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SUNDAY, MARCH 21, 2021 • SECTION C

Editor: Ryan Finley / [email protected]

WILDCATS READY TO STEP UP In first ‘Big Dance’ in 16 years, McDonald and UA are hoping for five-encore performance

PHOTO BY MAMTA POPAT / ARIZONA DAILY STAR

Arizona is dancing again, Greg Hansen: Equity takes Cats’ Conner ready for first SPORTS SECTION and it’s Aari-eally big deal center stage at tournament tournament game at age 17 STARTS ON C13 After COVID-19 canceled 2020 tourney, Things are better in 2021, but — as scandals Sharpshooting guard enrolled at the UA in GotoPageC13toreaduponSaturday’s UA’s star ready for national stage. C4 show — there’s still room to improve. C8 January with hopes of helping in March. C10 high school state title games, men’s NCAA Tournament results and more. C2 NCAA EXTRA SUNDAY, MARCH 21, 2021 / ARIZONA DAILY STAR

KELLY PRESNELL / ARIZONA DAILY STAR 2020 Aari McDonald beats the drum to celebrate the Wildcats’ Dec. 10 win over Arizona State in McKale Center. The Wildcats open NCAA Tournament play on Monday against Stony Brook. MIX OF VETERANS, NEWCOMERS LEAD CATS INTO TOURNEY

Trinity Derin Bendu Baptiste Erdogan Yeaney Senior, No. 0 Freshman, No. 10 Junior, No. 23 Position: Forward Position: Guard Position: Guard Height: 6-0 Height: 5-6 Height: 5-10 Hometown (high school): Tampa, Hometown (club team): Istanbul, Hometown (high school): Port- Florida (Hillsborough HS); transfer Turkey (Istanbul Universitesti SK) land, (St. Mary’s Acade- from Virginia Tech 2020-21 stats: Erdogan is averag- my); transfer from Indiana 2020-21 stats: Baptiste is averag- ing 1.1 points and 0.5 rebounds per 2020-21 stats: Yeaney is averaging ing 8.3 points and a team-high 5.7 game coming off the bench. 4.0 points and 3.2 rebounds per rebounds in her first year since transferring from Virginia Tech. Best game: Erdogan scored four points and played 16 minutes game in her first year at Arizona after transferring from Indiana. Best game: Baptiste scored 18 points and hit five 3-pointers in in Arizona’s Dec. 23 win over Idaho. Best game: Yeaney scored 14 points and played 40 minutes in the Wildcats’ Dec. 4 win over UCLA in McKale Center. Arizona’s Feb. 28 overtime loss to rival ASU in Tempe. Mara Shaina Mote Cate Pellington Sophomore, No. 11 Reese Junior, No. 1 Position: Guard Junior, No. 25 Position: Guard Height: 5-11 Position: Forward Height: 5-8 Hometown (club team): Cesis, Height: 6-2 Hometown (high school): Picker- Latvia (TTT Riga) Hometown (high school): Cy- ing, Ontario, Canada (Dunbarton); 2021-21 stats: Mote is averaging press, Texas (Cypress Woods) transfer from Oklahoma 0.5 points and 0.2 rebounds per 2020-21 stats: The Wildcats’ 2020-21 stats: Pellington is aver- game coming off the bench. second-leading scorer and primary aging 5.8 points and 1.9 rebounds Best game: Mote scored three points and played 11 minutes in post presence, Reese is averaging per game in her first season with the Wildcats since transferring Arizona’s Dec. 23 win over Idaho. 11.3 points and 5.2 rebounds per game. She shoots 47.9% from from Oklahoma. the field, tops among Arizona’s regulars. Best game: Pellington scored 16 points in 16 minutes in the Best game: Reese scored 25 points in 29 minutes and hit 11 Wildcats’ Dec. 23 win over Idaho at McKale Center. Helena of her 14 shots from the field in the Wildcats’ Feb. 8 win over Pueyo Oregon. Aari Sophomore, No. 13 Position: Guard Lauren McDonald Height: 6-0 Senior, No. 2 Hometown (club team): Palma de Ware Position: Guard Mallorca, Spain (Segle XXI) Freshman, No. 32 Height: 5-5 2020-21 stats: Pueyo is averaging Position: Forward Hometown (high school): Fresno, 3.6 points and 3.5 rebounds per Height: 6-5 California (Brookside Christian); game coming off the bench. Hometown (high school): Bis- transfer from Washington Best game: Pueyo scored 15 points in 30 minutes in the Wild- marck, North Dakota (Century) 2020-21 stats: The Pac-12 Player cats’ Jan. 17 win over Oregon State in McKale Center. 2020-21 stats: The highly touted of the Year has been Arizona’s freshman is averaging 4.6 points primary scorer, averaging 19.3 points per game while taking an and 4.5 rebounds per game. De- incredible 145 shots this season — no other player on the UA Sam spite playing just 17.7 minutes per game, Ware ranks second on roster has more than 90. McDonald also averages 5.2 rebounds the team with 25 blocks; only Sam Thomas (26) has more. and 4.5 steals per game while continuing her reputation as one Thomas Best game: Ware had 12 points in 27 minutes in Arizona’s Dec. 6 of the most tenacious defenders in the West. Senior, No. 14 win over USC in McKale Center. Best game: McDonald scored 30 points and added four Position: Forward rebounds and two assists in Arizona’s Dec. 6 win over USC in Height: 6-0 McKale Center. Hometown (high school): Las Semaj Vegas, Nevada (Centennial) 2020-21 stats: Arizona’s most Smith Tara well-rounded player averages 7.7 Junior, No. 34 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.1 steals and Position: Center Manumaleuga a little more than one per game. She shoots 39.7% from Height: 6-6 Sophomore, No. 3 3-point range, tops on the team. Hometown (high school): Long Position: Guard Best game: Thomas scored a season-high 20 points on 7-of-8 Beach, California (St. Anthony) Height: 5-10 shooting in Arizona’s Feb. 14 win over Washington. 2020-21 stats: Smith is averaging Hometown (high school): 0.9 points and 1.3 rebounds per Queensland, Australia (Hillcrest game off the bench. Christian College) Marta Best game: Smith scored two points and grabbed two rebounds 2020-21 stats: Manumaleuga in a season-high 13 minutes during the Wildcats’ Dec. 23 win is averaging 1.3 points per game Garcia over Idaho in McKale Center. coming off the bench. Freshman, No. 22 Best game: Manumaleuga scored nine points — all of them Position: Forward coming on 3-pointers — in the Wildcats’ Dec. 23 win over Idaho Height: 6-3 Adia in McKale Center. Hometown (club team): Sevilla, Spain (Segle XXI) Barnes 2020-21 stats: Garcia is averaging Madison 0.4 points and 0.8 rebounds per game coming off the bench. Conner Best game: Garcia hit her only shot attempt in Arizona’s Dec. 10 Freshman, No. 4 win over Arizona State in McKale Center. Height: 5-11 Hometown (high school): Chan- dler (AZ Compass Prep) 2020-21 stats: Conner is averag- ing 0.6 points and 0.8 rebounds per game since arriving on campus Assistant coaches: in January after graduating from high school early. . Salvo Coppa, Tamisha Augustin, Jackie Nared-Hairston Best game: Conner scored her first college basket, a 3-pointer, in a March 4 Pac-12 Tournament win over Washington State. SUNDAY, MARCH 21, 2021 / ARIZONA DAILYSTAR NCAA EXTRA C3

It’s go time for our women’s team as they head into the first round of the NCAA tournament. Get your gear and cheer them on to the next round!

SHOP.ARIZONA.EDU/WBB C4 NCAA EXTRA SUNDAY, MARCH 21, 2021 / ARIZONA DAILY STAR ‘PERFECT LEADER’ MCDONALD HAS RETURNED CATS TO RELEVANCE

By PJ Brown

SPECIAL TO THE ARIZONA DAILY STAR When Aari McDonald makes a promise, you can bet she’s going to deliver. The day she arrived on campus as a transfer from Washington, McDonald told fans she would “bring championships to UA.” As the Wildcats slogged to just six wins in McDonald’s redshirt year, she promised her teammates they would turn the program around — and fast. That’s exactly what McDonald has done. Monday’s NCAA Tournament opener against Stony Brook marks the official return of the UA to the national stage. It’s been a steady progression. In McDonald’s first year in a Wildcats uniform, she led her team to a WNIT title. Last year, the momentum carried through as Arizona was ranked in the Top 25 for the first time in more than a decade. They were on their way to hosting the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament before the pandemic shut it down. McDonald and the UA has filled REBECCA SASNETT / ARIZONA DAILY STAR the last three years with firsts, Aari McDonald had the UA in or near the top 10 all season as the Wildcats are back in the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 16 years. none bigger than Monday’s. “I’m happy and just blessed to MONDAY UA’S 2020-21 STATS UA’S 2020-21 SCHEDULE be here and I’m pretty sure my teammates can say the same,” • What: NCAA Tournament, first Min. Pts. Reb. Ast. Blk. Stl. FG% 3PT% FT% Overall record: 16-5 McDonald said. “This is what we round: No. 3 seed Arizona McDonald 33.0 19.3 5.1 4.5 0.0 2.7 38.9 29.6 79.8 Pac-12 record: 13-4 waited for, a year later, and we’re vs. No. 14 seed Stony Brook Reese 24.4 11.3 5.2 0.5 0.3 1.0 47.9 38.1 73.5 Date Opponent Time/result finally here. It’s just crazy to think • When: 11 a.m. Baptiste 26.0 8.3 5.7 1.0 0.1 0.9 43.3 31.4 84.4 Nov. 29 Northern Arizona W. 76-63 we’d be here. But definitely, I’m • TV: ESPN2 Thomas 31.3 7.7 3.3 1.5 1.2 2.0 42.1 39.7 90.0 Dec. 4 UCLA* W, 68-65 excited. I’m just ready to play, • Radio: 1400-AM Pellington 15.2 5.8 1.9 0.8 0.1 0.6 40.2 5.9 46.2 Dec. 6 USC* W. 78-77 honestly.” Ware 17.7 4.6 4.5 0.4 1.2 0.5 43.8 33.3 68.0 Dec. 10 Arizona State* W, 65-37 McDonald played in the NCAA Yeaney 22.5 4.0 3.2 1.1 0.1 0.8 33.7 26.9 52.8 Dec. 18 at Colorado* W, 62-59 Tournament during her freshman time. Pueyo 21.7 3.6 3.5 1.5 1.2 1.8 33.3 36.7 75.0 Dec. 20 at Utah* W, 77-60 year at Washington. She averaged In just her second game as a Manumaleuga 3.3 1.3 0.1 0.3 0.3 0.1 30.0 37.5 50.0 Dec. 23 Idaho W, 96-42 13.6 points in three games, add- Wildcat, McDonald scored 39 Erdogan 3.9 1.1 0.5 0.3 0.0 0.0 41.7 14.3 75.0 Jan. 1 Stanford* L, 54-81 ing five steals and two blocks. She points. She was named Pac-12 Smith 6.1 0.9 1.3 0.1 0.2 0.1 50.0 0.0 0.0 Jan. 3 California* W, 69-33 had a monster game in the first Player of the Week twice in a Conner 6.0 0.6 0.6 0.2 0.0 0.0 16.7 16.7 0.0 Jan. 10 at Wash. St.* (OT) L, 69-71 round against Montana, scoring 15 three-week span. Mote 3.5 0.5 0.2 0.2 0.0 0.2 50.0 50.0 0.0 Jan. 14 Oregon* W, 57-41 points, grabbing seven rebounds, McDonald would go on to score Garcia 3.6 0.4 0.8 0.0 0.2 0.0 14.3 0.0 0.0 Jan. 17 Oregon State* W, 67-51 dishing two assists and adding one 890 points that season, smash- Conner 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Jan. 22 Utah* W, 66-54 block. ing records held by both Barnes Feb. 8 at Oregon* W, 79-59 At the time, McDonald was a and former UA men’s star Khalid Feb. 12 Washington State* W, 60-51 complementary player — no more Reeves. McDonald became the taking her teammates to actually neuvering around people is in- Feb. 14 Washington* W, 75-53 than a third or fourth option be- first player since 2000 to score play in the tournament. When she stinctual — you can’t teach that. It Feb. 19 at California* W, 59-50 hind Huskies stars 800 points, grab 200 rebounds, made her announcement, she said separates her.” Feb. 22 at Stanford* L, 48-62 and Chantel Osahor. dish 150 assists and register 90 that “the best is yet to come.” Now, McDonald and the Wild- Feb. 28 at Arizona State* (OT) L, 64-66 Now, McDonald is the star and steals in a single season. The It wasn’t all talk; McDonald has cats will try to separate them- March 4 Washington State& W, 60-44 one of the best all-around players Wildcats went won the WNIT, backed it up. selves from the rest of the NCAA March 5 UCLA& L, 49-58 in the country. Over the last two filling McKale Center along the The Wildcats have been ranked Tournament pack. They’re seeded March 22 Stony Brook% 11 a.m. weeks, she has taken her lead- way. throughout her senior season, third in a region that also includes * — Pac-12 games ership role up a notch while the She followed that up by proving landing in the top 10 in 13 of 17 Southeastern Conference regu- & — Pac-12 Tournament in Las Vegas % — NCAA Tournament in Texas Wildcats prepared for their first to the nation what those in Tuc- possible weeks. They swept Or- lar-season champion Texas A&M Home games in bold NCAA Tournament in 16 years. son already knew — that she was egon on ESPN, finished second and an NC State team that’s seed- “She’s just been a perfect lead- an elite player. McDonald won in the Pac-12 standings and ad- ed No. 1 for the first time in pro- er, and now we just have to go the Ann Meyers Drysdale award vanced to the conference tourna- gram history. said. “That’s what she came to out there and play for her,” junior for best as a junior ment semifinals. Expect the rest of the Mercado Arizona for; what she set out to guard Bendu Yeaney said. “She’s a while being named the Pac-12’s McDonald earned Pac-12 Play- Bracket to get Arizona’s best. do. She’s a great player — offen- senior on this team that has given Defensive Player of the Year. She er of the Year and Co-Defensive McDonald wrote a letter for The sively and defensively — who has her all to us. Now it’s time for us to did it all while enduring a stress Player of the Year honors. She is Player’s Tribune that she is play- impacted UA in so many ways. repay her and give her all and try to fracture in her left tibula. She re- the only player to lead the league ing for the seniors who didn’t get And the community. They’ve em- get her as far as possible.” turned in time to score 20 points in scoring and steals for three con- to play in the tournament last sea- braced her, they love her and she’s When McDonald signed to play and hit the game-winning shot in secutive years. Barnes credits Mc- son and for all of the Wildcats who one of the most exciting players in for Arizona, UA coach one of Arizona’s biggest wins in Donald’s speed, something she’s have come before her in the last the country to watch. … called her “the total-package kid” program history, a 73-72 overtime learned to harness as a senior. Mc- 15 years. She is “a little more fo- “I don’t want to see her go. I and “the type of player you want victory against No. 4 Stanford. Donald knows when to shift into cused, tuned in and ready to play” wish I had 700 games left with to build a championship culture After the 2020 NCAA Tourna- another gear and when to ease up as the tournament opener nears, her. She’s had a phenomenal ca- around.” ment was canceled, McDonald on the pedal and go lateral, weav- Barnes said. reer in Arizona. She’s not ready to Despite the praise, Barnes had chose to stay in college for one ing her way through multiple de- “It’s extremely special that Aari go home; neither am I. We’re go- no idea that McDonald would ac- more year. At the time, McDonald fenders to get to the basket. is the one to lead our team back (to ing to cherish every game, do our complish so much in such a short said she had unfinished business: Said Barnes: “Her way of ma- the NCAA Tournament),” Barnes best.” BONVICINI: CATS WILL BE JUDGED BY HOW THEY PLAY IN MARCH

