Green Wave nothing but a ripple

Nicholas Valenzuela Arizona Daily Wildcat UA junior guard Miles Simon shoots over Jerald Honeycutt during yesterday's 7-UP Shootout. Simon had 30 points in UA's 81-62 victory over No. 21 Tulane.

Simon, who stole the show at last season's 7-UP Shootout with a game-winning buzzer beater, was the man again this year. He notched a career-high 30 points and 10 assists in Arizona's (15-5 overall, 7-3 Pacific 10 Conference) 81-62 win over No. 21 Tulane (17-6, 7-1 in Conference USA) yesterday.

"They have a good arena to play in here," Simon said. "There was a good crowd out there for us, so it was just like a home game."

Arizona came out flying in the first half with five dunks in the first seven minutes. But, after a small Tulane run, Arizona found itself only up 16-15 with ten minutes remaining.

It was then that the Wildcats unveiled their newfound secret weapon, the press. After just five minutes of solid, full-court pressure, Arizona had used six Tulane turnovers to increase the lead to 32-17.

"Since we don't have the size, we need to use our quickness to force teams to play our kind of style," UA junior forward Bennett Davison said. "I think by pressing, we can control the tempo and play an up-paced game. And that's better for us."

From about the four minute mark in the first half up to the 18-minute mark in the second, Tulane made their run. Keyed by strong inside play by forwards Rayshard Allen and Lawrence Nelson, the Green Wave cut the lead to just three points.

It was then, however, that Arizona's one man wrecking crew rose to the forefront. After a barrage of three straight three-pointers, Simon used quick hands to force two turnovers to lead the Wildcats to two crowd-jeering dunks. So, with eight minutes remaining Arizona had widened the lead for good to 62-44.

"Basketball is basically a game of momentum. You know that good teams are going to have runs, but you just have to limit them," UA head coach Lute Olson said. "After Tulane had their run in the second half our guys still kept their poise. I think that is what makes a good team."

In addition to Arizona's pressure, Simon's defensive effort on Tulane's Jerald Honeycutt was a big factor in the Wildcats' win. Honeycutt, who leads the team in scoring, rebounding and assists, was held to just four of 13 from the floor for 12 points.

"Miles gave up five inches and 50 pounds, but still would not let Honeycutt get into a rhythm," Olson said. "He allowed us to double-team Honeycutt successfully and limit his touches."

The other factor in Arizona's double-teaming scheme was sophomore center A.J. Bramlett. Bramlett broke out of his passive mold to record the first double-double of his career with 14 points and 10 rebounds.

However, a defensive effort that included two blocked shots and two steals made Bramlett a key performer in yesterday's win.

"With our guards, all the team need from us is for us to come out with intensity," Bramlett said. "I think I've been a little timid in the past, but today I just took what the defense was giving me."

While this game is an important one in the eyes of the tournament committee, it also gives the Wildcats a big boost for Thursday's game against UCLA at McKale Center.

"The games this week are about payback," UA sophomore guard Jason Terry said. "We are not going to let anyone come into our house and beat us."