[4] As a junior, he increased his averages to 15.6 points and 9.1 rebounds,[3] as he earned Second team All-WAC honours,[5] having helped the Lobos win the conference.

[10] Playing in diminished form, he had only 8 points (on 3-for-9 shooting) and 3 rebounds before fouling out, as the Lobos were bested 73–86 by Santa Clara in their own arena The Pit.

He was on better form the next day during the consolation game against New Mexico State, posting 23 points (with a still-record 11 field goals made) and 8 rebounds, though it was again in a losing effort that saw the Lobos finish fourth in the regional qualifier.

[19] It proved to be his solitary game for the Chaparrals as he was waived by the club on 13 November 1971 to make space for Simmie Hill's signing.

Sanford and former Lobos teammate Greg Howard were arrested on 20 June 1972 by federal narcotics agents on charges related to cocaine possession and trafficking.