By Alec White MORE BONVICINI her senior year … ARIZONA DAILY STAR A: “I believe her greatest im- For the first time since 2005, ON OUR PODCAST provement has been as a leader the Arizona women’s basket- and being more vocal, which is as ball team is dancing. Monday’s To hear the full conversation important as all the other things. game against Stony Brook marks with former UA women’s basket- I think her teammates have rec- the Wildcats’ first appearance in ball coach Joan Bonvicini, check ognized from when they stepped 16 years; Joan Bonvicini was the out the latest Wildcast podcast, on campus, that she’s the go-to Wildcats’ coach then, and was in available on Apple Podcasts and person.” charge the previous six times the Google Play. What can we expect from Ari- UA made the tournament. zona in this tournament? Bonvicini, who now works as a A: “Both Arizona and Aari, TV analyst, talked to the Star this zona team outside of every Mc- particularly, are going to get more week about Arizona’s run, Aari Donald? attention now than they ever have McDonald’s impact, the Wildcats’ A: “I think you’ve got to start been in the tournament. I told depth, her memories of coaching with Sam Thomas. She’s a senior. Adia this, too, that as good as a in the NCAA Tournament and a She came in the program before regular season as you had, really recipe for success in March. anyone recognized it. I call her like you’re judged on the postseason. How do you view what Adia the Swiss Army knife, and she does And whether that’s fair or not, Barnes has been able to do with a little bit of everything. She’s a that’s the reality. this Arizona program? SUSAN WALSH / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS very good defender. Amazing how “You can prepare for quick- A: “Well, it’s really nothing Arizona coach Joan Bonvicini answers a question during a news confer- many shot blocks she gets. ness, but until you’ve coached short of amazing because when ence at the 2005 NCAA Tournament. The Wildcats haven’t appeared in the “I like Cate Reese, obvious- against it and seen Aari in person, she took over the program, par- tournament since; that drought will end Monday in San Antonio. ly; (she) was a five-star recruit. you won’t believe it. I think that’s ticularly the culture was not what (She’s) quick, can shoot the jump- going to be an advantage for Ar- you wanted. That’s what her base cally, but across the country. Peo- “I think this year, they went to er, take it around the basket. I’d izona.” has been and how she’s built ev- ple are very much recognizing the an elite level. And I believe that like her to show her jumper a little Take us back to that moment erything around it. But really, (it) Arizona program and particularly happened in the middle of the sea- bit more, both mid-range and a in time when you’re coaching was the addition of Aari MacDon- the job of Adia has done and the son. I think another game that they little bit further out and continue Arizona and what it’s like to be ald as a recruit that really set the respect Aari McDonald has.” really played well, although they to get rebounds. in that postseason environment. trajectory for the program. When did you see a turning weren’t a highly ranked team, was “I like Trinity Baptiste, I think A: “When you go to the tour- “It’s been nothing short of re- point with the Wildcats this year? against Utah at home (on Jan. 22). she’s physical. I think she plays nament, it is just exciting. It’s fun, markable in not just wins for the A: “I thought the Oregon game, “I think for Arizona to advance bigger than her size. Again, I’d the environment is different. But program but wins in so many oth- particularly the one on the road and go deep is a number of other like her to show her jumper. All of I’ve got to say this year, it’s going er ways. Obviously, we couldn’t (on Feb. 8), because that’s when it players outside of Aari McDonald them need to average double fig- to be completely different. There’ll have fans this year, but the pro- seemed like everything was work- need to step up and do it on a con- ures, or close to it, for the team to be some fans, but not like it nor- gram has grown in the amount of ing together. They were shooting sistent basis.” really make a deep run.” mally is. It’s still fun to compete on people who follow it, cover it and well, and a lot of players contrib- What do you like about some Describe the evolution you’ve the big stage. The best way I can want to attend. And not just lo- uted offensively. of the other players on this Ari- seen from McDonald’s game in tell you, is the kids were thrilled.” SUNDAY, MARCH 21, 2021 / ARIZONA DAILYSTAR SLAMLAM DUNKNNCAA EXTRA C5 DEA

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NOV. 29: NO. 7 DEC. 4: NO. 7 ARIZONA DEC. 6: NO. 7 ARIZONA SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2020 | SECTION C SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2020 | SECTION C MONDAY, DECEMBER 7,2020 | SECTION C Editor: Ryan Finley | [email protected] Editor: Ryan Finley | [email protected] ARIZONA 76, NAU 63 68,NO.9UCLA65 78, USC 77 Editor: Ryan Finley | [email protected] WOMEN’S BASKETBALL: NO. 7 ARIZONA 76, NAU 63 ARIZONA FOOTBALL ARIZONA BASKETBALL Top-10teamscollideatMcKale ARIZONA FOOTBALL Plummer’s UAgreatHarris’ Burcar,NAUfinallysetforMcKaletripafterdelay By Bruce Pascoe MONDAY ever need to talk, give me Miller hired away then- poiseaplus, ARIZONA DAILY STAR a call,’”Burcar said. “I gave NAU coach Jack Murphy What went down: What went down: advicetoCats: What went down: After leading Mesa High • Who: NAU (0-0) him a call and then he re- in June 2019 to become his Cate Trinity Aari School to the Arizona Di- at Arizona (2-0) turned my call. Not every associate head coach, after vision I basketball title in • When: 7p.m. coach does that. NAU associate head coach butoffense 2015-16, NAU coach Shane • TV: Pac-12 Arizona “I said,‘How did you get Wes Pifer left to take over ‘Keepworking… Burcar received a con- • Radio: 1290-AM, 107.5-FM to this level?’ and he gave Western Oregon’s program gratulatory call from Sean me a lot of good input. One earlier that spring. Miller. thing I remember him say- Their departures led lackedpunch Only it wasn’t just the unsolicited line of com- ing is, ‘Just win as many NAU athletic director Mike Reese scored 21 points and Baptiste collected her first staytogether’ McDonald played 39 of 40 obligatory coach-to- munication he followed games as you can the right Marlow to name Burcar the coach, pat-on-the-back through on. way and everything will Lumberjacks’ interim head By Michael Lev By Michael Lev SATURDAY kind of call. Not only did That wound up helping take care of itself.’” coach for 2019-20, thanks ARIZONA DAILY STAR ARIZONA DAILY STAR the Arizona coach have no Burcar, after a long high Less than five years later, in part to Murphy’s en- In an alternate universe, • Who: Colorado (3-0, 2-0) Every week throughout the season, we take vested interest in recruit- school and junior college Burcar is a big step closer dorsement. a look back at the ’ previous Sean Harris would be on at Arizona (0-3, 0-3) ing Burcar’s Mesa players coaching career, make a to Miller’s level — in part “We used to have NAU RICK SCUTERI / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS 2019 the edge of his seat at Ari- • When: 5p.m. game after re-watching it via the TV broadcast. at the time, but also Burcar move up in the sport. because of what Miller did Shane Burcar, right, is now NAU’s official head coach after grabbed 11 rebounds as the double-double as a Wildcat, zona Stadium on Saturday, possible minutes, scoring 30 • TV: Fox Sports 1 Here are five key takeaways from the UA’s 27-10 said Miller also offered an “He said, ‘Hey, if you with his own staff. See BASKETBALL, C6 having the interim tag on last season. loss at UCLA on Saturday: cheering on his son and his • Radio: 1290-AM, alma mater in their new 107.5-FM 1. Parsing “battle gray” uniforms. Under a different set NO. 7 ARIZONA 78, USC 77 ARIZONA FOOTBALL Plummer UP NEXT of circumstances, Harris backer at the UA in the Wildcats won their season For the third • Who: Colorado (3-0, posting 18 points and 11 re- might even be watching his 1990s, played in the NFL points, as the Wildcats eked year in a row, 2-0) at Arizona (0-3, other son play for the first and last year was elected Arizona had to 0-3) time in his father’s home- to the Pima County Sports Secondquarter use an untest- • When: Saturday, TBA town. Hall of Fame. ed quarterback • TV: TBA Saturday’s Arizo- “But I understand. against UCLA. • Radio: 1290-AM, na-Colorado game was COVID is spreading like opener. There was a 107.5-FM bounds, and Arizona opened supposedtobeaHarris crazy now. In order for the out a win. provedtobe REBECCA SASNETT / ARIZONA DAILY STAR difference this family reunion. Jalen Har- kids to continue to play, Wildcats guard Aari McDonald, right, steals the ball from NAU’s Nyah Moran during the first half of the season-opening win Sunday time, though: Saturday’s box score / C7 JOSH GALEMORE / ARIZONA DAILY STAR ris is a fourth-year out- you’ve gotta limit the out- at McKale Center. No. 7 UA pulled away in the second half to set up a top-10 showdown in Tucson on Friday against No. 9 UCLA. Unlike the previ- Arizona guard Aari McDonald looks for an open teammate during Friday night’s game between No. 7-ranked UA and No. 9 side linebacker for the side contact with the foot- Cats’undoing ous two instanc- UCLA in both teams’ Pac-12 opener. The Wildcats entered the contest 1-0, having beaten NAU by 13 on Sunday. Friday’s Wildcats; Jason Harris is a ball team. So I definitely She said it: es, freshman Will Plummer had no idea he’d game was still in progress at the Star’s press time. See coverage from the game at Tucson.com. freshman edge rusher for get it.” She said it: “I’m proud that have to play until Grant Gunnell went down Pac-12 play with a hard- the Buffaloes. Their par- This year has required “I don’t want any with a shoulder injury on the first play from ents, Sean and Cha-Ron, everyone to adapt. The off- inlosstoBuffs scrimmage. were UA athletes. season was disrupted and ARIZONA MEN’S BASKETBALL Alas, the reunion is on fractured. The Pac-12 sea- Catshandlejitters,’Jacks That’s a huge deal. You could tell Plummer By Michael Lev hadn’t taken many reps with the first-string hold. Arizona isn’t al- son was postponed, rein- lowing family members stated and abbreviated. ARIZONA DAILY STAR receivers. Some examples: Plummer twice Every week throughout the season, we take of student-athletes to Arizona is struggling threw wide of an open Brian Casteel. The first a look back at the Arizona Wildcats’ previous we got the jitters out. We time came on third-and-6 in the second quar- fought victory in McKale attend Saturday’s game more than most on the more gritty wins like this, but game after re-watching it via the TV broadcast. ter. Casteel checked up near the first-down Leeback,andCatsareready as COVID-19 cases con- field. The Wildcats are 0-3 Here are five key takeaways from the UA’s 24-13 tinue to surge. While Ja- and are seeking to break tosetupearlyshowdown marker; Plummer thought Casteel would keep loss to Colorado on Saturday: running. len is starting and playing a school-record 10-game By PJBrown On third-and-4 at the UCLA 8 in the third some of the best football losing streak. SPECIALTO THE ARIZONA DAILY STAR UP NEXT quarter, Casteel beat his man in the end zone of his career, Jason isn’t Although he was a key 1. Feeling the pressure Adia Barnes tried to keep • Who: No. 9 UCLA (1-0) with an outside move. Plummer threw the ball for(fingerscrossed)Game2 traveling while he works member of the famed got our first game out — we Center. it just shows that this team Sometimes it’s easy to determine the turning on adding strength and “Desert Swarm” squads, the Wildcats’ game-day rou- at No. 7 Arizona (1-0) several yards to Casteel’s left. In desperation point in a football game. Other times it’s not so By Bruce Pascoe mass to his 6-foot-7-inch, Sean Harris knows what tine as normal as she could, • When: Friday, TBA mode late, Plummer tried to throw deep to obvious. Upon re- ARIZONA DAILYSTAR 240-pound frame. it’s like to fail. In his first but it wasn’t easy. Not during • TV: TBA Stanley Berryhill III. viewing Arizona’s If there’s anybody who has benefit- The Harrises and other year playing, 1991, the UP NEXT a pandemic. • Radio: 1400-AM But Berryhill stopped his route, and the pass school-record 11th The pre-game meal was up was intercepted. Finally, on the Wildcats’ last ed from the nonstop postponements UA football families came Wildcats went 4-7. She said it: consecutive defeat, • Who: Arizona State on the concourse with players series,Plummerscrambled tohisleftandthrew of Arizona’s early season schedule, it’s out in force for the Nov. Persevering amid ad- were undefeated ‘til today. “It was a dog is competitive.We want to we concluded that the (0-2, 0-2) at Arizona sitting eight feet apart. The mean we rolled with it and did Ira Lee. 14 opener against USC. versity was one of several turning point hap- (0-4, 0-4) No. 7-ranked Wildcats stayed it but it’s very,very different.” See FOOTBALL, C4 Since he’s now scheduled to re- Sean and Cha-Ron would topics Harris discussed in pened in the second • When: 5 p.m. Friday in pods in the locker room and Something else that was turn Saturday against Eastern Wash- be there Saturday if they a phone interview with the quarter and fell into • TV: ESPN had shoot around with their different in this game was that ington from a concussion, the senior could. Star. Harris, who spends the latter category. Radio: will have wound up missing only one “Oh yeah,” said Sean • 1290-AM, masks on. They sat distanced it was junior forward Cate The Wildcats had game. Harris, who played at line- See FOOTBALL, C6 107.5-FM on the bench and there were Reese coming out of the gate a 13-0 lead. They had Now we’re still undefeated, no fans in the stands, except carrying her team on her back. fight.”