Wildcats' defense stops Oregon

Arizona (12-4 overall, 5-2 in the Pacific 10 Conference) continued its dominance against the Oregon schools by handily defeating Oregon (11-5, 2-5) 88-66 in front of 14,452 fans in McKale Center on Saturday.

"Our defense was the key," UA junior guard Miles Simon said. "I think we contained their shooters pretty much during the game. We also really hit the boards well and were able to hit some key shots."

For the game the Wildcats held the Ducks to 43.9 percent shooting and a disappointing 6-for-23 from the three-point line.

Beginning in the first half, Arizona let the Ducks know that Thursday's night's blow-out win over Oregon State was no fluke. The Wildcats held Oregon to just six points in the first 12 minutes and out-rebounded them, 15-4.

While the Ducks managed to keep pace with the Wildcats over the next nine minutes, the shooting of freshman guard Mike Bibby proved too potent. In the last two minutes, Bibby rattled off seven points to give Arizona a 37-23 halftime lead.

"I think we came out and played hard tonight from the start," Bibby said. "I've been trying to work on my shooting and penetration in practice, so I'm going to try and open games up more and try and get everybody to push the ball more."

Another key to Arizona's first half success was the defensive pressure on Oregon point guard Kenya Wilkins. Wilkins, who finished the game with seven turnovers, scored only four points and was limited to just two assists.

"I can't remember a time when Kenya has had seven turnovers," Oregon coach Jerry Green said. "I think that's a big credit to Arizona's defensive intensity and quickness."

UA junior forward Michael Dickerson used his size and quickness to limit the opportunities of the 5-foot-10 Wilkins.

"I had to worry more about him penetrating the lane and dishing it off then him taking the shot," Dickerson said. "I think my size really helped me, and I feel I have enough quickness to keep up with guards of his ability."

The second half saw Oregon chip Arizona's lead down to seven at one point, but Arizona's quick hands on defense helped create some easy offensive opportunities and finish off the Ducks.

"When they made their run at us, I thought our defense was intense and (Jason Terry) forced some turnovers and gave us the opportunity to put them away," UA coach Lute Olson said. "What people have to realize is that when we play well, we play well defensively."

The Wildcats finished the game with five players in double figures in scoring. This reinforced their strategy of just taking the open shot, no matter who is out there.

"I think it really helps us to have that many people in double figures," Simon said. "Last season a lot of our success was based on five guys going out there with the ability to score, and I think we have that again this season."

Dickerson led the Wildcats with 20 points, with Bibby close behind at 19 points plus eight assists. While Simon only scored 11 points, he finished with nine assists. His unselfishness helped Arizona shoot 71 percent from the field in the second half.

"Our shooting in the second half was not because we suddenly turned into great shooters," Olson said. "We just moved without the ball and took good shots. Miles was a prime example of this. His shots were not falling so he used his good court vision to get others involved."

With the Wildcats facing some tough Washington post-players next Saturday, it was encouraging to see Arizona's play in the post against Oregon's big-man, Kyle Milling.

"With four guys rotating in those two spots, I think we really tired their big guys," Olson said. "It's difficult for someone like Milling, who has to play so many minutes, and he seemed to tire in the last five minutes."