While everyone was concentrating on the upcoming basketball game against No. 3 Utah, it seemed no one had stopped to think that Marathon actually wanted to win.

In fact, if it weren't for UA forward Bennett Davison, Arizona may have found itself with one of its most embarrassing home losses in years. Davison scored a career-high 21 points and pulled down eight rebounds, and as a result he earned a starting spot in Saturday's game against Utah.

"Bennett is active and makes some things happen just because he plays hard," UA head coach Lute Olson said. "There are what-did-he-do-type times that drive you a little bit nuts, but at least he's going at you all the time."

It was Davison that seemed to get the almost non-existent crowd excited. His rim-rocking slam dunks in the first half helped the Wildcats stay in the game.

Arizona forward Michael Dickerson summed up Davison's game.

"Bennett played well, and he's capable of playing like that all the time," Dickerson said. "He's got to get his head in the game. Once he gets his head in the game, he's real good. He can jump high. He's an exciting player."

Davison was more critical of his performance.

"I'm still learning," Davison said. "If you go out there and dog it you will sit next to the coach and he'll tell you what you're doing wrong. "

Much has been expected of the junior college player of the year from 1996, but Davison's play so far has been undramatic. He was not a factor in Arizona's seven-point loss to New Mexico last weekend, but after last night's performance, that could be the exception and not the rule.

"Bennett will start against Utah, and A.J. (Bramlett) and Donnell (Harris) will compete in practice to see who starts in the five spot," Olson said. "We definitely need to get the maximum amount of time out of Bennett, and by starting him we can get that kind of time. He has definitely earned that position and I think he'll get better and better as we go along."

The lack of intensity in practice could be to blame for Davison's lack of starting time.

"I'm more of a game player and I need to become a better practice player," Davison said. "That's what all coaches like and that's where you prove yourself."

Against Utah it could very well be Davison's job to guard All-American Keith Van Horn. His work will be cut out for him.

"I think Utah will be a good test for us," Davison said. "We haven't watched any tapes, but we probably will watch them tonight, the way we played. We just have to get ready and keep the intensity up."

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