In many ways, Washington's 80-79 overtime victory over Arizona last night at McKale Center was similar to Neil Armstrong's first step on the moon.

For the Husky program it was a giant leap - for the Husky players, it was only a small step.

"This game puts us one step closer to our goal of having a winning season," Washington senior guard Jason Hamilton said in a low-key locker room after the game, "but I don't want to blow it up. You take the good with the bad, and tonight we had the good."

The victory over Arizona may be a turning point for the Huskies. The team came in with a 12-4 overall record and a share of third place in the Pacific 10 Conference, but with few believing they could actually slay the giants in their own home.

"The important thing is that the players are beginning to believe in themselves," Washington head coach Bob Bender said. "To win in here is something special, and the only group who can make that happen is the players."

It's been a long time since any Washington players have seen a win at McKale Center - 11 years in fact. The Huskies broke Arizona's 11-game home win streak and their own 15-game overall losing streak in the state of Arizona. In the process, Washington (13-4 overall and 6-2 in the Pac-10) matched its best start since 1984.

"As a team I think we deserved to win," Hamilton said. "It was a big win for us, but we try to keep it in perspective."

The Huskies allowed themselves only a moment of elation after the game before they regained their focus. The locker room was that of a team used to winning, not filled with the hype and hoopla of an underdog victor that had achieved its highest point in many seasons.

"We believed from the minute we stepped on the plane that we could win this game," Washington senior guard Bryant Boston said. "We each played our role. I just went out there and tried to provide senior leadership."

Role playing is perhaps what the Huskies best exemplify. Their unselfishness, their hustle, their team focus and balanced attack kept them in the game despite playing in one of the most intimidating arenas in the Pac-10.

"They got every loose ball and rebound, I didn't get a clear look at the basket the whole night," said Arizona forward Joe McLean. "They are definitely one of the top teams in the conference."

Each member played a critical role, whether it was senior guard Jason Hamilton's big three-point basket in overtime or senior Jason Hartman's 18 points off the bench and intentionally missed free throw at the end of the game. Each player did what it took to win.

Washington standout sophomore forward Mark Sanford finished the game with only 10 points, 8.7 below his average, but summed up his team's attitude.

"We make our game plan as the game goes on," Sanford said. "If I'm not hitting shots, then let someone else make the plays.