— Baptiste But even he’s been bummed out. win.A couple of years ago, we the ball at the CU 40- for some family members. REBECCA SASNETT / ARIZONA DAILY STAR She ended with her 16th career “It’s hard staying locked in when JOSH GALEMORE / ARIZONA DAILY STAR yard line facing third-and-5. They had a chance you don’t even know when your next But there were a few regu- Freshman Lauren Ware blocks Miki’ala Maio’s shot in the second double-double on 21 points, 11 Arizona’s Cate Reese, center, had 25 points as the Wildcats erased a double-digit deficit for the second straight game Sunday. to go up 16-0 or even 20-0. game is going to be,” Lee tweeted lar things: Barnes’ pre-game quarter. UA scored 46 second-half points after a sluggish start. rebounds. Instead, the Buffaloes sacked Will Plum- Tuesday,when UA’s scheduled Pac-12 speech — something she nev- The last time these two mer, forcing a punt. At that moment, it was as er veers from, always staying It was Barnes’ fifth con- and hosts No. 9 UCLA in its teams faced each other — in opener against Colorado was post- Sumlin’sslump, if the light bulb went on. Colorado’s coach- poned. It came one day before North- which is good. … I think you’ll consistent with her message. secutive opening-game win Pac-12 opener Friday. Reese’s freshman year — she wouldn’t have come back from es realized that if they could get Arizona into ern Colorado backed out of Saturday’s And then banging the drum in five years at Arizona. NAU “It feels less together be- scored21points,aswell. third-and-medium or third-and-long situa- game, and after the Wildcats defeated drops to 1-1, while UA is 1-0. cause it’s the situation,” said Reesescored11ofArizona’s alook-alikelegacy tions, they could dial up blitzes that would be- before Ar- NAU76-63atMcKaleCenter Arizona has now beaten Barnes, who collected her SATURDAY No.7Wildcatsrallyagain fuddle the Wildcats’ struggling offensive line. See WILDCATS, C5 MARCIO JOSE SANCHEZ / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS izona lined on Sunday afternoon. NAU 16 straight times at home 69th win. “But we were fine. I On that particular play, the Buffs brought six up Eastern • Who: Eastern Arizona quarterback Grant Gunnell played only rushers. Safety Isaiah Lewis came in free off the one snap against UCLA on Saturday, leaving Washington Washington (0-1) andtoday’svictor see us improve in the next these deficits. It just shows how left edge. Tailback Michael Wiley tried to get to instead. at Arizona (1-0) after injuring his shoulder on the first play. him from Plummer’s right but couldn’t. Right ARIZONA BASKETBALL In oth- • When: Noon Dear Mr. Football: Can guard Robert Congel got beaten to the outside er words, it • TV: Pac-12 Arizona aPac-12coachsurvivea topulloffweekendsweep by linebacker Carson Wells. was a regular • Radio: 1290-AM, 10-game losing streak? Left tackle Donovan Laie got beaten to the COVID-19- 107.5-FM A: Over 42 seasons, By PJ Brown 30 points. She extended her said. inside by linebacker Joshka Kustav. It happened KriisareturningaftershortEstoniastay era type of the only coach to lose 10 UP NEXT SPECIALTO THE ARIZONA DAILY STAR consecutive games scoring in Cate Reese chipped in 25 againandagainfromthat pointforward,justlike few days.”— UA coach Adia week for the games in succession (or competitive we are and we have Arizona is only two games • Who: Arizona State (4-1, 1-1) double figures streak to 68, points — and what turned out Wildcats: Practice, preparation, post- more)andnotgetfiredwas By Bruce Pascoe Greg Hansen into the Pac-12 season, and which is the longest active to be the game-winning free See FOOTBALL, C4 UP NEXT ponements, more practices and then Washington State’s Mike at No. 7 Arizona (3-0, 2-0) ARIZONA DAILY STAR they have proven they can win • When: 4 p.m. Thursday streak in the nation. throw with less than 17 sec- Kerr Kriisa’s return home Who: who knows what? Price. • Colorado (2-0) the close ones, and this will • TV: Pac-12 Arizona Ware put up her first ca- onds left. She added five re- to Estonia proved to be a short “I think all of us are upset because His Cougars lost 12 A: be- at Arizona (1-0) definitely help them down the • Radio: 1400-AM reer double-double, posting bounds. Greg Hansen ... we’re taking care of what we need straight between 1998 comes the Pac-12’s eighth and frustrating one,but at least • When: 6 p.m.Wednesday road when the games mean 12 points and 12 rebounds; the It was another gritty win for to do to be prepared for these games and 1999, but there’s an coach to lose 10 straight. Barnes it came with a compliment of • TV: Pac-12 Arizona the will to win.”— McDonald even more than they do in De- freshman had a key block and the Wildcats, who beat No. 9 and then a day before it gets canceled,” asterisk attached to Price’s Here’s the list and what sorts. • Radio: 1290-AM, 107.5-FM cember. The seventh-ranked Wild- recovery in the waning min- UCLA by three points on Fri- senior guard Terrell retention. happened to those coach- In what turned out to be his This time, the Wildcats cats improve to 3-0 overall utes. day night. Wildcatsseem Brown said Friday He coached the Cougars es: only game this month for Es- relied on veteran leader Aari and 2-0 in Pac-12, while USC “(Lauren) was huge today “I don’t want any more on a media Zoom totheRoseBowlin1997. •0-15, Jerry Pettibone, tonia, since a second FIBA Eu- Bazarevich went so far as to say McDonald, freshman Lauren dropsto1-2and0-2.Arizo- — if she doesn’t come out and gritty wins like this, but it just call. “So we’re kind It still seems remarkable. Oregon State, 1995-96: roBasket qualifying game for that the primary job 33-year- Ware and their stifling defense na has beaten the Trojans five have her 12 and 12 and give shows that this team is com- of upset by that Given such equity the Fired in 1996 Became an Greg Hansen Monday was postponed until oldpointguardEvgeniiBaburin OKinshowing ld d DEC. 10: NO. 6 DEC. 18: NO. 6 DEC. 20: NO. 6 SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2020 | SECTION C FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2020 | SECTION B MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2020 | SECTION C Editor: Ryan Finley | [email protected] ARIZONA 65, ASU 37 Editor: Ryan Finley | [email protected] ARIZONA 62, ARIZONA 77. UTAH 60 Editor: Ryan Finley | [email protected] ARIZONA BASKETBALL NO. 6 ARIZONA 65, ARIZONA STATE 37 ARIZONA FOOTBALL ARIZONA BASKETBALL Nofans, MaroonedStanfordtriestomakebestoflifeonroad MillerturnsattentiontofixingCats‘D’afterfirst loss COLORADO 59 By Bruce Pascoe Saturday night to hand UA NBA does. We have to leave By Bruce Pascoe Maui Invitational — the Cardinal ter, took a side trip to play North a special situation.” UP NEXT What went down: SATURDAY What went down ARIZONA DAILY STAR (5-1) its first loss. Monday’s the corner and get there ARIZONA DAILYSTAR learned they would not be able Carolina A&T in Greensboro, and Haase is also taking the upbeat SANTA CRUZ, Calif. — game against San Diego has late. I mean, there’s so many The Wild- Stanford players boarded a to return home if they wanted to • What: Arizona (5-0) vs. Stanford tried to make the best of it. approach — what he calls “glass- : Aari • Who: Montana (3-4) nowins, Between a charter flight at Arizona (5-1) been canceled, giving Miller thingsthatIthinkwehaveto jet headed the wrong way to the continue playing basketball. (3-0) in Santa Cruz, Calif. “I had a really good pizza, ac- es half full” — no matter how Maui Invitational last month, so The health order prohibit- • When: 5p.m. tually, on one of my last nights weird it gets. home Saturday night and • When: 5 p.m. Tuesday and the Wildcats an extra day do a better job of to make our they already knew their tropical ed practices or games within • TV: Pac-12 Arizona there, which I have missed,” said No matter that Stanford as- Tuesday’s scheduled game • TV: Pac-12 Arizona to get things right before fac- defense better.” business trip was off. the county until at least Dec. 21, • Radio: 1290-AM, 107.5-FM Stanford’s German standout, Os- sistant Adam Cohen, a former against Montana, the Ari- • Radio: 1290-AM, 107.5-FM ing Montana. Miller continued. His de- nomatter: zona Wildcats didn’t leave “Wehavetodrawcharges,” fense is rated No. 35 in Ken- When they landed, the Cardi- forcing the , car da Silva. “Being from Germa- UA staffer, had to leave after one • Inside: Monday’s game cats hit 11 of 31 3-pointers nal found out things were even Stanford, San Jose State and San- ny,real Italian pizza is much more game in Asheville in order to re- McDonald scored 19 points themselves a lot of time to against USD canceled / C4 Millersaid,launching a com- pom.com’s defensive effi- worse. ta Clara to all figure out an alter- games in “Maui,” then became accessible to us. It’s pretty cheap turn home and serve a quarantine work on things. parable but more serious and ciency but, the way he put rivalrygame They had been marooned. native. Any team that ventured temporary residents of Chapel and really good. so that he could be on hand for But at least their agenda specific set of concerns that it, it could be even better if Thanks to a Santa Clara Coun- more than 150 miles away would Hill, North Carolina, where coach “So I enjoyed that and then be- his wife’s scheduled C-section could be whittled down to to frustrate UA coach Sean he did after Eastern Wash- it learned to play the system ty health order that came down be forced to quarantine upon re- Jerod Haase had worked as an as- ing in the Smith Center was pret- delivery of their son. one thing. Miller even more, defense ington drew seven offensive that he says is in place this while Stanford players were in the turn — and Stanford was well out sistant coach to Roy Williams ty cool. I think he’s using the fa- No matter that Stanford That is, not surprising- that couldn’t pick up more fouls from the Wildcats on season. No doubt the Wild- What went down: JEFF CHIU / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS significant air — flying to Asheville, North of that boundary. with the Tar Heels. The team cilities there, and being in such a ly, defense. Defense that than two offensive fouls from Dec. 5. cats’ offense could improve against ASU, the best they’ve Aari See BASKETBALL, C2 to extend her double-digit allowed Stanford to shoot Stanford after being called “We have to cross-body by avoiding the way things Stanford guard Daejon Davis shoots in front of Arizona Carolina, to play in the relocated So the Cardinal played its three practiced at the Dean Smith Cen- historical place for basketball was 52.7% despite flashing a little for seven of its own. block, we have to go verti- forward Jordan Brown during the second half of Satur- By Michael Lev zone and, in what appeared The Cardinal won 78-75 cal in the charge arc, like the See MILLER, C4 day’s game. The Cardinal handed the Cats their first loss. ARIZONA DAILY STAR This entire Pac-12 football season ARIZONA FOOTBALL comes with a giant asterisk. ever shot from beyond the The season was on,it was altered,it was McDonald overcame poor scoring streak to 72 games, ARIZONA BOWL: BALL STATE VS. SAN JOSE STATE ARIZONA WOMEN’S BASKETBALL off and it was back on again. Each team was supposed to play seven regular-sea- son games. Only two teams have a shot to get there. No.6Cats KELLY PRESNELL / ARIZONA DAILY STAR 2019 Arizona, one half of Friday’s Territorial Greg Hansen arc against the Sun Devils, KELLY PRESNELL / ARIZONA DAILY STAR Cup tilt, will play six games at most. Ari- shooting in the first half with the longest active streak Arizona forward Cate Reese beats Arizona State forward Bre’yanna Sanders to a loose ball during the second half of Thursday’s rivalry game zona State, the other half, will play five at pounceearly in McKale Center. Arizona’s win over the Sun Devils was the Wildcats’ third in a row in Tucson. The team is now 3-0 in Pac-12 play. most — if the Sun Devils win their last two games to earn a bowl berth (and assuming Heekeknows there are enough bowls left to take them). “It’s been a really weird year,”UA line- indominant backer Rourke Freeburg said in one of the Arizona head coach Adia Barnes waves the net after her Wildcats dropped Northwestern 56-42 in the championship game of the WNIT at McKale Center in 2019. and won handily. Aari McDon- biggest understatements of the year.“The an 8-for-8 effort from the Cats’rebuild in the nation, and Arizona Wildcats‘bringit,’routrival season hasn’t re- roadvictory ally gone our way. FRIDAY Butifwecanget isn’tforthe a win in the Ter- • Who: Arizona By PJ Brown ritorial Cup, that State (0-2, 0-2) at SPECIAL TO THE ARIZONA DAILY STAR ald hit a career-high five 3s. can set all things Arizona (0-4, 0-4) line in the fourth quarter and routed the Utes. The trip to the mountain schools is ArizonaStatetostayperfect straight.” • When: 5p.m. timidorthe one of the most difficult trips of the sea- That’s the • TV: ESPN son. The Arizona women’s basketball By Pj Brown rebounds, three assists, and one point. This might • Radio: 1290-AM, team has to travel to two states — Utah SPECIAL TO THE ARIZONA DAILY STAR . be the weird- 107.5-FM easilytired and Colorado — and play in altitude. She said it: Sometimes all it takes is a little She took charges and found her est year ever, for She said it: Usually, if the first game doesn’t get to extra motivation. form beyond the arc. She made 5 many reasons. the team, the second one does. “My teammates finished with 24 points. ARIZONA DAILY STAR “We’re grow- The Wildcats had that in spades of 11 3-pointers. The combatants have yet to win a game Dear Mr. Football: If you could get This year there are a few extra chal- Thursday. At the start ofthethird quar- between them. No one will be in atten- a message to Navy coach Ken Niuma- lenges including It was rivalry week, after all. ter, McDonald hit three shots in a dance. But the Territorial Cup still mat- the pandem- talolo, what would you say? UP NEXT As forward Trinity Baptiste row to extend Arizona’s lead to 23 ters. It matters to the fans. It matters to A: Do not touch the Arizona job ic and very few said earlier in the week: “This is points and force ASU to call a tim- the players. She said it: with a 10-foot pole. Stay at Navy. nonconference • Who: Idaho (2-2) agameyoudon’t eout to try to slow “This is almost bigger than a bowl Enjoy your legacy. You will be 56 in games to work at No. 6 Arizona were finding me. Once you see lose.” her roll. game,” said UA defensive tackle Aaron “I loved our REBECCA SASNETT / ARIZONA DAILY STAR ing, we’re getting better. everything out. (6-0, 5-0) UP NEXT May and these should be your happi- Her teammates In that quarter, Blackwell, a graduate transfer and Arizo- UA AD Dave Heeke and president Robert C. Robbins (center of third row from bottom) talk amid a sea of cardboard cutouts during the Wildcats’ est years. Nothing you can accomplish In addition, • When: Noon, took that to heart • Who: No. 6 Arizona (4-0, UA held ASU to na native who’s about to play in his first basketball game against Cal State Bakersfield earlier this month. Heeke is searching for a football coach who embodies the “ spirit.” at Arizona would compare