Paced by freshman Iguodala's 18 points, Arizona crushes lifeless UCLA by 36 at home

After two disappointing wins, Arizona wanted to show the rest of the nation that it's not just the No. 1 team in the nation by default.

For UCLA it could have been a season- making game, but it ended up being a statement game for Arizona as the Wildcats routed the Bruins 106-70.

"I thought we played very well tonight," senior point guard Jason Gardner said. "In the first half, we didn't play as well, but in the second half we did play very well. It's a big confidence booster." [Read article]

Bruins' lame-duck leader looks to end tenure on high note

It's been a tough season for UCLA head coach Steve Lavin, but last night's embarrassment in Tucson might take the cake.

As the still-slick haired coach was walking into the media room he stopped and asked for a drink from his media relations guy. He first asked if they had any Schlitz, then changed his mind as asked if they had any Jack Daniels, then made a final request of strychnine. [Read article]

The Wildcats make their final road trip of the regular season when they take on the UCLA Bruins tonight in Pauley Pavilion at 6.

This is the third time in the last four weeks that Arizona (16-6, 9-4) has played on the road.

Though the road has not been kind for the Wildcats, head coach Joan Bonvicini said this is an important series before the home stretch to finish the season.

"We control our own destiny," Bonvicini said. "We need to win some more games (over the last part of the season)." [Read article]

The softball program that UA head coach Mike Candrea molded 17 years ago is simple: it wins championships.

It brings NCAA and Pacific 10 Conference titles home to Tucson.

The nation acknowledges UA players as being the best in the game through the numerous accolades they're rewarded.

So it was no surprise that another award came Arizona's way this week.

Senior shortstop Lovieanne Jung was named the Pac-10 ÷ Player of the Week for Feb. 3. [Read article]

Today is supposed to be a day of love, but in the past Utah has given no love to Arizona gymnastics.

In the team's 47 meetings, the Utes have won all 47.

"We've come so close," said UA head coach Bill Ryden about tonight's opponent. "We gave them a run for their money at Utah last year. We've always competed very well against them and have nothing but respect for their program."

Even though the No. 13 Gymcats lost at No. 2 Utah last season, Ryden said he saw the meet as a stepping stone for his young team. On the beam, UA used five freshmen öö Monica Bisordi, Jamie Duce, Kristine Harper, Katie Johnson and Stevie Fanning öö along with senior Randi Liljenquist. [Read article]

The Arizona baseball team has had to deal with more than just baseball the last two weeks ÷ mainly the Apache influenza.

However, all players on the Wildcats' (3-3) roster made the trip to California to take on UC Irvine starting tonight.

Freshmen Nick Hundley, Derek Decater and John Maloan, who all live on the same floor of the Apache-Santa Cruz Residence Hall, became ill during last week's practice and missed the Baylor series. [Read article]

Sometimes it's hard to tell what team will show up after a two-week layoff from competition öö an out-of-tune team, or a well-rested one.

UA women's head coach Vicky Maes hopes for the latter for the 16th-ranked Wildcats. Arizona (2-0) returns to the court to open up its Pacific 10 Conference schedule this afternoon against No. 51 Oregon (7-1).

The Wildcats' match with the Ducks marks the first time they have taken the court since they defeated Marquette 6-1 two weeks ago. [Read article]

Arizona ends home season with matchup against Arizona State

There will be no storming the pool if the Arizona men's and women's swim and dive teams defeat rival Arizona State this Saturday at Hillenbrand Aquatic Center.

Despite the fact that ASU beat the Wildcats last year, the revenge factor is not on the minds of the Wildcats, as they are more interested in preparing for the championship meets that are fast approaching. [Read article]

UA track and field athletes will get their last chance to qualify for post-season play this weekend when the Wildcats travel north to Flagstaff to battle in-state rivals Arizona State and Northern Arizona University.

Saturday's dual meet will be a final tune-up before the indoor Mountain Pacific Conference Championships Feb. 21-22. Already with a strong indoor season, the 20th-ranked Wildcats look to qualify a few more athletes for the postseason while staying sharp for the upcoming championships in Boise, Idaho. [Read article]

In a matchup of the highest combination of USLIA ranked teams so far in the young season, the Arizona men's lacrosse team hosts No. 2 Colorado State tomorrow.

The Laxcats (2-0, 2-0) will step out of Western Collegiate Lacrosse League action to face off against No. 2 Colorado State, which fell in the national championship game to top-ranked Sonoma State.

Not only does UA senior attackman Tom Ghaney think that Colorado State is among the nation's best, but he thinks they should be the top-ranked team. [Read article]

Taking a break from SoCal Rugby Conference play, the men's rugby team will host rugby power New Mexico this Saturday at home.

Even though the Lobos (10-2) beat the Wildcats (4-3, 1-1) last year, it is not really a case where Arizona is looking for revenge, head coach Dave Sitton said.

"We don't have a nasty rivalry with New Mexico, we don't play for anything other than getting our teams ready," Sitton said. "We just like to have good games and they're hard games. We want to win at all times." [Read article]