Chasson Randle's Game-Winner Keeps Stanford's NCAA Tournament Hopes Alive

Down by one with under 30 seconds to play against Washington, Stanford seemed bound for a first-round exit in the Pac-12 Tournament and destined for an NIT bid. But then this happened.

Chasson Randle was able to knock down a shot from deep to give the Cardinal the lead for good, 71-69. Thanks to Randle’s game-winner, Stanford was able to keep their tournament hopes alive.

Stanford dropped their last three regular season games, putting the Cardinal on the outside of the bubble. At 19-12 and 9-9 in the Pac-12, they figure to be a longshot for an at-large bid, but it won’t be impossible.

Stanford squares off again tonight against a struggling Utah team. Utah has put together an impressive season, but the Utes have dropped three of their last five games heading into the Pac-12 Tournament. Stanford will need to beat Delon Wright and company to be considered this Sunday when the field of 68 is announced.

If Stanford can beat Utah tonight, then they will play the winner of Oregon vs. Colorado on Friday. Stanford lost their head-to-head matchups with both Oregon and Colorado, but they were able to play the Ducks close at home, losing by three points.

Should Stanford make it to the Pac-12 championship game, they should earn an at-large bid. It won’t come easy after bubble teams Texas and Miami picked up wins yesterday. Stanford does have a win against Texas from their non-conference schedule, which could put the Cardinal above the Longhorns should Stanford put themselves in good position. Either way, Stanford figures to need at least two more wins to make the Big Dance.

James Szuba is a college basketball writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @JamesSzuba.