Simon leads by example in win

Team leader, crowd pleaser, just plain getting it done.

His 22 points, six assists, five steals and two floor dives inspired an Arizona team that was lackluster in the first half.

"Miles is our leader, not just physically, but mentally," head coach Lute Olson said. "He knows and understands the game. If you need to take advantage of something, he'll take advantage. He was outstanding tonight."

After coming out of the locker room with just 30 total points, Arizona was looking for something - anything - to get the offense rolling and the crowd back into the game.

Enter Olson's four-guard lineup and the full-court press. Take ASU's point-guard, Jeremy Veal, who had 19 points the first half, out of the game with foul trouble and add Simon - presto, another Wildcat win.

Simon was the leader of the press and the offensive finisher. His tipped inbounds pass just minutes into the second half turned the momentum in Arizona's favor for the rest of the game. The tip landed in Arizona point guard Mike Bibby's hands at the foul line, who then threw the ball to Jason Terry, who hit Simon with a highlight-reel, behind-the-back pass. Simon got the lay-in, the foul and the standing ovation. The quiet McKale Center crowd let out a deafening roar with Simon leading the cheers.

"I don't know if it is up to me, but I am going to take it upon myself from here on out," Simon said. "The first half was embarrassing. We had to make a stand immediately."