Intensity, toughness keys to success

The No. 12 Arizona basketball team has had trouble playing in empty buildings in recent years, especially in the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena.

This time, they say they feel ready for the squeaking of shoes and the sound of the ball bouncing, as the Wildcats (19-4, 9-2 Pacific 10 Conference) take on struggling Southern California (9-13, 2-9) tonight in Los Angeles. [Read article]

The Arizona women's basketball team faces off in one of its most critical games of the season when they take on UCLA today at 7 p.m. in McKale Center.

Arizona (15-8, 7-5 Pacific 10 Conference) sits fifth in the Pac-10. The Bruins are third with a 15-7 mark overall and a 9-4 conference record.

"The big thing is we control our own destiny," said UA head coach Joan Bonvicini. "We need to really come with great intensity and take care of business here." [Read article]

The Arizona softball team reached the top spot in Tuesday's ESPN.com/USA Softball national poll. The Wildcats swept their opponents in Tucson last weekend in the Pepsi Arizona Softball Classic.

UA (5-0) tied with previous No. 1 California, earning 10 first-place votes and 489 points overall. The Bears (1-0) visit Hillenbrand Stadium for two games April 2-3.

UA assistant coach Larry Ray downplayed the team's early rise. [Read article]

Southern California's season has not been an easy one.

Just before the season began, sophomore point guard Rodrick Stewart decided to transfer. One month later, just four games into the season, head coach Henry Bibby was fired. Jim Saia took over on an interim basis, and USC hired Rick Majerus, who held the job all of five days before he resigned. Now, Tim Floyd will take over the team next season. [Read article]

The Arizona women's golf team began its spring season with a ninth-place finish at the Northrop Grumman Regional Challenge in Palos Verdes Estates, Calif.

The Wildcats shot a 71-over 923 in the final round yesterday and trailed tournament leader Pepperdine by 27 strokes. The Waves shot a 44-over 896. Pacific 10 Conference foe UCLA finished second, shooting a 46-over 898, while Duke finished third with a 48-over 900. [Read article]