Basketball seasons come to rolling close

Ian Mayer Arizona Daily Wildcat Former UA point guard Mike Bibby signs an autograph for 12-year-old Timothy Ford during last night's "Lame for a Game" at the Tucson Convention Center. Bibby, who announced he is leaving UA for the NBA yesterday, watched the first half of the annual game between the Wildcats and Wildchairs from the sidelines.

UA's contest against the Wildchairs, which was held at the Tucson Convention Center, started off a little shaky for the Wildcats when sophomore Lisa Griffith had to jump out of her chair to avoid running over the Arizona cheerleaders in front of an estimated 4500 fans.

But after that, the fun didn't stop until the buzzer went off with the scoreboard lights reading 48-42 in favor of the Wildcats.

"I think this is so much fun," UA women's head coach Joan Bonvicini said. "As basketball players, we take things for granted, so this is a great opportunity to play against great basketball players who just happen to be in wheelchairs."

Even though Mike Bibby did not play, his presence was felt as he signed autographs and allowed three kids to sit with him on the bench during the first half. During halftime, Mojo and Betsy of KRQ bid congratulations, farewell and thank you to the NBA-bound star.

Fans, smiled throughout the game as Wilbur the Wildcat roamed around with a super soaker in hand and players shot silly string at each other.

Bonvicini had the pleasure of having an esteemed colleague at her side to help her coach in Josh Pastner.

"I guess I'm a player/coach/analyst," said Pastner, who even showed a little bit of nerves before the game.

"It's going to be tough and I have to blame that on myself for not getting the team prepared enough," he said.

Wildchair head coach Rudy Gallego led the charge for his team, who suffered a second-straight loss to the Wildcats.

"It's a lot of fun, even though we lost," Gallego said. "They're such great athletes and our guys are just learning to play."

The silly string fiasco started when a Wildchair player tried to control sophomore Eugene Edgerson's moves by sliming him with the string. After that, Wilbur came in with a super soaker.

Then, senior Adia Barnes attacked the referees with the super soaker, Reshea Bristol got tagged with the string and Lisa Griffith slimed the public address announcer. The head ref even had the guts to soak Bonvicini.

"It's really fun, it is just a good time and I know the crowd had a great time," Wildchair player Carrie Baber said.

Edgerson capped off the night when he jumped out of his seat for a tomahawk jam. Proceeds from the game benefit UA's Center for Disability Related Resources.

"It makes you feel good personally," Edgerson said. "Anytime you can do something for charity, it makes you feel like a better person."