Homecoming spoiled for UA players

Sanford scored 18 of his 26 points in the second half, and Washington upset No. 10 Arizona 92-88 Sunday.

Michael Dickerson and Jason Terry, both Washington state natives, returned home to Seattle and each scored 23 points in the loss.

''It's fun to come back home for a game, but I wish we could have come away with a win,'' Dickerson said. ''You have to give Washington credit. They came out to play and hit almost all of their shots.''

Washington (12-5, 5-4 Pac-10) shot 59 percent, its best in 76 games since March 3, 1994, also against Arizona.

''That was a really good win for us,'' Huskies coach Bob Bender said. ''It's just the end of the first half of the season and we finished with a winning record at 5-4. This is the time of the year that we have to show our greatest improvement. Now we need the finish the season like we're capable of.''

Terry hit 10-of-12 shots. Dickerson made only 8-of-24, but his 3-pointer with 24 seconds remaining brought Arizona (13-5, 6-3 Pac-10) within 90-88.

Sanford then made two free throws with 16 seconds left for the final margin as the Huskies remained undefeated in nine home games this season.

Todd MacCulloch shot 8-for-9 for the Huskies. Sanford was 9-for-18 from the field and 8-for-10 from the foul line.

Sanford, the Huskies leading scorer at 16.4 points per game, passed the 25-point mark for the second consecutive game.

''We knew going into the game that we needed everyone to step up and contribute,'' Sanford said. ''Arizona is too good of a team to not be ready for. We were ready for the challenge.''

Sophomore guard Donald Watts had 15 points and six assists. MacCulloch scored 14 of his 16 points in the first half, getting 10 points during a 13-2 run.

''They were able to get a lot of good looks at the basket,'' Arizona coach Lute Olson said. ''We really struggled on offense and they played awfully good.''

Washington's 92 points were the most allowed by Arizona this season.