Associated Press
Arizona Daily Wildcat
February 27, 1998

Wildcats hold off stubborn Cal for fifth straight win

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP)-Arizona took its time taking care of a pesky California.

"I was definitely waiting for us to pull away," Arizona coach Joan Bonvicini said last night after her team beat the Bears 67-57. "But we were missing too many open shots and too many free throws. Those were the two reasons we didn't put the game away."

Felicity Willis had 10 assists, seven rebounds and five steals as No. 7 Arizona held off for a 67-57 win Thursday night, handing the Bears their 13th straight loss.

Marte Alexander, Adia Barnes and DeAngela Minter all had 12 points as Arizona (19-5, 12-3 Pac-10) won its fifth straight game.

Paige Bowie scored 17 points to lead Cal (5-19, 1-14).

California cut Arizona's lead to 50-46 with an 8-0 run with 7:29 to play.

Bowie then drove for what appeared to be a basket and potential three-point play, but she was called for a charge.

The Wildcats took advantage, scoring the next seven points for a 57-46 lead with 4:55 remaining. Arizona never let Cal closer than seven points after that.

"It's hard to play catch-up when the clock keeps ticking down like that," said Cal coach Marianne Stanley.

The Wildcats had a hard time getting started, trailing 13-8 before their defense took over, forcing 12 turnovers and holding the Bears to 31 percent shooting.

"We'll play better. We need to play better. Which we will," Bonvicini said.

A 14-1 run capped by Willis' free throw with 7:04 left in the half put the Wildcats up 22-14, and they led 33-24 at intermission.

"It still doesn't add up to a win, but we're thrilled about playing a tough team so well," Stanley said.

No. 7 Arizona vs. No. 6 Stanford

(19-5, 12-3 Pac-10)

(18-5, 14-1)

When: Tomorrow at 2 p.m.

Where: Maples Pavilion

TV/Radio: The game will be televised by Fox Sports Net and broadcast on KFFN (1490 AM)

What: Arizona looks to stay in second place in the conference with a home game at UCLA next weekend - Stanford seniors Olympia Scott, Vanessa Nygaard and Heather Owen will be playing their last regular season game in Maples Pavilion .