Named a projected 1-seed within the upcoming NCAA Match, the Arizona Wildcats might have finalized their place with an enormous street 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 recreation 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) might have already achieved 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 street win over Houston
The Wildcats largely managed the huge regular-season showdown between Massive 12 heavyweights, main for 36 minutes and 30 seconds and promptly occurring a 12-0 second-half run after the Cougars took a 50-48 lead.
Arizona stymied Houston defensively, holding it 11.8 factors under 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 recreation 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.
