The Stanford Cardinal returned to their winning ways and got Justin Davis back, too.
Josh Childress scored 17 points and the second-ranked Cardinal led all the way in defeating Washington State 68-47 Thursday in the first round of the Pac-10 tournament.
Stanford had lost its opening game both times since the Pac-10 revived the tournament in 2002.
Before Washington ended Stanford's 26-game winning streak last Saturday, the Cougars put a scare into the Cardinal, who needed seven points in the final 25 seconds for the victory.
"They concerned us because they gave us a great game a week ago," Stanford coach Mike Montgomery said. "We came out and played harder and defended the shooters better."
Saint Joseph's, which replaced Stanford in the top spot, lost for the first time this season Thursday, 87-67 to Xavier in the Atlantic-10 quarterfinals.
"We're not worried about Saint Joseph's at all," guard Matt Lottich said. "They had a nice run, as did we. I'm sure they're going to regroup."
The Cardinal (27-1) advanced to Friday's semifinals against the winner of the California-Oregon game.
As if the Cardinal doesn't have enough scoring threats, Davis played his first game since bruising a bone and tearing a left knee ligament in January. He had seven points and four rebounds in 14 minutes Thursday.
"It felt good out there. I'm probably at 75 percent right now," he said. "I don't think my explosiveness is where it should be. It's just a matter of continuing the strengthening."
Montgomery plans to bring Davis along slowly and increase his minutes as the Cardinal progresses in postseason play.
"Psychologically, it made a huge difference for our team," Montgomery said. "He ran down some balls. He's a difference-maker."
Eighth-seeded Washington State (13-16) finished with six more victories under first-year coach Dick Bennett than last season. The Cougars were in the tournament for the first time since 1990, when all 10 schools qualified.
"When we would threaten occasionally they were always there to close the door," Bennett said. "We appeared to be a little tight and never fully got past that."
Marcus Moore scored 17 points and Jeff Varem added 10 for the Cougars, who lost to Stanford for the 16th straight time. Thomas Kelati, one of the Pac-10's top 3-point shooters, was 1-of-5 from long-range.
"They did a really good job, especially on me," Kelati said. "Every time I touched the ball, I couldn't turn around without a Stanford defender."
This Monday, March 15th, the nationally-ranked Stanford Cardinal basketball team will be honored at Burnham Pavilion by San Francisco's KRON TV, Channel 4. The thirty minute Special will honor the Pac-10 champions which have chalked up a 26-1 record, and a #2 national ranking.
Stanford students, fans and the Palo Alto community are encouraged to be a part of the studio audience at Burnham Pavilion for this broadcast which will be taped on Monday from 7 - 7:40pm . The show will be aired Monday evening (10-10:30 p.m.) on KRON, Channel 4.
Students are encouraged to be at Burnham Pavilion around 6:30 pm on Monday to insure that they get good seats.
Several members of the Stanford basketball team will be in attendance along with the Stanford Band.
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Stanford's Justin Davis returns to help beat Wash. St.