Pac-12 Basketball Scores: UCLA undergoing a New Year's renaissance

UCLA 68, Stanford 60

Shabazz Muhammad scored 23 points as UCLA won its seventh game in a row, 68-60, over the Stanford Cardinal. UCLA ended the first half with an eight-point lead, and were never really threatened in the second. The Bruins have now started conference play with a sweep of the Bay Area schools, and seem to be over their early season problems. Meanwhile Stanford, who was thought to be an NCAA Tournament contender following their NIT title last season, drops to 9-6, and has lost their first two conference games. Johnny Dawkins has to be considered on the hot seat.

Arizona 60, Utah 57

For the second game in a row, Arizona got a scare at home, this time against a much improved Utah team. Utah totally dictated the pace of this game, and nearly overcame a ten-point early deficit, losing when Jarred Dubois potential game-tying three-point attempt bounced off the back rim. The Wildcats have never looked more vulnerable as they head to Matthew Knight Arena on Thursday. Utah drops to 0-2 in the conference, but have shown that they will be much, much better than last year's hapless squad.

Washington 68, Washington St. 63

Washington got out to a 21-4 lead, then tried their best to Dawg it in the second half, but came away with the win. Having watched both teams a number of times this season, including this game, I have a difficult time seeing either of them as factors in the conference race.

Cal 72, USC 64

This was the Allen Crabbe show, as the Cal guard scored 27 points. USC is terrible. Cal has uncharacteristically struggled this season, but are due to start to put it together. Just too much talent on that roster to continue playing as poorly as they have.

On tap today:

Colorado at Arizona St., 5:00 PT, Pac-12 Network

Oregon at Oregon St., 7:00 PT, FSN/ROOT