LOS ANGELES - Michael Humphrey's career-high 27 points led all scorers but it wasn't enough for Stanford, which dropped an 89-75 decision to No. 4/5 UCLA on Sunday night at Pauley Pavilion.
Stanford (8-8, 0-4 Pac-12), completing a stretch in which it faced three straight ranked opponents for the first time in 15 years, outscored UCLA (16-1, 3-1 Pac-12) 45-41 in the second half after trailing 48-30 at intermission.
Humphrey, who totaled 24 points and nine boards in Stanford's 79-70 victory over UCLA last season, also added 14 rebounds for his sixth career double-double. Robert Cartwright established career highs in points (18) and assists (9) while Dorian Pickens chipped in with 12 points for his fifth straight game in double figures.
"We started the game with two post-up plays to Michael [Humphrey]," Stanford Head Coach Jerod Haase said. "With him, it's about balance. It all starts with that. Throughout the game, it's really important how he stands and receives the ball. He took charge.
"I thought Robert [Cartwright] did a good job managing the game," Haase added, "It started yesterday; he came into practice and started directing the team. He was making sure that we were all on the same page and that everybody was properly matched up."
The Cardinal shot 37.8 percent overall but connected on 14-18 from the foul line while forcing the Bruins into 16 turnovers.
UCLA remained in control throughout the game, with Stanford creeping to within 61-50 at the 13:12 mark of the second half following two free throws from Cameron Walker.
Stanford will try to snap its four-game losing skid when it hosts Washington State on Thursday, Jan. 12, at 8 p.m.