Terry, Wildcats specialize in the theft of basketballs

Tanith L. Balaban Arizona Daily Wildcat UA sophomore Jason Terry (31) passes the ball against Washington State last week. Terry is two steals shy of breaking Reggie Geary and Kenny Lofton's single-season steals record of 67.

With two games remaining in the regular season, the Wildcats have already eclipsed the top mark in steals for an Arizona team.

With 296 steals this season, the Wildcats bested the 285 steals record set by the 1993-94 Final Four team.

"Our team is most effective when we extend the defense," UA head coach Lute Olson said. "Our team quickness creates the opportunities on the other end and turns into a good number of steals for us."

UA's average of 11.52 steals per game tops all other Pacific 10 Conference teams by at least one steal per game. The average also ranks as the highest in Wildcat history, breaking the previous record of 8.52, which was set in the 1988-89 season.

Arizona has three players that should rewrite the record books finishing first, second and third in team history in steals per game. Sophomore guard Jason Terry leads the trio with a 2.52 average, followed by freshman guard Mike Bibby (2.32 per game) and junior forward Bennett Davison (2.12 per game).

Terry has his own aspirations for this season's record books. After Sunday's win against Washington, Terry trails Reggie Geary and Kenny Lofton's single-season steal record of 67 by two.

Terry has accumulated his 65 thefts in just 26 games. With two games to play this weekend and however many games Arizona plays in the NCAA Tournament, Terry could break the record and then some.

Consider also, that it took current co-record holders Geary and Lofton 33 games to notch their total.

"Breaking the overall steals record was a goal for me when I came in as a freshman," said Terry, whose 84 steals still trails Geary's career mark of 208. "After this season, I think I should be in a good position to break it. I think about the single season record all the time, but I can't let that affect the way I play with the team. Our number one goal is to win games, not get steals."

Arizona is looking to involve its post-players more in the offense in preparation for the NCAA tournament.

"I think if we can turn it up for the tournament, other teams won't be able to key on our perimeter guys," UA sophomore center A.J. Bramlett. "Our play will be key for the tournament."

UA averages 210 pounds at the center position, which iis small when compared to the national average. But lately, the Wildcat front court has been using their size disadvantage as an asset.

Against Washington's Todd MacCulloch who stands 7-feet, 270 pounds, Bramlett, Donnel Harris and Eugene Edgerson used their quick feet to force the Husky big man into compromising positions.

"Most guys have about 50 pounds on Donnell and I, but we are a lot quicker," Bramlett said. "(Assistant coach Phil Johnson) has been putting in some new plays for us in the last couple of games that has allowed us to get in the flow early. And I think that has helped our confidence."

Junior forward Michael Dickerson was named the Pac-10 player of the week on Monday.

Dickerson averaged 29.5 points, six rebounds and three assists in a sweep of the Washington schools. The 6-foot, 5-inch forward tied his career-high 32 points and added five rebounds and three assists in a 100-86 win over Washington State.

"It is an honor for me to get that award," Dickerson said. "It makes it look like I've done something good."

In a 103-82 victory over the Huskies, Dickerson scored 27 points with seven rebounds.

For the week, Dickerson made 23 of 46 field goals and 8 of 16 from three-point range.