Edgerson does dirty work for Wildcats

Gene Edgerson is a no-holds-barred, get down and dirty rebounder.

The sophomore power forward lived up to his blue collar image Saturday night, collecting a career-high 13 rebounds - 11 defensive - in 21 minutes as the Wildcats utilized the spark he provided from the bench to defeat Washington State 83-61 at McKale Center. Edgerson's previous career-high was 12 against Morgan State in the season opener.

"This was my type of game," Edgerson said. "Nothing went right for us. We weren't making our shots, and we weren't moving without the ball. Rebounding was my thing tonight because not too many shots went in."

It was not just rebounding that Edgerson provided.

"Tonight, I felt it was my best defensive performance," Edgerson said.

His trademark kneepads took a beating while he did the things that do not show up in a box score. He was diving after loose balls, on the floor when he needed to wrestle a ball away, cutting off the lane, taking the charge, and providing double team coverage on the Cougars' Carlos Daniel, who managed only 3 for 13 from the field.

"You can bet that when there is someone going to the baseline, Gene is going to be there to shut them off," Arizona head coach Lute Olson said.

"He just attacked the ball," senior guard Miles Simon said. "He went after every ball that was in the air."

There were a lot of balls for Edgerson to go after. Washington State only managed to shoot 38.7 percent from the field, while the Wildcats were not exactly their red-hot selves, shooting 49.2 percent for the game, 40 percent in the first half.

"I just had to get in the game and do my job," Edgerson said.

Edgerson has come to understand and accept the role he plays on this high-octane scoring squad.

"We have too many scorers," Edgerson said. "I do not need to score."

"Gene takes pride in what he does," junior guard Jason Terry said. "When he gets 13 boards, that is like a 20 point game for him."