KEVIN KLAUS/Arizona Daily Wildcat Junior forward Luke Walton battles a USC defender for a rebound earlier this month in McKale Center. Walton and the Wildcats square off against the Golden Bears in Berkeley, Calif. tonight.

Cats look to avoid first three-game losing streak since 1992

The stakes just keep getting higher with each game the Wildcats play.

Though players and coaches alike say they do not feel tonight's game at California and Saturday's matchup at Stanford are make-or-break, there is a sense of urgency around Arizona's most important weekend-to-date following two straight losses.

"I don't think it will make or break us," junior forward Luke Walton said. "If we dwell (on our losing streak), we are going to get killed."

With No. 18 Arizona's three conference losses and current two-game losing streak, the Wildcats would seem to be in a bit of trouble in the race for the Pacific 10 Conference title.

But with conference-leading Southern California losing to Cal last week, Arizona is just one game out of first place in a very tight conference race that features six teams with three or fewer losses.

UA head coach Lute Olson said he knows any more slip-ups could end Arizona's chances at the Pac-10 crown.

"It is going to be a challenging road trip," Olson said. "We are facing two teams that have been tremendous at home."

Not only are the Wildcats (13-6, 6-3) heading to two of the toughest places in the Pac-10 to play, but the team's recent lack of first-half energy has Olson a bit uneasy.

Arizona is just 4-6 in games when they trail at the 10- minute mark of the first half. The Wildcats are 9-0 when they are leading.

"It's not the pressure," freshman guard Salim Stoudamire said. "We don't know why, we haven't figured it out yet. We have to be better with our movement. We need to be in attack mode. Every game from now on is pivotal."

Olson said he is also unsure about how to rectify the team's sluggish starts.

"It is frustrating," Olson said. "There is no question we have some guys that have become better players in the second half. It doesn't make much sense to be fresh in the first half and get better in the second half. Maybe we will do some sprints before the start."

Preventing a slow start is vital for Arizona's success as it takes on a Cal (14-4, 5-3) team that has not lost at home this season.

"Cal plays really well at (Haas Pavilion)," Olson said. "The crowd will be a huge factor. They turn up the defense a notch when they are at home and run the break better."

Led by forward Joe Shipp, the Golden Bears are coming off a road split with the Los Angeles schools.

In a 92-91 win over No. 22 USC, Shipp tossed in 20 points. In the loss to No. 13 UCLA, the junior managed 15 points on a poor shooting night.

Olson said Shipp will be one of the focal points of the Wildcat defensive game plan.

"(Cal) is quick and they have an inside presence," Olson said. "They have a nice combination of shooters and slashers. (Junior guard/forward) Brian Wethers is a guy that can get to the bucket. Shipp is a guy that can really hurt you from outside."

Tip-off in Berkeley is tonight at 8.