UA back on track after win over ASU

Arizona Daily Wildcat KAREN TULLY/Arizona Daily Wildcat Freshman center Elizabeth Pickney (45) drives through Arizona State's defense during Saturday's game at McKale Center. Pickney had 14 points and five rebounds in the Wildcats' 70-61 victory over the Sun Devils.

Arizona 70

ASU 61

While the Arizona State Sun Devils have not had much to celebrate in recent years when it comes to playing Arizona in basketball, this weekend showed that the rivalry is alive and well.

Saturday, the UA women defeated ASU 70-61 at McKale Center, on the heels of the men's team's 74-73 victory over ASU in Tempe Thursday night.

Junior forward Angela Lackey led the Wildcats (7-7 overall, 2-3 Pacific 10 Conference) with 18 points, followed by freshman center Elizabeth Pickney, who had 14 points. Both had five rebounds.

"In previous years, we were able to put them away early," said junior guard Felecity Willis, who had 10 points. "This time we let them stay in it longer."

UA head coach Joan Bonvicini threw the teams' records out the window, saying records are meaningless when a team plays its rival.

"For us, this was a huge game," she said. "We needed to win, and it was against our rival. It was a real gut-check."

Sophomore guard Reshea Bristol had seven rebounds and nine points, junior guard Lisa Griffith had nine points and freshman guard Julie Brase had eight points.

"This game brings out the best and worst in each team. At times, it wasn't pretty," Bonvicini said. "Down the stretch, we finally started playing tough defense. It was back and forth the whole way, up until the last two minutes."

Junior forward Tatum Brown did not play because of academic reasons, leaving Arizona's bench only four-deep.

"I wouldn't say it was harder out there without her," Pickney said. "Angie Lackey had a great game. By starting, I think she plays better."

Lackey had been coming off the bench because Arizona has been starting three guards, but filled in for Brown on Saturday. Bonvicini said she will know by mid-week if Brown will be playing in this weekend's games against the Oregon schools.

Lackey said that it was important to make an impact on the game.

"I knew if I didn't play hard, I wouldn't play at all," she said. "Coach B really pressured us to press hard, not give up and play with heart."