athletes could get harassed about scoring too many or too little points, “Sports betting issues are on the rise across the country with prop bets continuing to threaten the integrity and competition and leading to student athletes and professional athletes getting harassed. The NCAA has been working with states to deal with these threats and many are responding by banning college prop bets,” Baker read in a statement.

#3 The Utah Utes women’s basketball team switched hotels from Coeur d’Alene, Idaho to Spokane after players, marching band members, cheerleaders were walking from a restaurant near their hotel in Coeur d’Alene. About 100 people or witnesses said two trucks with a confederate flags revving it’s engines with the drivers saying the N word to the Utes traveling party while driving by them. The traveling party felt threatened and called it a hate crime and made a police report. Authorities are looking for the suspects and plan to prosecute them for civil rights violations and hate crimes.

#4 Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes are a drawing card for a national television audience. The Hawkeyes with Clark have drawn 3.23 million viewers as the games are telecasted on ABC. The Hawkeyes played Holy Cross last Saturday and it was the highest viewed women’s game in NCAA history.

#5 The Iowa State Cyclones were eliminated by the Stanford Cardinal last Sunday in the second round of the Women’s Tournament 87-81. The Cardinal are rolling moving to the third round they face NC State on Friday night. In the game against Iowa State the Cyclones kept Cameron Brink under wraps with just eight points it was Kiki Iriafen who led with a huge 41 points for Stanford.

Join Jessica Kwong for Headline Sports every other Wednesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Bears crushed by Utes in penultimate game 88-59

Cal Bears as hard as they tried didn’t have enough offense against the Utah Utes at the Jon M Huntsman Arena in Salt Lake City on Sat Mar 2, 2024 (Cal Bears photo)

Saturday, March 2, 2024

Jon M. Huntsman Center, Boulder, Colorado

California Golden Bears 59 (13-17 Overall; 9-10 Pac-12)

Utah Utes 88 (18-11 Overall; 9-9 Pac-12)

By Stephen Ruderman

The Bears suffered a rare lopsided loss, as they were crushed, 88-59, by the Utah Utes in the penultimate game of the Regular Season.

Cal lost the opener of their season-ending road trip to the Colorado Buffaloes on Wednesday night to guarantee their seventh-straight losing season. However, their hopes for a winning record in Pac-12 play remained alive, as they came into Salt Lake City to take on the Utes.

The Utes struck first, but the Bears kept closely behind in the game’s early minutes. However, Utah seized control of the game early.

Jalen Cone, who led the Bears in scoring tonight with 19 points, hit a three-ball to close Utah’s lead to 23-18 with 9:48 to go in the first half. Just as they had done all season, the Bears fought and kept in the game, but the Utes’ offense proved to be too much, as Utah went into the half up 42-32.

The Bears were once again double double digits going into the second half, which so many times this season meant that they were going to come back.

Jaylon Tyson laid one in to start the second half, followed by a jumper from Branden Carlson of the Utes. Fardaws Aimaq then made a three to make it 44-37, and the Bears were indeed thinking that they were primed for another comeback.

Deivon Smith responded with a layup and a three to extend Utah’s lead to 49-37. The teams traded baskets, and the Utes led, 53-41 with less than 14 minutes to go. Carlson then hit a three to make it 56-41 with 13:06 to go, and from there, the Utes put the game away.

The Bears simply ran out of energy, and the Utes went on to win by a final of 88-59. What also didn’t help, was that Jaylon Tyson, who has carried the Bears for much of the season, was 2-for-11 in field goals, while scoring just seven points.

The Bears fall to 13-17, and 9-10 in conference play, guaranteeing that they won’t have a winning season in Pac-12 play either, which has further dashed Cal’s already-faint March Madness hopes.

Perhaps after a drama-filled bounceback season in which the Bears have had so many big come-from-behind wins, the energy and magic have simply run out.

The Bears will close out the Regular Season Thursday night, when they will head to Palo Alto to take on their archrivals, the Stanford Cardinal.

Utes roll past Cardinal 90-68

The Stanford Cardinal guard Michael Jones (13) takes a jump shot against the Utah Utes at John M Huntsman Arena in Salt Lake City on Thu Feb 29, 2024 (Stanford Cardinal photo)

By Daniel Dullum

Thursday, February 29, 2024

Embarking on its final Pac-12 men’s basketball road trip, Stanford traveled to Salt Lake City and dropped a 90-68 decision to Utah Thursday.

