Stanford takes conference crown

Candice Wiggins is healthy and headed back to the NCAA tournament.

Wiggins scored 20 points and No. 6-ranked Stanford staved off a late rally to beat eighth-ranked Arizona State, 62-55, in the championship game of the Pacific 10 Conference tournament Monday night, giving the Cardinal an automatic NCAA bid.

Wiggins, coming off a career-high and tournament-record eight three-pointers in a semifinal victory over USC, had another big night. She made six of 14 shots, with two three-pointers, and converted all six of her free throws in Stanford’s ninth consecutive victory and third in as many tries this season against Arizona State. The two-time Pac-10 player of the year, who sat out the final two conference games because of a hamstring injury, was named the tournament’s most valuable player.

Briann January made two free throws for Arizona State (28-4) with 1:20 left, then stole the ball moments later and was fouled. She made two more free throws at 1:12 that pulled the Sun Devils within 56-53. Wiggins answered with two free throws with 48 seconds left.

Pac-10 freshman of the year Jayne Appel added 17 points and 15 rebounds for Stanford (28-4), which led by as many as 19 in the second half. The Cardinal plays host to first- and second-round NCAA games at Maples Pavilion on March 17 and 19.