to beating as one of the Wednesday as they smashed 3-0 Pac-12) at Colorado 36.4% shooting on Territorial Cup matchup. “This is almost Army, anyway. CARLOS OSORIO / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS best teams in the • Radio: 1400-AM ASU 65-37 at 4of11fieldgoals. everything.” Ball State quarterback Drew Plitt looks downfield during the first half of the Mid-American Conference championship against Buffalo last country at No. 6, (2-3, 0-2 Pac-12) The Wildcats will finish 1-11 or McKale Center The Sun Devils Blackwell said he and his teammates week. The Cardinals won and will next play San Jose State in the Arizona Bowl in Arizona Stadium on New Year’s Eve. Arizona has a big • When: Dec. 18, 5 p.m. 2-10 next year, no matter how hard the ball go in, it gives you con- Thursday. only shot 26.9% who have stuck it out are thankful to have poise in the second half. Too youworkorhowwellyourecruit— We are not playing our best target on their • TV: Pac-12 Arizona No. 6 Arizona for the game. made it this far. They are grateful that and likely 2-10 or thereabouts a year back — the Wildcats get everyone’s best improves to 4-0, • Radio: 1400-AM UA coach Adia ASU has gotten past its COVID-19 issues Arizonaseeking‘leaderofmen’ later. There will be no honeymoon in when they face them. 3-0 in Pac-12 and Barnes switched Friday night’s win against Colorado — See FOOTBALL, B5 Tucson. ASU drops to 4-2, up her start- Dear Mr. Football: Would any coming back from a double-digit deficit 1-2 in Pac-12. ing lineup for the first time. She proven coach be bold enough to — wasn’t easy. With the win, Arizona im- started Bendu Yeaney in place of Leaguechampsovercame However, in on Sunday fidence. Like,‘OK, I’m going bad we didn’t start that way.” coach at Arizona? basketball at all. I think that proves to 3-0 in league play for the Shaina Pellington. A: I was impressed Friday by the afternoon, it all looked different for the first time in 17 years. The Wildcats Yeaney gives them energy — toresurrectfootballprogram undefeated Wildcats. passion of Arizona athletic director have beat the Sun Devils the last she started off the scoring in this By Michael Lev The UA fired Kevin Sumlin “First, we need someone Dave Heeke, insisting that (a) “Arizona Arizona punched first and kept three times in McKale Center. game with a corner three and JOINER TRANSFERRING punching, dominating Utah from the tip ARIZONA DAILY STAR last Saturday after three losing who’s committed to the mission is a very, very attractive job,”and (b) “Weknewitwasgoingtobe adds hustle plays that don’t end to cruise to a 77-60 victory Sunday at the Several days into the search for seasons that ended on a misera- Former Cienega High School star and the purpose of the Universi- “this can be a winning program.” oddstoearntriptoTucson a war, like ‘Survivor’,” A a r i M c - up in the stat sheet. At the end of a new football coach, it has be- ble note: a 70-7 loss to rival Ari- says he will enter transfer portal ty of Arizona and of Arizona ath- I don’t disagree, but it’s an over- Jon M. Huntsman Center. to shoot another one and see Donald said. “You always have a the half, she elevated to get a re- — McDonald we’re going to play better in a Arizona improves to 6-0 overall and come clear that Arizona athletic zona State the previous evening. following up-and-down 2020 letics, our department. We need whelming job more suited to a younger boost, like energy,motivation. We bound, tipped the ball to herself pearance since January 2014. It Ball State (6-1) hadn’t had 5-0 in the Pac-12 while Utah drops to Greg Hansen director Dave Heeke and the UA Heeke said he began a “national” season / Page C5 someone who is committed to head coach like Larry Smith, who was By Michael Lev UP NEXT just knew take no prisoners from and put up a shot 10 feet away administration have a very spe- search for a coach Sunday and an athlete’s total success,”Heeke 41 when he left a rebuild of 9-3 Tulane ARIZONA DAILYSTAR will be the Spartans’ first since a winning record since 2013. 2-4, 1-3. the jump. We told the newcomers, from where she started and drew cific profile in mind. has been engaged in “ongoing said. totakeoveranimplodingUApro- It’s been a rough year for a lot • Who: Ball State (6-1) December 2015, when they BSU upset No. 23 Buffalo in This is the first time the Wildcats have ‘Hey, this is not going to be a walk a foul. In sum: The Wildcats are conversations with numerous and Oregon co-defensive coor- “We need someone who gram being investigated by the NCAA of people and a lot of entities, vs. San Jose State (7-0) played in the Cure Bowl with a the Mid-American Conference ever started league play 5-0 and the first in the park. We’ve got to bring it Arizona was clicking on all cyl- Rivalryloss looking for a leader who feels individuals that have interest dinator Joe Salave’a. embodies the incredible ‘Bear and ultimately given a stiff two-year and the Arizona Bowl is no ex- • What: Arizona Bowl 5-7 record. Championship Game on Friday. time ever they completed a road sweep of if this goes in.’It went in and I from start to finish.’I think we did inders early on – which is one of passionate about the university, (and) that we have interest in.” Heeke doesn’t have a specific Down’ spirit that is what this probation. month. …” — UA coach Adia ception. • When: Noon, Dec. 31 Neither upstart was expected San Jose State (7-0) hadn’t Colorado and Utah. that today.” the things they worked on with will connect with the commu- Heeke has conducted at least timeline for finalizing the hire. program is all about. We need Smith was devoted and tough. He There were times when the • TV: Ch. 13 to contend for a league crown had a winning record since 2012. Both of these accomplishments are Many Wildcats had a hand in more intensity in practice over the nity and is willing to put in the two interviews, the Star has He’d like to get it done sooner someone with great integrity, was willing to swim against the cur- organizers of Tucson’s bowl this season. Neither was favored SJSU — led by possible Arizo- important for Arizona. the win, yet it was McDonald who Arizona guard Helena Pueyo (13), left, and forward Lauren Ware wouldonly game weren’t sure if the game in its conference title game. na coaching candidate Brent “It means a lot. … Honestly, this is on See WILDCATS, B6 work to build a sustained, win- learned. He is expected to speak than later — especially with the great character — someone who rent and ultimately took down ASU’s led the way with 22 points, seven (32) celebrate guard Aari McDonald’s 3-pointer. ning culture. with San Jose State coach Brent roster in flux — but also doesn’t cares deeply about their play- 30-year domination of UA football. would be played. They had to you can control.” “It’salmostlikewehavetwo Brennan — upset Boise State in the hardest trips to come to the moun- “These are complex jobs,” Brennan as early as this Sunday. want to rush a decision he knows ers, someone who is passionate There’s a reason established coach- accept the reality that the fes- The Arizona Bowl’s orga- New Mexico States,” Farhang the Mountain West Conference tains — this is brutal. I mean, Utah wins RANKING ADIA BARNES’ pileonthe Heeke said during a video news SJSU is set to face Boise State he can’t afford to get wrong. about this job, about this univer- es don’t walk into a fire like the one tivities that typically surround nizers stayed steady, and they said, referring to the NMSU Championship Game on Satur- 81% of the time here in Utah,”UA coach was happy.”— McDonald Barnes ARIZONA BASKETBALL conference Friday. “This is a in the Mountain West Confer- “We’re going to move as sity, about this athletic program, burning at Arizona Stadium. Oklaho- it, and the atmosphere that up- stayed ready. They were re- squad that played in and won day. Adia Barnes said.“For us to start the Pac- complex enterprise, the college ence Championship Game on quickly, as swiftly as we can,” about this community, about ma defensive coordinator lifts it, wouldn’t be the same. warded with perhaps the best the 2017 Arizona Bowl – its first The first Arizona Bowl took 12 this strong, it just pays dividends later. painforCats football world. But sometimes Saturday afternoon. Brennan’s Heeke said. “But we’ve got to this state — that they look at this was 43 when he took over the ashes of “It’s been like being on a real- matchup in the seven-year his- bowl berth since 1960. place on a Tuesday night in De- “Last year, that was one of the things we make it too complex. This is counterpart in that game, Bryan be thorough and diligent. Those as an incredible opportunity. the UA program in 2004. He was the ly rocky ocean — a lot of ups and tory of the game. “It’s almost like we have two cember 2015. It pitted two mid- that put us in a really good situation — about a leader of men, a leader of Harsin, also might be in the mix. two things can work together.” “Weneed a program builder — best man for the job. In retrospect, it a lot of downs,”said Ali Farhang, Ball State will take on San Jose Cinderella teams against each in dle-of-the-pack MWC teams. winning early, and then there’s not pres- Smoothperformance ARIZONA DAILY STAR chairman of the Arizona Bowl’s State on Dec. 31 in a matchup of a Cinderella bowl game.” It didn’t have a TV contract. sure at the end.” a football program, committed Other potential candidates Heeke described the traits he’s someone who can attract great would’ve been difficult for any coach itBkfild Dear Mr Football: Can anyone talk tiftblltbildbttildN hKNi ki i t d t il Th ll executive board “The key is to conference champions It will Theyallhavecomealong DEC. 23: NO.6 JAN. 1: NO. 1 JAN. 3: NO. 6 ARIZONA SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020 | SECTION C MONDAY,JANUARY 4, 2021 | SECTION C ARIZONA 96, IDAHO 42 STANFORD 81, SATURDAY,JANUARY 2, 2021 | SECTION C 69, CAL 33 Editor: Ryan Finley | [email protected] Editor: Ryan Finley | [email protected] Editor: Ryan Finley | [email protected] NO. 6 ARIZONA 69, CALIFORNIA 33 ARIZONA BASKETBALL ARIZONA FOOTBALL ARIZONA FOOTBALL What went down: NO. 6 ARIZONA 54 CatsnameCarroll,Pete’sson,asoffensivecoordinator What went down: UAputslossbehinditwith Afterlosing Greg Hansen By Michael Lev each other for over 10 Fisch’s connection to of Arizona,” Carroll said. “Hav- nan Carroll’s duties in Seattle also grandfather, Helena ARIZONA DAILY STAR years,” Fisch said in a the Carroll family goes ing the opportunity to be reunited include assisting offensive line Aari again reached into news release. “I am ex- back to the 2010 season, with Coach Fisch and his family coach Mike Solari. his past to try to help build a better cited to build this offense ’s first as Se- was something my family and I “He’s had a couple chances at thoroughdominationofCal Brownhelps Fischinfor future for Arizona Wildcats foot- together. He has incred- ahawks coach. Fisch was had always hoped for. other times, and we were able to ball. ible experience, grew up Seattle’s QB coach that “I have always had tremendous keep him here,”Pete Carroll said. By PJBrown Fisch on Friday hired Brennan in a football house, been year. respect for the Pac-12 Conference “But this one was just right with SPECIALTO THE ARIZONA DAILYSTAR Pueyo hit all four of her Carroll to be the UA’soffensive co- trained by the very best , 41, and loved my time competing in the right guy, with Jedd Fisch. McDonald finished with 12 For the Wildcats it’s all about Catssweep surpriseon ordinator and offensive line coach. in the business and has Brennan played tight end at Del- this league. The opportunity to be “He’s really excited about it. Carroll playing their best basketball — The son of Pete Carroll, Brennan seen a cultureofwinning aware and Pittsburgh. a part of the growth of this pro- We’re excited for him. He’s done and Friday’s night loss to No. 1 By Bruce Pascoe currently works as the run-game his whole life. He began his coaching gram was something I could not an incredibly good job for us, and Stanford certainly wasn’t that. ARIZONA DAILY STAR howfarCats coordinator for his father with the “Brennan’s positive attitude career as a graduate assistant un- pass up. This is a great time to be I’velovedhavinghimhere.” So, UA went back to the PULLMAN, Wash. — Even when Ter- What went down: . is matched by his football acu- der his father at USC in 2002-03. a part of the Wildcat family, and During his time at USC, Bren- drawing board Saturday with a rell Brown played his freshman season in 3-point attempts, part of Haley In 2011 and ’12, Fisch and Bren- men. Our offensive linemen will Brennan then became the tight my family and I can’t wait to get to nan Carroll coached , points, eight assists and full-on practice, instead of the relative obscurity, trying to gain Division nan Carroll were part of the same be trained to become profession- ends coach and recruiting coordi- Tucson.” who won the 2007 Mackey Award typical walk-through. They had I recruiting attention at a junior college havefallen staff at Miami. Fisch was the Hur- als both on and off the field. I am nator for the Trojans from 2004- Pete Carroll told Seattlereport- as the nation’s top tight end. At quite a few things to work on to outside Seattle, there was always at least ricanes’ offensive coordinator and excited to work hand in hand with 09 before spending four seasons ers that his son would remain with Miami, the Hurricanes had three get back to Arizona basketball. one set of eyes on him. uring what came off as a quarterbacks coach. Carroll was Brennan on developing an offen- at Miami. He joined the Seahawks the Seahawks through the end of top-15 recruiting classes while It worked. Those belonged to Charles Brown, Ter- rambling Lifetime Achieve- their tight ends coach and recruit- sive system to bring back the win- staff in 2015. the season. The Seahawks have Carroll headed that department. The No. 6-ranked Wildcats rell’s grandfa- D ing coordinator. ning traditions of Arizona foot- “I’m humbled and honored to qualified for the NFL playoffs, Arizona is expected to add more ment Award speech, Jedd came out with a defensive in- ther. a 58-point showing by the Jones posted 18 points and “Brennan and I have known ball.” become a part of the University which begin next weekend. Bren- assistant coaches early next week. six steals as the Wildcats UP NEXT Fisch dropped more names than a tensity and a full-court press Maybe, in “SportsCenter” anchor: Pete Carroll. Jim that shook a young Cal team some form, • Who: USC (6-2, 1-1) Harbaugh. . . that couldn’t adapt as Arizona Charles was also at Arizona (9-1, 3-1) BIGGEST WINS , . NO. 1 