It was the fifth consecutive loss for Stanford.

Cole Bajema hit five 3-pointers en route to a game-high 21 points. Gabe Madsen was next for the Utes with 15 points, and Delvon Smith had 13 points, 10 assists and 10 rebounds. The Utes outrebounded Stanford 40-29, and Utah never trailed in the game.

Michael Jones led the Cardinal with 20 points, including three 3-pointers Andrej Stojakovic scored 13 points and grabbed six rebounds, and Kanaan Carlyle and Maxime Reynaud added 10 points apiece for Stanford (12-16 overall, 7-11 Pac-12).

Field goal shooting The was a mixed bag for Stanford. The Cardinal made 49.1 percent of its total shots, but only 4-of-15 from 3-point range.

The Utes (17-11 overall, 8-9 Pac-12) opened the game with a 15-4 run, but Stanford recovered to make a 12-7 run to pull within 22-16. Reynaud scored twice during that run and Max Murrell scored his first points after missing nine games due to injury.

Utah led 46-27 at halftime. Though the Cardinal’s shooting improved to 58.6 percent (17 of 29) in the second half, they were unable to cut the Utes lead any less than 14 points. Jones scored 10 of his points in the second half, while the Cardinal tallied 23 of its 41 second-half points in the paint.

Josue Gil-Silva scored his first career points for Stanford in the closing seconds.

Stanford’s next stop is Boulder, Colo, on Sunday, when the Cardinal visit the Colorado Buffaloes for a 6 p.m. contest.

Cal Bears game wrap: Bears put up fight but fall in Colorado to guarantee losing season 88-78

Cal Bears in huddle against the Colorado Buffaloes at CU Events Center in Boulder CO on Wed Feb 28, 2024 (photo by Cal Bears Athletic Dept)

Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024

CU Events Center, Boulder, Colorado

California Golden Bears 78 (13-16 Overall; 9-9 Pac-12)

Colorado Buffaloes 88 (19-9 Overall; 10-7 Pac-12)

By Stephen Ruderman

The Bears put up a fight, but ultimately fell to the Colorado Buffaloes, 88-78, to start off the final road trip of the season.

The Bears kicked off the three-game road trip after another comeback win in their final home game against the Oregon Ducks on Saturday. There was a lot at stake for the Bears, as a perfect road trip would clinch them a winning season just a year after going 3-29.

Eddie Lampkin slammed one down for Colorado to start the scoring, and Jalen Celestine put the Bears on the board with a three-ball. Celestine sank another three to make it 6-2.

The Bears were off to a fast start, but Tristan da Silva laid one in after getting fouled, and hit his free throw to make 6-5. KJ Simpson hit a three to put the Buffaloes back ahead, 8-6, and Eddie Lampkin laid one in to make it 10-6.

Celestine hit another three to make it 10-9, but the Buffaloes scored six unanswered runs to open up a 16-9 lead.

Rodney Brown Jr. hit a three to make it 16-12, and that started a 7-2 run that saw the Bears close the deficit to 18-16. During that run, Grant Newell was fouled and hit one of two from the line, and Brown hit another three.

From there, the Buffaloes took complete control, and went on a 15-3 run to open a 33-19 lead. That lead held for the rest of the first half, as Colorado went into the half up 45-31.

The Bears started the second half down double digits, which to them meant it was time for another comeback. Cal indeed began to slowly chip away, and Newell hit a three with 14:13 remaining to close the deficit to seven at 56-49.

Jaylon Tyson hit a three with 12:56 remaining to make it 58-53, and the Bears were indeed set to make another comeback. The teams traded points over the several minutes, as Tylon laid one in to make it 65-59 with 9:18 to go.

Simpson was fouled and hit two from the line, and Javon Ruffin hit a three, as Colorado was back up by 11 at 70-59. The Bears kept pace, but were not able to get within less than nine points.

However, Simpson was once again fouled and hit both shots from the line, and he laid one in as well to put Colorado up 83-68 with 4:41 to go. By then, it was too late for Cal to pull off another comeback, and the Buffaloes won it, 88-78.

