Randle, the conference’s leading scorer (20.2), would be a candidate for player of the year. [...] would the versatile Brown, who would also be in the running for defensive player of the year against Washington shot blocker Robert Upshaw. “We really had no answer for their big three,” Arizona State head coach Herb Sendek said. Brown was nearly as efficient, hitting 7-of-11 shots and going 4-for-4 at the line. After Thursday’s 89-82 loss to Arizona, Brown said, the seniors wanted to set the tone early. A large assists total often depends on accurate shooting; Stanford shot a blazing 70 percent in the first half and 59 percent for the game. Without a true point guard, Stanford ranks near the bottom of the league in assists. The Cardinal (14-5, 5-2 Pac-12) enjoyed their hottest shooting half in seven years and led 51-41 at the break. [...] coach Johnny Dawkins said it was the second half that was one of the team’s best of the season, mainly at the defensive end. [...] you have to really try to focus in on that in the second half and make sure you try to do your best to identify where they are on the floor and hopefully slow them down some. [...] our guys did. Washington, ranked No.