Early lead, early defense carry UA to home victory

The No.11 UA men's basketball team built a big, early lead on the heels of its defense and cruised to a 80-69 victory over San Diego in the first round of the preseason National Invitational Tournament last night in McKale Center.

With the win, Arizona advances to the second round and to host Wright State in McKale tomorrow at 7 p.m.

The UA defense shut out the Toreros for 6:49 of the first half and allowed just two points over an 8:50 span of its season opener. Arizona went on a 16-0 spurt over that span to take a 30-10 lead with 4:58 left in the half. San Diego fought back, but never seriously threatened the Arizona lead. [Read article]

Tale of two halves: 'D' key to UA NIT success

It may only be the preseason NIT in this instance, but the UA men's basketball team showed during the its season-opening victory over San Diego last night that the team is capable of playing the kind of defense head coach Lute Olson stressed during preseason practice - for one half at least.

Last season, Arizona held opponents to 78.5 points per game, good for eighth in the Pacific 10 Conference. [Read article]

The No. 24 Arizona women's basketball team (2-0) might be looking to settle old scores as they take on No. 10 Ohio State in the semifinals of the preseason Women's National Invitational Tournament in Columbus, Ohio, today at 5 p.m.

In the last contest between the two schools on Dec. 15, 2002, the Wildcats were brought down by the Buckeyes, 84-65. Arizona was triumphant in the first meeting between the two schools as it won 90-76 on Nov. 21, 2001, at McKale Center. [Read article]

It can be heard loudly at every game, and every UA men's lacrosse team practice.

The Laxcats recognize the voice immediately because of the loud, thick New York accent, and it's a sound they've each grown to love.

As they turn toward the bench they see a man walking toward them wearing one red shoe and one blue shoe, hair dyed red and blue.

"Oh yeah!" yells the UA program's eager patriarch. [Read article]

Off week offers chance to regroup

With intrastate rival Arizona State as the only team left on the Wildcats' 2004 Schedule, the UA football team has an extra week to prepare for the Sun Devils.

Traditionally, both schools have two weeks to get ready for the battle for the Territorial Cup.

Head coach Mike Stoops said it would help in preparing for the No. 20 Sun Devils with getting to look at their opponent that much more. [Read article]

The Arizona women's golf team finished third in the Hooters Colligate Match Play Championship yesterday after defeating Oklahoma 3-2 in Howey-In-The-Hills, Fla.

Juniors Cassandra Kirkland, Whitney Welch and Lani Elston were all victorious for the Wildcats in their final fall tournament.

Arizona fell to No. 1 seed Duke 3-2 on Monday after defeating Washington 3-1-1 earlier in the day. Senior Mar Garcia won both her matches on the day, but the Wildcats could only muster two wins against the Blue Devils. [Read article]