STANFORD 81, NO. 6 ARIZONA 54 ARIZONA BASKETBALL ran away with a 69-33 victory at there Saturday • When: 7p.m. All former bosses from the School of McKale Center on Sunday. for all 50 min- Thursday Jedd Fisch. UA improves to 8-1 overall utes of Arizo- • TV: ESPN Wildcats’ bench, and the UA Fisch is what those in the football in- 10 rebounds as the Cardinal allowed just 33 points — the and 6-1 in the Pac-12, while Cal na’s 86-82 dou- • Radio: 1290-AM, dustry refer to as “bouncers,”a man who drops to 0-9, 0-6. ble-overtime 107.5-FM MARK J. TERRILL / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS 2018 Catsappear has been employed by 13 football teams Arizona has now beaten Cal win at Wash- quarterbacks coach Jedd Fisch was named Arizona’s new head coach on Wednesday, replacing Kevin Sumlin. since 2000. He explained such bouncing two consecutive times‚ dating ington State, as “my multiple but purposeful moves.” back to the quarterfinals of last watching excitedly as Terrell banked in a On Wednesday, Fisch began working motivated, season’s Pac-12 Tournament — go-ahead 3-point shot with 13 seconds left won handily. in Tucson, job No. 14, although techni- handed UA its first loss. fewest they’ve ever allowed for the first time in 16 years. to finally put the Cougars away. cally he participated in separate Zoom The 33 points allowed is the Maybe he even did more than that. conferences with current and former fewest UA has ever given up Charles Brown had passed away Thursday, UA football players, local and national evenwith against a Pac-12 opponent. with Terrell receiving the news not long Fischtale:Howanoutsider reporters and donors from his compound “I thought that it was huge after arriving in his Seattle hometown for She said it: near Foxborough, Massachusetts. She said it: for us,” UA coach Adia Barnes Arizona’s win over the Huskies on New “Wehavenever He even appeared in a video with his “It’s one of our in a conference game. said. “The way that we lost, the Year’s Eve. wife and children standing outside the postseason manner which we lost — Stan- UA assistant coach Jason Terry said icy New England Patriots headquarters. ford is better right now. But Brown dedicated Saturday’s game to I waswas w waitingaitin f foror t thehe d domineeringomineerin B Billill they’re not 30 pointsbetter. … Charles and,when Brown was asked about gainedinsidetracktojobainedinsidetrackto ob offthetable “We could have laid down that 3 falling awkwardly but accurately She said it: and then we could have been into the net, he wondered if an was NO. 6 ARIZONA 96, IDAHO 42 ARIZONA BASKETBALL blaming each other for things in order. had 58 bench points in all worst games this season, By Bruce Pascoe “I thought we and pointing the fingers and “I guess you could say that was him e ore ewas n ro uce • ge: ro e e nes ay n emos mos success u ranc se any onger. ARIZONA DAILY STAR stuff like that. But we didn’t do guiding that basketball in,”Brown said. as Arizona’s football coach • Hometown: Livingston, New Jersey 2020 way possible. He spoke He’s working for Arizona president Rob- SPOKANE, Wash. — After yet another that. Our true character shows Terry agreed. Wednesday, the only associ- • Alma mater: Fisch has undergraduate and master’s degrees from the via Zoom from the New En- ert C. Robbins, who, in the middle of a round of COVID-19 testing early Tues- when things are tough, and “The basketball gods — and his grandpa Pueyo’sfour3ssparkWildcats Tubeliscouldkeepspot day morning, the Arizona Wildcats filed ation Jedd Fisch had with the gland Patriots’ practice facility global pandemic, found time to steer the things were tough. And they —wereonour side,” Terrysaid. UA was tangential: His eldest • Family: Wife, Amber; three daughters, Zaylee, Ashlee and Kendall. in Foxborough, Massachusetts. selection of another Wildcats football into their film room for an 8 a.m. session were tough this whole weekend. Terry had actually known Charles they will probably never forget. the years I’ve been here, daughter,By PJBrown Zaylee, attends the Zaylee is a UA student. Fisch’s most recent job on a no- coach. but credit to them because got better today. Are we “Tough conversations (Sat- Brown far longer, having been a lifelong The meeting wasn’t about their play SPECIALTOsc THEhoo ARIZONAl. DAILY STAR • Previous stops: Quarterbacks coach, New England Patriots (2020); madic journeyinWildcats’startingfive through the as- Fisch has no clue how difficult his new urday). Then bounce back and friend of Terrell’s biological father and, by Fisch gets it. He’s from New senior offensive assistant and assistant offensive coordinator, Los An- sistant ranks had been as New job is going to be. or the play of an upcoming opponent. It play the way we did —play team extension, a longtime acquaintance of his When Helena Pueyo is in the was about the games they wouldn’t get groove, findsJersey.He her spot has in had the 13 cor- jobs in col- geles Rams (2018-19); offensive coordinator, UCLA (2017); offensive England’s quarterbacksBy coach. Bruce Pascoe In a football perspective, he has been basketball, played Arizona bas- grandfather. lege and pro football, and only coordinator, Michigan (2015-16); offensive coordinator,Jacksonville Fisch received endorsements working on Easy Street,UP NEXT letting Carroll to play, the ones that matter far more ketball.” “Good, good dude,” Terry said of ner and lets it fly,she hits nothing ARIZONA DAILY STAR one of those was in the Pac-12 Jaguars (2013-14); offensive coordinator, Miami (2011-12); quarter- from his boss there, Bill Beli- work the waiver wire for the Seattle Se- than anything in college basketball. The Wildcats were on a mis- Charles. “Cared about family. Family was —atUCLAin2017.He’snotthebut net. backs coach, Seattle Seahawks (2010); offensive coordinator, Minne- chick,as wellBecauseas Pete Carr theoll bulkand ofahawks Arizona’s and Harbaugh• Who: pullColorado the strings (6-1, of 0-0) As Arizona coach said sion Sunday. And it all started huge to him. And he was a guy who always and hopefully we’ll have it they made us play that way. Thursday, after the Wildcats beat Wash- where we need to be? Abso- UP NEXTWildcat thatOn fans and alumni sota (2009); wide receivers coach, (2008); offensive Sean McVay,roster two formerhails from bosses. halfwayMichigan’s around mightyat recruiting Arizona (6-1,network. 0-1) with their defense. had a smile on his face. He faced some ad- wanted. He’sWednes- an outsider. assistant, (2004-07); defensive quality assistant, Fisch hastheworke world,d under sendingmany guys homeArizona for lost its• lastWhen: football7:30 game p.m. Monday70-7. ington 80-53 “We had to come out here versities with this health of late. But we’re in Seattle, “the • Who: No. 1 So how daywill Fisc after-h go about (2002-03); graduate assistant, Miami (1999-2000). of football’sthe holidays sharpest was minds. never muchIt has lost of an a school-record• TV: Pac-12 12 straight Arizona SATURDAY and prove what Arizona defense glad now that he can be resting peacefully, winning over those people — He got his start at Florida af- games. Its roster has been further dimin- two words is and I think that we did a great and he’s in no more pain. Stanford (7-0, noon, the option this season. • Radio: 1290-AM, 107.5-FM PHOTOS BY JOSH GALEMORE / ARIZONA DAILY STAR ‘March Mad- • Who: Arizona (8-1, 4-0) at No.especially 6 ifUA wins on soph- the field are ter placing“Lithuania hundreds of is notes far away,soished I by don’t those rushing to the NCAA’s jobofthat,”CateReesesaid. Certainly, there was some sort of spirit sparse early on? have time and patience, but I required. and ideas on the windshield of transfer process. Arizona forward Trinity Baptiste is overwhelmed by Stanford defenders during the first half of Friday’s game in McKale Center. ness’ are very 2-1) at Washington UA came out and played their Arizona (7-0, omore put know,”freshman forward Azuolas important. So State (8-0, 1-0) again.”— Adia Barnes “As with anything, with think time and patience in the But all three men — Robbins, then-Gators coach Steve Spur- Given the lack of talent and depth on … That’s why they are No. 1; lutely not. We are not where best half of the season with 11 MAMTA POPAT / ARIZONA DAILY STAR See ARIZONA, C4 5-0) time,”Fischon told athe clin- Star abouta short term. And then trust. Heeke and Fisch — are confi- rier’s car.Tubelis Fisch also said has of worked his homeland.Arizona’s “It’s roster,point,”UA Fisch would coach probably Sean be Miller said. when that’s not • When: 8:30 p.m. steals — four from Aari McDon- Nowhere to turn: Cal guard Leilani McIntosh is defended by Arizona’s Helena Pueyo (13) and Cate Reese AS ARIZONA’S HEAD COACH • When: Jan. 1, ic—swish, impossible.” “I wish every one of them could go a possibility, it’s • TV: Pac-12 Arizona half-hour after his introductory Trust that when I say that our dent he’s the right man for that under (Baltimore considered for the Pac-12 Coach of the ald — forcing 11 turnovers and during the Wildcats’ 69-33 victory over the winless Golden Bears on Sunday. 5p.m. news conference.swish, “With time family will be completely in- daunting job. Ravens), MikThankse Shanahan to(De COVID-19n- proto- home for Christmas. I think we all certainly dis- • Radio: 1290-AM, scoring 22 points off them. UA heartening.” • Radio: 1400-AMcomes winningswish, people over — grained into the community, “Dave and I agreed that ver Broncos)cols and that Jim mean Harbaugh players can’t really kind ofSee need HANSEN, a break, C4 but certainly Stanfordstiflescold-shooting 107.5-FM took a dominating 39-10 lead UP NEXT volved was a true leader on the first half and finished with 18. not getting wrapped up in the I don’t think it’ll take long for there were some factors that (Michigan). Now it’s not a into halftime. The 10 points floor. She did things today that I Trinity Baptiste led all scor- swish — in leave without isolating upon their they do.” possibility. first 24 hours of everybody’s ... people to see us as University of wereREBECCA simply SASNETT non-negotiable,” / ARIZONA DAILY STARFrom the time he was a ball- they are No. 1 for a reason. ... we need to be. We do have were the lowest any opponent • Who: Arizona (8-1, 6-1) love for her to do. ers with 17 points by hitting 8 the first half return, it’s actually impossible The adjustment may be tough- concerns or questions or won- Arizona (representatives).” Robbins said. “We wanted en- y r Be n olic Arizona opted to self-impose a post- has scored on the Wildcats in a “She recognized some mis- of 9 from the field. She worked to help the Wildcats take com- UA’s Cate Reese, left, and Sam Thomas pretend to wave to fans follow-bo fo forthe nearlyrge theCath entire team. So the est on Tubelis and the Wildcats’ at Washington (4-5, 1-5) dering why wewent outside the Despite his East Coast roots ergy and passion. We want- High School team in Oradell, season ban this season over its pending half this season. • When: 9p.m.Friday matches. She asked me, ‘Hey, for each point, muscling her NCAA infractions case,and Miller had to mand earlyfamily, and thump so to speak. Idaho 96- ing Wednesday’sand job-hopping win in résumé, McKale Fisch Center.ed The someone sixth-ranked who wanted Cats to are be 7-0.New Jersey,Wildcats Fisch has are wanted enjoying to a staycation five other European freshmen — Cats,handsUAitsfirstdefeat McDonald’s steals and tips • TV: Pac-12 Arizona can we call this?’ I like when way inside. Her determination 42 at McKale“What Center. we really have to do is offered the qualities UA Pres- the coach at the University of be the headChristmas coach for with a college three off days this Tubelis’ twin brother, Tautvilas; tell his players about it. turned into six points — one • Radio: 1400-AM she’s thinking about that — showed especially on one play The Wildcatsallow the (7-0) process head to go. into I under-“Ourident defense Robert C. is Robbins improving; and Arizona.a coach,” We Arizonawanted someone coach Adiafootball prweek,ogram. mostlyHe didn’t freeplay of travel and Parisian forward Daniel Batcho; Having recruited the majority of his was a tip to Sam Thomas who she’s trying to isolate her team- in the third quarter where she January undefeatedstand that forthe thefoot sec-ball alum-our offenseathletic is director getting Dave better. Heeke The whoBarnes shared said. our vision “We and still our havefootball a infamily high school gatherings or col- — but also free Estonian guard Kerr Kriisa; and By PJ Brown UP NEXT current roster while his program was passed to Reese for an easy bas- mates. She made a conscious pivoted around multiple times I think they just dominated in SPECIALTO THE ARIZONA DAILYSTAR under FBI and NCAA investigation be- toimprove.Butwe’reonthe ond consecutiveni, the community year. They’ll of Tucsonthingswere that seeking we’re in working a head coach on, values.lot of things We wanted to work someone on andlege get but workedof daily his 7:30 way a.m. up the COVID-19 tests. wing Tibet Gorener of Istanbul. ket;another wasafast breakand steals — which,Barnes said, was effort to do that. And I thought to find a little space to put up the ... former students, they’re all — someone who could turn who would embrace our history coaching ranks through sheer Adia Barnes was staring • Who: Cal at No. 6 Arizona tween September 2017 and October a last-second pass to Shaina a perfect game. she played a perfect.” shot, giving UA a 51-14 lead. faceNo.1StanfordonNewYear’s I’m able to see us apply them. “Just not have to get up early, I down what might just be the • When: Noon Sunday 2020, Miller said he was confident his looking for a certain person to around a floundering football and connectSee with WILDCATS, former let- will. C3 See TUBELIS, C6 Pellington for the score; and the “I thought Aari played a phe- It was more than just Mc- “You see Trinity — she’s ob- Day. fit that criteria. But if youSolet that’sprogram the by positive connecting for me to its as ter-winners, alumni, students Fisch interviewedthink, is a for victory the UA for them at this biggest game in her coach- • TV: Pac-12 Arizona players would handle the message well. last one was a tip toPellington to nomenal game,” Barnes said. Donald. It was a balanced attack viously strong, but I think you ing career at Arizona. Already, he has expressed multiple our staff develop, I think people glorious past and its fervent fan and donors. We wanted a coach job three years ago,when Arizo- • Radio: 1400-AM put UA up 19-2 with under two It’s not all about only scoring 30 as the Wildcats were sharing the underestimate her until you DEAN HARE / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS - - She had never coached times how much he likes the attitude and minutes left in the first quarter. points, but she led, she enabled ball, driving in and kicking out, have to guard her,” said Reese, Two days after losing his grandfather, Arizo- most areas.”