Griffith returns home as UA takes on Oregon schools

Nicholas Valenzuela Arizona Daily Wildcat Junior guard Lisa Griffith (3) passes the ball under the arm of a Washington defender during a game on Feb. 4 at McKale Center. The Wildcats face off against Oregon State today in Corvallis, Ore.

Arizona has won seven of its last eight games, with four straight victories. Game time tonight is at 7:05, and at 1 p.m. Sunday.

The last time Arizona faced the Beavers, the Wildcats set a school record for free throws made (37) and attempted (46) in a 91-60 win at McKale Center.

"Oregon State is a young team," head coach Joan Bonvicini said. "They didn't play very good down here, but when you break it down, it was a real choppy game even though we won by a lot."

Junior forward Angela Lackey leads Arizona with 13.7 points per game. Junior guard Felecity Willis is averaging 12.1 points.

On Sunday, Arizona faces No. 18 Oregon at McArthur Court, where the Ducks defeated Pacific 10 Conference leader UCLA last week. Oregon is 12-1 at home.

"Playing at Mac Court is hard because it's like playing in a pit, with all the fans on top of you and it gets really hard," UA junior guard Lisa Griffith said. "Oregon has some great support."

Griffith is a native of Portland, Ore. She attended St. Mary's Academy in Portland, and will be returning home for the weekend.

"It's always really exciting because I get to see and play in front of my friends and family," Griffith said.

While the chances of Arizona getting a bid to the NCAA Tournament next month are looking good because of the team's recent play, this weekend is important.

"Us and Oregon have contrasting styles," Bonvicini said. "They like to slow down the tempo, we like to speed it up.

"They're going to have a huge crowd in Eugene. It's a big game, and it's their last home game. They'll be honoring their seniors."

Bryan Rosenbaum can be reached at Bryan.Rosenbaum@wildcat.arizona.edu.