In many ways Stanford (9-10, 2-5) outplayed the Utes (10-8, 4-2). They just forgot to win.
Stanford’s defense came out of the gates locked in. They had Utah completely flummoxed in the half court, and five different players combined to reject 6 Ute shots in the game’s first 8 minutes. On the game, they blocked 10. “It’s always an emphasis to play with great energy and passion,” said Jerod Haase. “Our guys played their tails off.”
In one sequence, Utah’s Donnie Tillman had his dunk tipped away by Jaiden Delaire. Stanford subsequently lost possession on the other end, and the ball was passed ahead to the cherry-picking Tillman, who seemed to be all alone.