The Arizona men's rugby team salvaged a split in San Diego this weekend, upending UC San Diego 54-22 yesterday.
Following a controversial 24-22 loss Friday to San Diego State, the Wildcats took out their frustrations against the Torreros, scoring four straight tries to put the game away in the second half.
Junior half back Ben Rubke led Arizona with two tries, while senior center Nate Eggman and junior fullback Aaron Land also scored tries to secure the victory.
Friday's game was marred by what UA head coach Dave Sitton called questionable officiating. With the Wildcats ahead 22-10 with ten minutes remaining, senior flyhalf Andrew Brischke was yellow-carded, forfeiting possession to the Tritons.
Arizona subsequently gave up two tries, including the game-winner with mere moments remaining.
"In the first half we wasted a lot of scoring opportunities, mishandling the ball, and making poor decisions inside the red zone," Sitton said. "[But] we had what I thought was a reasonable lead, 22-10, with about 10 minutes remaining.
"We proved that we couldn't overcome some very questionable calls."
Because of injuries suffered against the Tritons, the Wildcats were forced to move or withhold four starters against San Diego. Sophomore wing Marcus Johnson sat out due to a hamstring injury, and junior center Justin Kunz was moved to fly half for yesterday's match.
With their victory over the Torreros, Arizona (5-5) snapped a four-game losing streak. The team returns home March 5 to face its first of three remaining league games against Long Beach State.
"There was no way, looking at the schedule this year, I would have thought we would have found ourselves in the midst of a four-game losing streak," Sitton said. "Our guys saw that and just got fed up with it."
The team ends its regular season March 12 in Tempe when it visits rival Arizona State.
"We've got three league games left, and I think it could end up on a very positive note," Sitton said. "I think every one of our guys has the expectation that we should win every single one of the games that we play from this point forward."