Feb. 21, 1998

STANFORD, Calif. (AP) - Ryan Mendez scored 15 points, including five 3-pointers, as No. 10 Stanford beat Washington State 72-56 Saturday night.

The Cardinal built their lead to as many as 18 points in the first half, then struggled a bit in the second as the Cougars came to within 49-43 midway through the half.

Arthur Lee had 14 points for the Cardinal (23-3, 12-2), and Mark Madsen added 13 points and seven rebounds.

Chris Crosby had 14 points and six rebounds for the Cougars (9-17, 2-13), who have lost 10 of 11. It was Washington State's final road game of the season.

The Cougars got as close as six points in the second half on Crosby's 3-pointer with 10:28 to go, but Stanford kept building until the final 16-point margin.

Washington took an 11-10 lead at 13:35 of the first half on a 3-pointer by Crosby, who turned 20 on Saturday and was taunted with strains of