With this loss, the Bears are guaranteed their seventh-straight losing season, as they fall to 13-16 on the season. This is also a major blow to Cal’s March Madness hopes. However, they still can end Pac-12 play with a winning record, as they are now 9-9 in conference play.

On the positive side for the Bears, Jaylon Tyson scored 25 points in another big game.

Now with two games remaining, the Bears will head to Salt Lake City, where they will take on the Utah Utes at 6 p.m. on Saturday.

Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson: No.3 Cardinal Women face OSU Thursday; Stanford Men tip off against Utah Thursday

Stanford Cardinal forward Cameron Brink (right) tries to dribble on Arizona State Sun Devils forward Sandra Magollico in the first half at Maples Pavilion in Palo Alto on Sun Feb 25, 2024 (AP News photo)

On the Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael:

#1 Stanford women crush Arizona State Sun Devils on Sunday 81-67. Stanford Kiki Iriafen led with 22 points and 20 rebounds and Cameron Brink had 14 points.

#2 The Stanford women were coming off a tough loss to the Arizona Wildcats 68-61 on Fri Feb 23rd. You knew the Cardinal would be not too happy after that loss and fired up in preparing to face ASU.

#3 The Stanford women face the Oregon State Beavers on Thursday night for a 7:00pm PT tip at Oregon State. Oregon State is third in the Pac 12 at 22-5 and are 15-1 at home. Could this game be just as difficult for Stanford as it was at Arizona?

#4 Michael, times have been tough for the Stanford men they have lost four in row and their most recent loss came against the Oregon State Beavers at Maples Pavilion 85-73 last Saturday night. You covered this game what was the biggest let down for Stanford not getting enough offense or the Beavers just came and was lights out from beginning to end on offense.

#5 The Stanford men try it all over again and hope to snap their four game losing streak Thursday night in Utah against the Utes. Utah are eighth in the Pac 12 at 16-11. The Utes have a good home record at 12-2 do you see the Cardinal having their hands full in this one?

Michael Roberson is a Stanford Cardinal beat writer for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Cardinal Outpaced Runnin’ Utes, 79-73, in an Afternoon Conference Battle inside Maples

Stanford Cardinal forward Maxime Raynaud (42) goes for a rebound against the Utah Utes at Maple Pavilion in Palo Alto on Sun Jan 14, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Michael Roberson

STANFORD, Calif. — The Stanford Cardinal (9-7, 4-2 Pac-12) impeded the progress of the Utah Runnin’ Utes (12-5, 3-3 Pac-12) 79-73 on a sunny day in the Bay.

Stanford junior forward Maxime Raynaud was the French Resistance and the NCAA version of the Stifle Tower, as he posted a game high 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 blocks, to propel his squad to a thrilling 3-point victory.  Three other Cardinal hoopers assisted in the huge effort with double-digit tallies: Brandon Angel (16), Michael Jones (15) and Kanaan Carlyle (12).

The game started off with the Runnin’ Utes going up 6-0 on two 3-pointers.  That turned out to be their biggest lead, although they made another 6-0 run in the first half, and actually led  more than 15 of the 20-minute period.  There were five lead changes and five ties, but the home team took the lead for only 33 seconds total, and by two (34-32) on a basket by Raynaud :06  before recess, which was the margin at halftime.

Raynaud paced the Cardinal with 12 points and five rebounds at the midway stanza of the game.  Also the only player on either team in double-figures.  Senior guard Ben Carlson led Utah with 9 points.

The second half started off with a bang for the Cardinal.  Brandon Angel opened up with a three-pointer, instantly increasing the lead to five.  They were able to increase that margin to as high as 12 points in the second 20 minutes.

However, Utah was not going to go down without a fight.  They scratched and clawed at the lead for a great portion of the half, but were not able to get over the hump on the road.

Their best opportunity was with just under four minutes left in the game, and they were at the free throw line with a chance to tie the game with a 1 & 1 scenario.  Utah missed the shot and Stanford converted a crucial 3 by the aforementioned Raynaud.  That was a 5-point turnaround that the Utes could not recover from.

Utah still tried to overcome the odds, despite missing another critical free throw, but Stanford stood tall and sturdy, as their mascot represents, and held on to the lead at the final whistle, 79-73 Cardinal.

Utah had three players in double-figures: Branden Carlson (14), Gabe Madsen (16) and senior guard Deivon Smith messed around and got a Triple-Double (16 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds).

