Roundup: 'Buzzer-Beating Bachynski' helps Utah beat Stanford

Utah turned a first-half nailbiter into a bit of a laugher in a 75-59 victory over Stanford, largely thanks to the end-of-first-half exploits from buzzer-beating Dallin Bachynski, who beat the shot-clock horn and game-clock horn on back-to-back possessions to send the Runnin’ Utes into halftime with a 33-27 lead.

Make it five in a row for the Cuonzo Crew, as Jordan Matthews’ hot shooting pushed Cal past Colorado 68-61. Matthews drilled five three-pointers and scored 22 points overall, 14 of ‘em coming in the second half.

A couple of games on Friday night, starting with Washington hosting Arizona (6 p.m. PT/7 p.m. MT, ESPN), and Christian Caple opines that Washington must beat the Wildcats to salvage hope for the season.

In order for the Wildcats to be a truly great team, Anthony Gimino believes that Arizona has to improve defensively.

The nightcap takes us to Pullman, where Washington State will greet Arizona State (8 p.m. PT/9 p.m. MT, Pac-12 Networks), and Jacob Thorpe gives us a preview of Washington State’s weekend against the Arizona schools through the words of the coaches and players.

Baseball season kicks into gear on Friday as well, and Jeff Metcalfe gives us an Arizona State baseball season preview. High expectations as always for the Diamond Devils.

And how ‘bout we get a UCLA baseball season preview from Chris Foster of the Los Angeles Times? The Bruins went 3-14-1 to finish the 2014 campaign and missed out on regional play, but start this season ranked No. 10 by Collegiate Baseball.

Oregon basketball coach Dana Altman is encouraging Joseph Young to play better after the Ducks nearly gave away their last game to the Trojans.

Wanna learn how Wayne Tinkle started the rebirth of Oregon State basketball? Click on this link from The Oregonian, then. Good stuff from Jason Quick.

Kyle Bonagura informs us that Mel Kiper Jr. has Leonard Williams going No. 2 overall in the 2015 NFL draft and projects five Pac-12ers to go in the top 10 (Marcus Mariota, Danny Shelton, Arik Armstead and Andrus Peat being the others).

Bonagura also ponders who can fill the shoes left behind by former Colorado cornerback Greg Henderson. Dude is the school’s all-time leader in defensive snaps played.

For your Stanford link, former Stanford soccer player Chioma Ubogagu has signed a contract with Arsenal. The four-time All-Pac-12 selection will join the women's team in England following the winter quarter.