— Adia Barnes against a No. 1 team. The cohesion of his current Wildcats, how McDonald finished with 12 us to score 30 points. … A per- with every player touching the right track.”— Adia Barnes na transfer Terrell Brown came up big in the programhadonlyfaced four the most of any Division I much they like to be coached, and how points, eight assists and six fect game got her teammates in- ball. They had 11 assists in the See WILDCATS, C4 Wildcats’ double-overtime victory. in its history, going winless. women’s basketball coach. much theyliketoworktogether. The last time the Wildcats In the end, the extra film But he never had to tell them some- university,i i there’llh ll beb some en- streakk andd droppedd d itsi lastl game knowk whoh iti wouldld b be. In theh hah viing pllayedd a dod wn off fof otbab llll thisthi season ast theh NewN E Englandl d P Patriots’t i t ’ hosted a top-rated team was work wasn’t the answer. thing like this. ergy and excitement there. by a score of 70-7. The roster is end, it became clear that Jedd quarterbacks coach. The 44-year-old is Purdue back in 1998, when Stanford dominated early “Until you go through it, you never RAMS 18, CARDINALS 7 By Justin Spears McKale Center with artificial crowd noise pumped who will go down as arguably the best women’s bas- • Opponent: No. 4 Stanford Bld ddf tdth UA8154 ll k ” Mill id “It’ t FromlossofLuteto ARIZONA DAILY STAR in.Arizona shot 6 for 25 from 3-point range and ketball player in program history. But the supporting • Score: 73-72 Adia Barnes has been a part of some of the was outrebounded by UCLA, but the Bruins cast is what has allowed the Wildcats to flourish • What went down: Five wins, 40 losses. That JAN. 10: WSU 71, JAN. 14: NO. 11 JAN. 17: NO. 11 best teams in Arizona women’s basketball SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS struggled in the third quarter and scored just six into a Pac-12 power — and just when Arizona faced was Arizona’s record against its Pac-12 superior NO. 7 ARIZONA 69 MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 2021 | SECTION C ARIZONA 57, FRIDAY,JANUARY 15, 2021 | SECTION C ARIZONA 67, MONDAY,JANUARY 18, 2021 | SECTION C Editor: Ryan Finley | [email protected] Editor: Ryan Finley | [email protected] Editor: Ryan Finley | [email protected] WOMEN’S BASKETBALL: WSU 71, NO. 7 ARIZONA 69, OT NO.11ARIZONA67,OREGONSTATE51 NFL: CHIEFS 22, BROWNS 17 history, both as a player and coach. points and missed 16 consecutive shots, which adversity on the road, it was Dominique McBryde Stanford since the turn of the new century with NO.11ARIZONA57,NO.10OREGON41 CougarsrallypastCatsonbuzzer-beaterinovertime NO. 10 OREGON 41 OREGON STATE 51 Henne,‘D’ THE ASSOCIATED PRESS UP NEXT ther. come back. Aari McDonald had ington canceled due to the Hus- What went down: PULLMAN, Wash. — Charlisse Leger-Walker made a layup 23 points and 11 rebounds for the kies’ COVID-19 issues, led 22-11 In fact, Barnes is just one of 11 coaches all- sparked a 9-0 run by the Wildcats. Despite UCLA who stepped up and propelled Arizona to victory four of those wins picked up between 2000-04. Char- Leger-Walker made a layup at the • Who: No. 11 Oregon (9-2, 7-2) with two seconds left in regu- Wildcats. after the first quarter and 40-29 at savesChiefs buzzer in overtime and Washing- at No. 7 Arizona (8-2, 6-2) lation to tie it at 60, converting “They gave us a really tough halftime. ton State rallied past No.7 Arizona • When: 5 p.m.Thursday after a pass from sister Krystal time in the second half,” coach WSU cut the lead to nine after 71-69 on Sunday. • TV: ESPN Leger-Walker. Adia Barnes said. “It was a tough three quarters and then outscored CATS, BEAVERS “Those who know me, know I • Radio: 1400-AM The sisters combined for eight breakbutithastobealearningles- UA 16-7 in the fourth. The Cou- afterinjury don’t get too high or too low but of the Cougars’ 11 points in over- son for our team. We made some gars jumped to a 65-60 lead in BATTLING LATE time to play and coach their alma mater in the cutting Arizona’s lead to a single possession with a with her season-high 19 points, eight rebounds and There’s no debate which program has represent- lisse Leger-Walker made when I made that shot I was so time. tough shots down the stretch but overtime before Arizona rallied to high,”she said. “Just to get that fi- trust in me to let me try and make Arizona (8-2, 6-2 Pac-12) led by it wasn’t enough.” tie the game at 69 on McDonald’s nal shot go in was so amazing and that play.” 16 but shot just 11% in the fourth The Wildcats, who had their IN CORVALLIS toMahomes I’m so glad my teammates had the It wasn’t her only key play, ei- quarter, allowing the Cougars to game Friday night against Wash- See ARIZONA, C4 Thursday’s UA-Oregon State game By Dave Skretta What went down: What went down: THE ASSOCIATED PRESS was still being played when the KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City NCAA Tournament. few minutes remaining, the UA closedoutthegame four blocks.The UA’s overtime win broke a 12-game ed the Pac-12 on the national level. The Cardi- alayupatthebuzzerin ARIZONA BASKETBALL Sam Helena Chiefs had lost Patrick Mahomes to a con- Star went to press. For complete cussion and were in danger of losing the coverage, visit Tucson.com/sports game. Then their defense and Chad Henne — theirdefenseandChadHenne?!—alongwith a gutsy call by Andy Reid kept their hopes of In five seasons, Barnes has shaped the with a McDonald putback and a clutch 3-pointer by losing skid to the Beavers.The triumph was also the nal has won two national championships and overtime and Washington Thomas finished with 10 Pueyoscored15points, a Super Bowl repeat ARIZONA FOOTBALL Greg Hansen alive, holding off the UP NEXT Cleveland Browns 22-17 on Sunday • NFC Champion- to advance to their ship: Saints/Buc- Chancetoget third straight AFC caneers at Packers, Wildcats into one of the top women’s basket- Virginia Tech transfer Trinity Baptiste.The graduate first step in a four-game winning streak. appeared in the Final Four 13 times under Hall of State rallied past No. 7 RisingUCLA points, six rebounds and tying her career-high, and championship 1 p.m. Sunday, game. Ch. 11 With their star • AFC Champi- hassightsset ‘backonthe quarterback re- onship: Bills at duced to a spectator, Chiefs, 4:30 p.m. the oft-forgotten Sunday, Ch. 13 ball programs on the West Coast and a con- bunch opposite Ma- transfer finished the night with 18 points and 11 • She said it: “I think we really wanted this win. We Fame head coach Tara VanDerveer, and Stanford Arizona by two. onregaining four steals as the Wildcats grass’brought the Wildcats completed a homes’ high-pow- ered offense forced the Browns to punt in the waning minutes. Then, his 35-year-old GrahamtoUA backup showed some moxie with a long She said it: familiarspot third-down scramble and audacious fourth- down completion to Tyreek Hill — when tender in the always-loaded Pac-12 Confer- rebounds. didn’t want to end the game with another over- was once again a juggernaut in the 2019-20 “It was a ut the names of every Pac-12 basket- delivered a signature victory By Michael Lev weekend sweep in McKale. go-for-broke Reid decided to go for it — that P ball player into a pool and draft five PHOTOS BY MAMTA POPAT / ARIZONA DAILY STAR ARIZONA DAILY STAR gave the Chiefs a first down with just over a guys to play a winner-take-all series UA guard Aari McDonald is all smiles after being was fouled by an Oregon defender during the first half of Thursday’s game. The Scottie Graham never held a full-time on-field minute left and allowed them to run out the against the Big Ten all-stars. Who do you Wildcats led 19-2 at one point in the first quarter. coaching position before becoming the running clock. take, 1 through 5? backs coach at Arizona. Yet Jedd Fisch is confi- MAMTA POPAT / ARIZONA DAILY STAR “That’s why we love Big Red. He’s always 1. USC 7-foot center freshman Evan Mo- dent Graham won’t fumble the opportunity. She said it: Arizona’s Cate Reese battles for the with Oregon State’s Taylor Jones during the first half of the Wildcats’ 16-point win Sunday. on time,”Chiefs safety Tyrann Mathieu said. ence. • She said it: “It was a very ugly win. Normally, time buzzer-beater, last-second buzzer-beater, season. Although Stanford star Kianna Williams tough break but it has bley.No contest. over the Ducks. Why does the Wildcats coach feel that way? “She needs “He’s like our spirit warrior out here behind 2. Stanford’s towering, do-it-all senior Well, Graham touched the ball 413 times the scenes. He’s always trying stuff. We al- forward Oscar da Silva. during his six-year NFL career and never lost a ways knew he has one playonthetable.” 3. Oregon’s score-from-anywhere senior fumble. He was as sure-hand- Or,as Mahomes wrote on Twitter after the KELLY PRESNELL / ARIZONA DAILY STAR Catsdelivermarqueewin guard Chris Duarte. ed as they came. win: “#HenneThingIsPossible.” UA‘s Jemarl Baker Jr. wraps up UCLA’s Jules Bernard during the first half Saturday. The Bruins made 27 of 32 free throws in their win. 4. ASU’s never-give-an-inch senior She said it: Graham’s reliability wasn’t “We go through all those Saturday night As the third-seeded Wildcats prepare for to be a learning lesson Remy Martin, “I knew we the only reason Fisch’s con- to shoot the ball more.”— PueyogivesUAearlylift with the quarterbacks, those situations: you play these type of games another month whatever it may be.”— McBryde tallied 27 points, six rebounds, five assists and 5. Colorado’s senior point guard McKin- tacts in the coaching profes- ‘Fourth-and-1 to win the game, what do you ley Wright, a package of positive intangi- sion recommended the former want?’” said Reid, who never once thought bles. withdismantlingofDucks Ohio State and NFL running about punting on fourth down. “My coach- Sixth man? How about UCLA’s mini- back for the job. Brian Billick, es were on board, they all did a great job with point guard, Tyger Campbell, who was the By PJBrown Bobby Turner and others laud- the spot, with the calls, everything — they Scottie Opponentslivingonline best player on the court Saturday night, SPECIALTO THE ARIZONA DAILY STAR ed Graham’shonesty and lead- ineasywinoverBeavers were spot-on. It was a great job.” their first NCAA Tournament game in 16 from now, so it’s a big difference playing in early twoturnovers,Arizonascored23pointsoff for our team. We made scoring 22 points as the Bruins beat Arizona controlled the game when It was billed as the “Thurs- ership skills. Graham Lauren Ware, on Pueyo 81-76, the fourth straight time the Bruins day Showcase.” Two top teams “They all said to me, if By PJBrown UP NEXT in the first half — three in that kicked it up a notch. Thomas See CHIEFS, C2 have won at McKale Center. in the Pac-12 — one of the top there’s one guy that you should really consid- SPECIALTO THE ARIZONA DAILY STAR first quarter. She finished with finished with 8 points on 3 of 3 This is not a typo. UCLA is 4-0 at leagues in the country — going er — and he’s in Arizona currently — to coach Adia Barnes’ message to • Who: Utah (3-8, 2-8) 15 points,tying hercareer-high from the field. McKale, and to make it more impressive at it in a game that aired nation- your running backs, it would be Scottie Graham,” Helena Pueyo was loud and at No. 11 Arizona (10-2, 8-2) from last season’s Monmouth Overall, the Wildcats hadn’t asCatscan’tstophacking the Bruins didn’t play in Tucson during the ally on ESPN. Fischsaid. clear: Be ready to shoot when • When: 4p.m.Friday game. She went 3 of 4 from the been shooting well from long years, when they face No. 14 Stony Brook on December. Both teams, you’re not as sharp, less the Cardinal’s 22 turnovers and five Wildcats some tough shots down 2018-19 season when the Wildcats went flat I saw them get flustered. Arizona was focused and So Fisch took something of a leap of faith. Gra- you come off the bench. • TV: Pac-12 Arizona free-throw line. distance this season. They ARIZONA TAKES DOWN ASU IN By Bruce Pascoe to take 15 free throws in the teaching them, because fouling and finished 17-15. ready. Aari McDonald and her ham’s connections to Fisch and/or the UA pro- Pueyo listened. • Radio: 1400-AM After the game, she was ended up shooting 53% against UP NEXT ARIZONA DAILY STAR first half Thursday, keeping the is a big part of the game of bas- This just doesn’t happen to Arizona bas- teammates — Sam Thomas and gram weren’t as straightforward as other assis- Thirty-three seconds af- modest and said, “nothing OSU on 10-of-19 shooting. After his frustrated, over- • Who: Arizona (9-3, 3-3) Trojansinpositiontoeventu- ketball, and we’re on the wrong ketball teams. Well, not for a long time. Trinity Baptiste — didn’t waste tants who have joined the staff. Graham’s résumé ter she checked into Sunday’s happened.” She just came off Aari McDonald hit four 3s of whelmed defense sent too at Oregon State (5-4, 1-2) ally pull out a 87-73 win over end of that right now.” For the first time in maybe 30 or 35 years, any time showing the women’s isn’t as conventional. game, she let it fly from beyond years — while OSU drops to the bench good and she’s try- her own as she scored in dou- many guys to the free-throw • When: 9 p.m.Thursday UA despite shooting just 40% Basically,Millersaid,UAwas it’s unlikely you’d pick someone from basketball world that Arizona But what is coaching about, really? It’s about the arc for her first 3 of the af- 3-4, 1-4. ing to do her “best shooting.” ble figures for the 78th straight Monday in the Mercado Region, here’s a look the stretch but it wasn’t line for a second straight game • TV: Fox Sports 1 from the field before halftime. a “horrible defensive team,”as Arizona among the Pac-12’s top five or six Everyone was locked down isateamtobereckonedwith personal relationships, a theme Fisch and eight ternoon. UA earned its first win over Meanwhile, teammate Lau- game — which is every game cohesiveness.”