The Cardinal will next be in action Thursday, January 18, hosting the Washington State Cougars at 8 PM PDT on the P-12 Network.  Utah returns to Salt Lake City on the same date to host the Oregon State Beavers at 7 PM MDT on ESPNU.

Cal suffers blowout loss to No. 16 Utah 34-14

Photo credit: @CalFootball

By Mary Anne

The California Golden Bears faced the No. 16 Utah Utes on Saturday. The Golden Bears were battle ready and got off to a fast start, but suffered a blowout loss to the Utes 34-14 at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Cal fell to 3-4, while Utah improved to 5-1.

The Golden Bears scored first. Golden Bears quarterback Fernando Mendoza threw a touchdown pass to Jaydn Ott for a 48-yard passing touchdown. Mateen Bhaghani kicked an extra point for a 7-0 lead at 5:41 of the first quarter.

The Golden Bears led 7-0 at the end of the first quarter.

The Utes took the go-ahead lead in the second quarter. Ja’Quinden Jackson ran for a three-yard rushing touchdown. Cole Becker kicked an extra point to tie the game 7-7 at 7:56. Sione Vaki ran for a one-yard rushing touchdown. Becker kicked an extra point to give the Utes a 14-7 lead with just 26 seconds left in the second.

The Golden Bears trailed the Utes 14-7 at the end of the first half.

The Utes poured in the points to start the second half. Cole Becker kicked a 23-yard field goal to extend the Utes’ lead to 17-7 at 10:35 of the third quarter. Bryson Barnes ran for a four-yard rushing touchdown. Becker kicked an extra point to expand the Utes’ lead to 24-7 with 9:11 left in the third.

The Golden Bears responded to make it a ten-point game. Golden Bears quarterback Fernando Mendoza threw a touchdown pass to Taj Davis, who ran for a 24-yard rushing touchdown. Mateen Bhaghani kicked an extra point to cut the Utes’ lead to 24-14 with 4:21 left in the third.

The Golden Bears trailed the Utes 24-14 through three quarters.

The Utes scored twice in the fourth quarter. Sione Vaki ran for a 72-yard rushing touchdown. Cole Becker kicked an extra point for a 31-14 lead with 6:51 left in the fourth. Becker capped off the scoring with a 38-yard field goal to make it a 34-14 game with 1:57 left in the fourth.

The Golden Bears lost to the Utes 34-14.

Notes
Find out this week’s Cal captains here.

Get to know the Cal starting quarterback Fernando Mendoza here.

Up Next
The Golden Bears have a bye week before hosting the No. 10 USC Trojans on Saturday, October 28, at TBD.

Cardinal upend Utah 73-62 in opening round of Pac-12 tournament

Stanford guard Michael O’Connell (5) shoots against Utah during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in the first round of the Pac-12 men’s tournament Wednesday, March 8, 2023, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/David Becker)

By Daniel Dullum
Wednesday, March 8, 2023

Stanford built an early lead and maintained it until the final horn on Wednesday, as the 10th-seeded Cardinal upended 7th-seed Utah 73-62 in the opening round of the Pac-12 men’s basketball tournament at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The Cardinal (14-18) had four players in double-figures, led by Brandon Angel with 16 points, followed by Harrison Ingram with 15, and 12 points each by Spencer Jones and Maxime Raynaud. Jones and Michael O’Connell each had four assists; Angel and Raynaud pulled down 12 and nine rebounds, respectively.

Branden Carlson scored a game-high 27 points to lead the Utes (17-15). Gabe Madsen was next with 13 points, followed by Lazar Stefanovic with 10. Carlson grabbed 10 rebounds and Rollie Worster had eight boards as Utah outrebounded the Cardinal 40-38.

Stanford, however, had a 38-24 advantage in points in the paint while handing the Utes their fifth straight defeat.

The Cardinal led 34-27 at halftime. Utah pulled to within 58-48 on a Stefanovic 3-pointer with six minutes left in the second half. Jones responded with a 3 for the Cardinal. A basket by Carlson closed Utah’s deficit to 70-60 at 1:20, but Angel sank a pair of free throws and Ingram hit one of two at the line.

Stanford faces No. 8 Arizona in Thursday’s quarterfinal round. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m.