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Women begin title run in L.A.

The UA women's basketball team put themselves into position to win the Pacific 10 Conference outright last weekend. That quest for the Wildcats begins tonight in Los Angeles against Southern California.

At 9-2 in conference action (20-3 overall), if the Wildcats win their last seven games, they are guaranteed to be rewarded with the Pac-10 crown.

"We're now in control of our own destiny and only seven games away from reaching one of our team goals," senior guard Lisa Griffith said. "To take the title home, we've got to play nearly flawless basketball and that all begins this weekend."

The first few steps in their quest are not simple, UA coaches and players said.

"It is important that we do not overlook USC because they can make good runs at times," Griffith said. "Though we play UCLA this weekend as well, we need to come out with good defense and hit shots on offense, so we don't become a part of their upset streak."

Senior forward Tatum Brown agreed.

"We all are very excited about making this trip, but the key to returning home on Sunday with two victories is not to get over-excited about either of the two games, especially this first one," she said.

Last Saturday, USC ended a three-game skid by upsetting then No. 20 UCLA 73-69 at home. The victory improved USC's home record to 7-2, despite maintaining a season record that wallows below the .500 mark (9-11 overall, 4-6 Pac-10).

"From what their record reflects, USC is certainly a tough team to play at home and we are aware of that, but counter that with the fact that we've been playing great basketball on the road," Bonvicini said.

Senior forward Angela Lackey led the Wildcats' in the team's last outing against USC. She came off the bench to pour in 23 points in UA's 67-52 victory in a game that Griffith said the Wildcats could have put forth a bit more effort.

She commented that while they downed USC by 15, the Wildcats need to play more inspired and command all facets of the game.

"We have great depth and it's tough for teams to cover us because of that," Griffith said. "But this game is just as important as any other and we need to be fired up. Taking USC lightly can cost us, so we'll be prepared."

Keith Carmona can be reached at Keith.Carmona@wildcat.arizona.edu.