— Barnes recorded double-figure scoring. McDonald Saturday, Arizona coach Sean • Radio: 1290-AM, 107.5-FM Miller was not happy to see exposed by the increased talent players. as the Wildcats picked up their new Arizona assistants hammered home during She would go on to knock Oregon State at home in a de- renWarehadherownmessage she’s played in as a Wildcat. Miller shared a saying that USC reach the bonus (seven level of USC and UCLA. But maybe that’s not all bad in what is first marquee victory of the a series of video interviews Thursday. down a total of four as the cade and it’s the first time the for Pueyo. That streak is the longest active TEMPE FOR FIRST TIME IN 19 YEARS speaks to teams who foul too fouls, allowing one-and-ones “We have to be a smarter,” essentially a throwaway season for the post- season. The 11th-ranked Wild- “I think transparency is the No. 1 thing you can Wildcats completely dominat- Wildcats have won back-to- “She needs to shoot the ball one in the nation. She finished much. fact that the Wildcats fouled on defensive or loose-ball Miller said. “You know, when season-banned Wildcats. cats’ 57-41 win over No 10 Or- do,”Graham said. “These young people are ready ed Oregon State in a 67-51 vic- back games over the Beavers more,”Ware said. with 20 points, seven rebounds “Undisciplined teams or the Bruins 25 times, allowing non-shooting fouls) after 10 the ball’s in and around the How much damage can be done by losing egon at McKale Center showed for the truth. When you sugarcoat it is when you tory at McKaleCenter Sunday. in nine years. This is their first Pueyo’s hot hand — hitting and four assists. players are coached by an un- them to go to the line 32 times minutes in the first half and basket, you have to show your a few home games? the Wildcats had rebounded kind of lose them. No. 11 Arizona improves to sweep of the Oregon schools in back-to-back 3s — got the After falling behind 8-0 in CHARLIE RIEDEL / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS at the UA’s best wins under Barnes: wasn’t a factor offensively until crunch time, enough.”— Adia Barnes disciplined coach — and foul- and convert 27 free throws. hit the double bonus (10 fouls, hands. The way you’re physical Plus, if you picked the next five from the and we really wanted it.”— from Sunday’s overtime loss at “Michael Wiley (Arizona’s top returning run- 10-2 overall and 8-2 in the Pac- 10 years. Wildcats rolling. Then Sam Cleveland’s Rashard Higgins is tackled by ing is discipline,” Miller said UCLA ended up scoring 15 allowing two free throws on is by moving your feet, using pool, it’s not a stretch to think that Arizona Washington State.. 12 — the best league start in 17 All four of Pueyo’s 3s came Thomas hit a 3 and the offense See WILDCATS, C4 L’Jarius Sneed in the second half Sunday. Saturday after UA’s 81-76 loss more points from the line than non-shooting fouls) after 12 your chest so that the guy has freshman forward Azoulas Tubelis, soph- UA snapped a 10-game losing See FOOTBALL, C2 to UCLA. “Sometimes it might Arizona, more than enough for and a half minutes. to go through your body — but omore guard James Akinjo and freshman streak against the Ducks. Coach be you’re outmatched or out- the Bruins’ fourth straight win “We’ve got a couple guys you don’t come down on him forward Bennedict Mathurin would get manned. But for the most part at McKale Center — and more just absolutely hammering the at all. consideration. See WILDCATS, C4 PAC-12 HOTLINE NBA • When: Dec. 29, 2019 whenshescored13ofher20pointsinthefinal if you have a problem as a team than enough to negate James other team,” Miller said. “It’s “We have a couple guys But that’s a story for another time. That’s Aari McDonald ARIZONA CLIPS DUCKS ON ESPN (with) fouling, that’s some- Akinjo’s 25-point, eight-assist not basketball. And we have to playing 9-10 minutes and had a story for next year. UP NEXT thing that we or I have to cor- effort. adjust, our players have to ad- four fouls. That’s a problem. Pac-12 basketball is becoming a story of Rocketsexcitedforfuture rect.” All that happened two nights just, I and our staff have to do • Who: Oregon State (3-3, 1-3) UCLA-LSUshouldbeinspotlight Miller was stewing over the after the Wildcats allowed USC an even better job coaching and See WILDCATS, C4 See HANSEN, C4 at No. 11 Arizona (9-2, 7-2) • When: 2 p.m. Sunday By Jon Wilner aftertradingawayHarden CATS ROUT BRUINS FOR BARNES’ FOR FIRST TIME UNDER BARNES • Where: , Tempe 15 minutes including overtime, and the guard’s • TV: Pac-12 Arizona Greg Hansen THE SAN JOSE (CALF.) MERCURY NEWS FIRST WIN OVER A TOP-10 TEAM • Opponent: ASU late-game heroics, a game-winning 3-pointer • When: Jan. 14, 2021 • Score: 58-53 with eight seconds left on the clock in overtime, JAN. 22: NO. 10 FEB. 8: NO. 10 ARIZONA FEB. 12: NO. 10 SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS • When: Jan. 31, 2020 • Where: McKale Center • What went down: Heading into the game,Arizona lifted Arizona to victory in front of 7,838 fans K 79, NO. 11 OREGON 59 TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2021 | SECTION C SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2021 | SECTION C ARIZONA 66, UTAH 54 SATURDAY, JANUARY 23, 2021 | SECTION C ARIZONA 60, WSU 51 Editor: Ryan Finley | [email protected] Editor: Ryan Finley | [email protected] Editor: Ryan Finley | [email protected] WOMEN’S BASKETBALL: ARIZONA 79, OREGON 59 ARIZONA BASKETBALL • Where: McKale Center • Opponent: No. 10 Oregon was ranked No. 18 in the Associated Press Top 25 at McKale Center — the Wildcats’ first-ever win BASEBALL LEGEND HIT 755 HOME RUNS 10th-rankedCats,Cougarstanglelate What went down: Legend,hero,giant:OnetimeHRkingAaronwasallthree What went down: Whatrust?No.10CatsclobberNo.11Ducks What went down: NCAAlineleaders: STAFFAND WIRE REPORTS UP NEXT game, which aired nationally on stop any potential comeback at- son’s sweep, which kept the Wild- • Opponent: No. 8 UCLA • Score: 57-41 poll while ASU was unranked. On paper, the Wild- over a top-five opponent in program history. It Cate By Sam Mellinger beauty. IN SECTION A Cate The Arizona Wildcats took out ESPN2. tempt. cats in second place in the confer- Cate THE KANSAS CITY STAR “I guess you can call him the Nobodyattempts, 2ƒ weeks of frustration on host • Who: Washington State (9-7,7-7) Arizona jumped out to a quick Reese hit all three of her ence behind Stanford. KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The people’s home run king,” fellow Hank Aaron, baseball’s longtime Oregon on Monday night, routing at Arizona (12-2, 10-2) 8-0 lead Monday and led 21-19 3-pointers in the rout while Nyara Sabally scored 17 points home runs hid Hank Aaron’s Baseball Hall of Famer Reggie home-run king, dies. / Page A1 the Ducks 79-59. • When: 7 p.m. Friday after the first quarter and 33-32 at Thomas hit 3 of 5. As a team, UA to lead the Ducks, who dropped greatness. That is an audacious, Jackson once said. Cate Reese poured in 25 points • TV: Pac-12 Arizona halftime. was 9 of 15 from long range. The to fourth in Pac-12. Sedona Prince makesmorefree ridiculous, outrageous thing to Aaron died on Friday. He was on 11-of-14 shooting as No. 10 UA • Radio: 1400-AM The second half was all UA, Wildcats also outrebounded Ore- scored 10 points while Taylor Score: What went down: Reese scored 11 points and say. It is also true. 86. He had a baseball career unlike teammates with the Indianapo- Reesescored25pointsand outshot the No. 11 Ducks 50.8% to which outscored Oregon 46-27 gon 42-36. Mikesell and Te-Hina Paopao Reese scored 17 points, nine • 92-66 • If you look at the all-time series cats were favored to win this game, but a job had to took four seasons, but Barnes finally gained a Aaron’s legend will always be anyone before, or since. He hit his lis Clowns in the Negro Leagues 32.4% in Eugene, Oregon. after the break. It was the second convincing each had nine points. tied to the 755 home runs he hit, first major league home run at 20, could see immediately that this throwsthanCats Sam Thomas added 14 points cause of COVID-19 issues in the Up 35-34, Reese hit a 3-point- win of the season over the Ducks. UA dropped a spot from ninth a number that baseball fans don’t his last at 42, and along the way young man had a gift. and Trinity Baptiste and Aari Mc- UA program. er to start a long run that saw the On Jan. 14 at McKale Center, UA to 10th in this week’s AP Top 25 need to look up. That’s more than he became the first Black star on He swung cross-handed at first Donaldeach had 13. Then, Arizona’s game at Ore- Wildcats outscore the Ducks 25-12 rolled to a 57-41 win. after not playing last week. The By Bruce Pascoe any man before him, and even af- the first major professional sports — right-handed swing, but with SATURDAY The No. 11 Wildcats (12-2, 10-2 gon State last Friday was called off over the rest of the third quarter to Arizona has won consecutive Wildcats are ranked for the 28th ARIZONA DAILY STAR ter Barry Bonds broke the record team in the South at the height of the left hand on top. When some- Pac-12) hadn’t played since Jan. because of COVID-19 protocols in go up 60-46. games against the Ducks for the straight week, a school record. Good 3-point shooting • Who: Oregon (11-4, 6-3) What went down: grabbed nine rebounds, many still consider Aaron the real the civil rights movement. one taught him the better way, No. 10 Arizona completed a coming in the fourth quarter, • Arizona fell to UCLA in results between Arizona and Oregon, there’sa Arizona next hosts the Wash- be done considering the Wildcats hadn’t beaten the 22 when they beat Utah by 12 at the Beavers program, leaving the The UA defense held Oregon first time since 2011. Coach Adia victory over the Pac-12’s mainstay, which is one and offensive rebounding at Arizona (14-6, 8-6) home run king. When he signed his first pro- his first swing produced a home home. The next four games were Wildcats stuck in Oregon for three (12-4, 9-4) to four points over the Barnes dropped her first 10 games have a lot to do with the • When: Noon JACK W. SHEAFFER / ARIZONA DAILY STAR 1976 Much of that is a reference to fessional contract at 18, he did not run. A theory developed that all postponed, including three be- days to wait before Monday’s final six minutes of the contest to against Oregon before this sea- See BASKETBALL, C4 Arizona Wildcats’ surpris- • TV: ESPN2 baseball’s uglier side, of course. know if he would play against kids Baseball legend Hank Aaron is besieged by young fans during a 1976 See AARON, C4 ing offensive efficiency this • Radio: 1290-AM, 107.5-FM But some of it comes from Aaron’s his own age or grown men. His spring training game between the Indians and Brewers at . season. But there’s another little Westwood in the beginning stages of Pac-12 steady flow of Ls in recent history for the Wildcats Sun Devils in Tempe since 2000. Plus,Arizona was of her top moments since returning to her alma finishing one rebound shy season sweep of 11th-ranked ARIZONA BASKETBALL andhit7of8freethrowsto trick to all those points per field and only 67.6% from NO. 10 ARIZONA 66, UTAH 54 ARIZONA BASKETBALL possession (114.2 per 100) the line. But just that showed up again on making 23 of 34 free throws Thursday: They know how represented 17 more points TeamRHJ to get to the line. scored at the line than OSU In Arizona’s 70-61 did on its 6-for-10 free play — then avenged their loss by dismantling the — 10-straight for the UA going back to Barnes’first riding a 17-game winning streak that dated back mater. of the 17th double-double of Tubeliskeyto Oregon with a 20-point win help the Wildcats avenge an win over Oregon State, throw shooting. the Wildcats took 34 free Basically, the Wildcats hopestoget throws, 24 more than Bea- drove inside and became Cats’thrilling vers, and now rank No. 1 foul magnets. nationally in both free- “We got the ball close throws attempted (507) to the basket constantly,” eighth-ranked Bruins by 26 points in Tucson. Star season at the helm. If there was ever a time for She said it: her career, and Arizona held in Eugene. Tucson’stop early-season loss. KELLY PRESNELL / ARIZONA DAILY STAR and free-throws made UA coach Sean Miller said. to the start of the 2019 WNIT run.An undefeated “Got it there by offensive • “Going down the stretch against finishvs.ASU Arizona forwards Sam Thomas, left, and Trinity Baptiste team up to strip Washington State guard Charlisse Leger-Walker of (365). the ball in the first quarter of Friday’s game in McKale Center. The game between the 10th-ranked Wildcats and Cougars was While the Wildcats are rebounding, got it there on still being played when theStarwent to press. For complete coverage, visit Tucson.com. only average at actual- our transition game, got By Bruce Pascoe talenttostay ly making all those free theballtotherimonset ARIZONA DAILYSTAR throws — their free-throw plays, drives, post-ups — TEMPE — Since leaving Lithuania last sum- She said it: She said it: By Bruce Pascoe percentage of 72% rates and they fouled us. We’re a mer, Azuolas Tubelis has had more than 60 full AUSTRALIAN OPEN guard Aari McDonald poured in 14 of her 27 points Barnes and the Wildcats to strike while the iron was record against an arch rival on the road (reminder: Tara and in overtime is always scary because on despite a sloppy fourth “We keep rais- ARIZONA DAILY STAR “They’re the only 123rd nationally — physical team. practices with the Arizona Wildcats to figure out Shortly after he moved from Philadelphia their win over the Beavers “If you think about how the American college game works. during his nephew’s sophomore season at Ar- showed again that just that, if there’s 350-plus Yet sometimes those long hours of les- izona in 2014-15, Erik Hood established a club having the ability to pick teams in the country, and son-learning can’t compare to the sort of things basketball program in the Phoenix area. up all those attempts can we shoot the most free he can pick up overasingle game. Tournamentclosedtofansfor Then Hood and that nephew, Rondae Hol- make the difference. throws? I think we’re doing quarter. Or even small frac- ing the bar for ourselves. I lis-Jefferson, kept team that is here to upset a On Thursday, the UA in the first quarter and shot 10 of 15 from the field, hot and take down the Ducks, it was this season pre-pandemic, so fans were in attendance) was a they just find a way to win big games. We found tions of a single game. UP NEXT noticing how the UP NEXT shot just 40% from the See BASKETBALL, C4 Like the final 32 best Tucson play- seconds of Arizona’s • Who: Arizona State ers typically signed • Who: Oregon State nextfivedaysbecauseofvirus 84-82 win Thursday (4-7,1-4)atArizona up with top Phoe- (10-8, 6-6) at Arizona over Arizona State. (11-3, 5-3) She said it: nix-area teams so (13-6, 7-6) THE ASSOCIATED PRESS In that short span, • When: 9 p.m. Monday they could play • When: 6 p.m. Thurs- MELBOURNE, Austra- while Sam Thomas added a then season-high considering the Ducks were without top-10 WNBA “I can’t even on top of learning how • TV: ESPN2 think we’re all pretty excited lotofothergreatteams— Freshmenappearing collapse in the making, but the poised Wildcats, in more visible a way to gut it out — we rebounded better in the day lia — If Serena Williams to cope with the Sun • Radio: 1290-AM, events. • TV: Pac-12 Networks somehow manages to con- Devils’ athletic big 107.5-FM Hood hopes to • Radio: 1290-AM, jure up another on-the-run, NPHOTOS BY KELLY PRESNELL / ARIZONA DAILY STAR men, Tubelis found tohavefun,freedom change that, an- 107.5-FM back-to-the-net, no-look, Arizona forward Cate Reese tries to rip the ball away from Utah forward Peyton McFarland during the seond half of Friday night’s win himself square in the nouncing last week over-the-shoulder shot in in McKale Center. Reese, a junior forward, cracked the 1,000-point mark. middle of three key plays, all of which were con- that his TeamRHJ her next Australian Open troversial and memorable in their own ways. —andafutureatUA 20 points, with Cate Reese recording a near draft picks in (1), (2) with Sam Thomas’clutch free-throws down the second half. I just thought it was a great win with really be happy right now; about the win.”