Named a projected 1-seed within the upcoming NCAA Match, the Arizona Wildcats could have finalized their place with an enormous highway win over the conference-rival Houston Cougars.
The Related Press No. 4 group within the nation defeated No. 2 Houston (23-4, 11-3 in Massive 12), 73-66, giving it an eleventh Quad 1 victory, which is tied for essentially the most in Division I with the winner of Saturday night’s sport between the No. 1 Michigan Wolverines (25-1, 15-1 in Massive Ten) and No. 3 Duke Blue Devils (24-2, 13-1 in ACC).
With a sterling resume, Arizona (25-2, 12-2 in Massive 12) could have already accomplished sufficient to safe a 1-seed for the eighth time in program historical past and first since coach Tommy Lloyd’s first season.
Arizona solidifies case for 1-seed with highway win over Houston
The Wildcats largely managed the large regular-season showdown between Massive 12 heavyweights, main for 36 minutes and 30 seconds and promptly happening a 12-0 second-half run after the Cougars took a 50-48 lead.
Arizona stymied Houston defensively, holding it 11.8 factors beneath its season common getting into Saturday. The Cougars shot 35.7 p.c, their worst since Nov. 26.
The win was made much more spectacular contemplating the Wildcats had been with out sensational freshman Koa Peat, who missed his second consecutive sport with a strained leg muscle. Arizona proved its depth, with senior guard Anthony Dell’Orso coming off the bench to steer the group with 22 factors and 4 of its 9 steals.