— Reese Basketball Club will establish Tucson-area ranked teams — so it’s just match, a local coronavirus With 32 seconds left, Tubelis moved his foot teams at several different age groups starting flareup means there won’t over a bit after planting a screen and slightly bent ASHLEY LANDIS / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS this spring. be any spectators to react ARIZONA DAILY STAR his left knee, helping send both UA’s James Akin- Tom Brady, right, with former UA Wildcat Rob Gronkowski, added to his legacy with a seventh Super Bowl title. “We always talked about building in Tuc- with the appreciative ap- hose who say Sean jo and ASU’s Remy Martin to the floor. That drew son,” Hood said. “Everybody always says plause and yells that greeted Miller’s authoritar- No.10ArizonaoutlastsUtah, an offensive foul for a moving screen.ASU got the T ‘Well, the talent isn’t there’ and this and that, this one. ian style of coach- it’s a blessing. But we played ball withthegame tied at 84. but it makes sense to build it in Tucson. (Ron- nice we were able to take That’s because while Wil- ing stifles the freedom of double-double 13 points and nine rebounds. As a and (8).Arizona began the contest, stretch and Cate Reese’s double-double (17 points, different people stepping up. Just a huge win with It drew vehement protests from Akinjo and dae)waslike‘Yo,wehavetodosomethingin liams was using that bit of Arizona basketball players coach Sean Miller, even though ESPN’s replays Tucson. Let’s figureitout.’“ magic Friday to help pull off must not have been paying Greg Hansen turned analyst Bill Walton from confused into TeamRHJ already has teams competing in a comeback victory over an attention during last stillnothappywithshowing certain. Lovehimorloathehim, the Prep Hoops Circuit’s “Premier 32” divi- opponent who is 20 years week’s loss at Colorado. “That’sa screening foul,”Walton said,after the sion,whichissomething ofanindependental- younger, the head of the Freshman guard Kerr This isn’t to say Miller By PJ Brown network played it back several times. ternative to the big shoe-company sponsored Victoria state government Kriisa wore lime green has modified his sphinx- team, the Wildcats shot 54.7% from the field as which was the program’s first-ever regular-season like crap. I feel like we lost. SPECIALTO THE ARIZONA DAILYSTAR With eight seconds left, Tubelis was under the care of business this time.” 11 rebounds), staved off ASU in Tempe for the first circuits, and his roster includes Sabino High shoes. Not any of the like approach to the game four players in double digits. …I think we continue was announcing a five-day Even when it seems easy, See BASKETBALL, C4 School junior forward Travis Reynolds. Hood lockdown in response to a school colors, but lime much. Kriisa was given it’s not. said 12 of his players have received scholarship COVID-19 outbreak at a green. They were so his first college start in Welcome to life in the Bradyjustkeepswinning offerssofar overthepast several seasons. quarantine hotel. noncompliant, so strik- Thursday’s 70-61 win over Pac-12. Eventually, Hood says he hopes to fill out Competition at the year’s ingly out of place, that Oregon State but was re- Arizona rolled into the By Barry Wilner whelming reason for New En- back Leonard Fournette and son and headed across Florida 12U to 17U teams solely of Tucson players as first Grand Slam tourna- ANDY BROWNBILL / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS you wondered how Kriisa moved after 1 minute and fourth quarter of Friday UCLA was held to 34.4%. home game on ESPN, with a 14-0 run, took a 17-2 time in 20 seasons. It also boosted the winning to say leave a legacy. And that’s what we do. I’m We’ve got to get better.”— THE ASSOCIATED PRESS gland’s pro football dynasty. troubled wideout Antonio and won a championship. well as his Phoenix-based teams. He said the — Sam Thomas ment will be allowedto con- Serena Williams reacts after winning the first set against Russia’s Anastasia Potapova during snuck them past a strict, 56 seconds. night’s game against Utah Credit Tom Brady. Or blame Blame him for perhaps de- Brown want to play in Tampa. Credit Brady. club will be involved with charity efforts such tinue, but no fans can attend Friday’s match at the Australian Open. Competition continues Saturday, albeit without fans. controlling coach. What? Who does that? holding a 19-point lead. him. stroying any chance the Pa- And blame Tom Brady for Brady was not the best quar- as food and toy drives, too. as of Saturday. But if you take a closer Miller said, in part, Minutes later, the Utes cut When it comes to the Su- triots reach such lofty heights ruining so many Super Bowl terback in the NFL this season “We want to get them when they’re young After the pandemic led took the next four points, what she does. That’s what ranked 114th and making his look at Arizona’s basket- he shook up the starting it to six. per Bowl’s most successful again anytime soon simply by parties for those who simply — except when he needed to and develop them,”Hood said. “I believe kids to the cancellation of Wim- the last on a 21-stroke ex- makes her be great.” Grand Slam debut at age 27. ball program, all you see is group because “it keeps Aari McDonald did what performer, it all depends upon leaving. can’t find a way to root for a be. He even threw three picks and parents want real platforms but unfortu- bledon, zero fans at the U.S. change that ended with Williams now plays sev- No. 3 Dominic Thiem, change. everybody on their toes.” She said it: Aari McDonald she does when her team Greg Hansen your perspective. Credit him for his arm, his guy who has more champion- in the NFC title game at Lam- nately they haven’t had that there” in Tucson. Open and only 1,000 a day Potapova putting a forehand enth-seeded Aryna Sa- who won the U.S. Open in The Wildcats are un- Conversely,Kriisa is • “I mean, a huge, huge win for usagainst lead over the Ducks and never looked back. streak to 18 games, which at the time was the just so proud of just the way we fought.”— Barnes needs her — she meets the Credit the quarterback, savvy, his leadership and, of ships than the likes of Michael beau Field. Butitmaynotbeeasy.Theclubbasketball attheFrenchOpenin2020, into the net. balenka, who matched her September, appeared to be ranked. “on his toes” because he moment. With less than a now 43, for his dominance of utmost importance in guiding Jordan, Wayne Gretzky and At 43, his skills have dimin- world is full of recruiting battles for top play- the government let Ten- “I don’t have much ex- best Grand Slam showing in real trouble against Aus- They have not won an quickly learned how fleet- minute left, Arizona’s pre- America’s most popular sport- the Buccaneers to this season’s Derek Jeter. ished. No, not the way Peyton ers, something Southern California-based nis Australia admit up to perience on those stag- by reaching the fourth round tralia’s Nick Kyrgios in front NCAA Tournament game ing a starting role can be. season All-American guard Anothertense ing event like no one before league title, his persuasive- “He is the greatest football Manning’s did at the end of club and event operator Dinos Trigonis knows 30,000 daily,50% of normal es. For me, it was an ab- with a 6-3, 6-1 win over Ann of a raucous crowd, but since 2017. Late in the second half, calmly knocked down two him. ness. player to ever play. I can tell my his Hall of Fame career. Not all too well. capacity. solutely mental thing. I Li. came all the way back from Their player-acquisition Kriisa reentered the game She said it: See WILDCATS, C3 Blame him for making the Or maybe it’s simply his kids I played with that man,’’ even close to that. Still, this is “He’s got some good players and he’s got But not anymore. was over-thinking. I was “It’s always, I think, a big a two-set deficit to win 4-6, model has shifted to one with 4:59 remaining. A a very good team. …We always talk about with this challenge to play against 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4. Thiem’s • “From the first quarter, I knew we over-playing. Over-hit- longest active stretch in the country. a od to im, Tr onis d Ho collection of NFL champion- aura that made old buddy and said running back Leonard not the vintage Brady who was go spirit h ” ig sai of od, “It’s going to be a rough loaded with transfers and play or two later he threw Tempetiltends ships rings seem too routine. former Arizona Wildcat Rob Fournette, who was released few days for, I think, every- ting,” said Potapova, who these kind of players. But fourth-round opponent is foreign players. a risky cross-court pass UP NEXT Credit Brady as the over- Gronkowski, stud running by lowly Jacksonville this sea- See BRADY, C2 See WILDCATS, C4 one. But we’ll hopefully get was visited by a trainer in I’m going to do everything No. 18 Grigor Dimitrov, who And for the first time in that looked like it would be through it,” Williams said the second set for what she I can to get this win,” Sa- advanced when Pablo Car- years, the Wildcats actu- intercepted. It wasn’t. • Who: Colorado (6-7,4-6) withCatswin after beating 19-year-old described as pain between balenka said. “We’re all here reno Busta retired after los- ally seem to be improving But before Kriisa’s at No. 10 Arizona (11-2, 9-2) Anastasia Potapova 7-6 (5), her ribs that made it hard to for the wins.” ing the first seven games. as the season grows. They program — about leaving a legacy.And this is how were controlling the game. We had them flustered, • She said it:“Right now, I think this team feels like • When: 1 p.m. Sunday ARIZONA MEN’S GOLF 6-2 despite 25 unforced er- breathe. She’s been accumulating Karatsev is the first quali- seem to be having fun. See HANSEN, C5 UA WINS WNIT IN FRONT OF TV: bout the last place on the college bas- • Pac-12 Arizona A TUSDtorememberformersoccercoach ithfit tl “R t t S Sh th t it g i g fier to reach the fo rth ro nd you start. I’m just proud of them.”— Barnes and I’ve never seen Oregon players flustered like they can beat anybody.And I love that.And there SOLD-OUT MCKALE CENTER that. Everybody was locked in, and everybody were times when, in the last year we would have FEB. 14: NO. 10 FEB. 19: NO. 10 FEB. 22: NO. 4 SPORTS SPORTS ARIZONAWILDCATS E wanted this win bad.”— McDonald folded before the WNIT — let’s say during the Pac-12 • When: April 6, 2019 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2021 | SECTION C SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2021 | SECTION C EDITION ARIZONA SNAPS ARIZONA DAILYSTAR | TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2021 | PAGE C7 ARIZONA 75, ARIZONA 59, CAL 50 STANFORD 62, EXTRA Editor: Ryan Finley | [email protected] Editor: Ryan Finley | [email protected] Editor: Ryan Finley | 520-573-4312 | [email protected] NO.10ARIZONA75,WASHINGTON53 ARIZONA BASKETBALL last year.This year, we calmed down, then we made • Where: McKale Center ARIZONA BASKETBALL NO.4STANFORD62,NO.9ARIZONA48 LOSING SKID TO DEVILS WASHINGTON 53 Kriisaproves MediocreCatsstaredownnextchallenge:No.17USC NO. 9 ARIZONA 48 What went down: By Bruce Pascoe sitting at 8-8 in conference play, we’re at right now and what are freshmen Zeke Nnaji, Josh Green StanfordshutsdownUAtowinPac-12 hewon’tbe SATURDAY MCDONALD SCORES CAREER-HIGH Aari ARIZONA DAILY STAR an unsurprising fate for a team we at? Eight and eight with three and Nico Mannion led them to a some big shots, had some big defensive stops, and I • Opponent: Northwestern By Janie McCauley LOSANGELES—Withtheir that replaced all five starters for • Who: Arizona (14-8, 8-8) to go?” UA coach Sean Miller said. 10-8 finish last season, finishing infractions case now one of six the second time in the past three at USC (18-3, 12-2) “That’s kind of where we’ve been. under expectations but still above THE ASSOCIATED PRESS intimidatedby stuck in the Independent Ac- seasons. • When: 4p.m. We have to fix that.” NCAA Tournament water. STANFORD, Calif. — Stan- countability Resolution Process Since Deandre Ayton and the • TV: Ch. 11 In a subdued Zoom postgame “A year ago around this time, ford spent two months on the queue, and with no actual resolu- rest of the starting lineup took off • Radio: 1290-AM, 107.5-FM appearance Thursday, after the we were still playing for the Pac-12 road this season because of local tion anywhere in sight, the Arizo- in the spring of 2018, when the Wildcats’ defense melted down championship,” Miller said. “We health department restrictions on McDonald scored 28 points sports — a major reason why win- • When: Dec. 30, 2018 thought they did a really good job.”— Barnes • Score: 56-42 collegegame na Wildcats are instead exploring recruiting damage from the FBI’s and allowed UCLA to shoot 73.1% clearly were a tournament team 44 POINTS IN ROAD WIN AT TEXAS the depths of NCAA purgatory 2017 investigation began to really teams, the trend isn’t good, either. in the second half, Miller recount- but at the end of the day, we were ning the Pac-12 Conference title By Bruce Pascoe this weekend. set in,the Wildcats are exactly 26- They have lost six straight to Or- ed how they had to “start over” in 10-8 and we won the Pac-12 Tour- was deeply meaningful for Hall of Fame coach Tara VanDerveer’s ARIZONA DAILYSTAR Between a 74-60 loss to sec- 26 in conference play — and 27-27 egon, five straight to UCLA, and the spring of 2018. nament game.” In the lastsplit-secondofonlyhisfourthcol- ond-placeUCLA on Thursday and if you count their 2019 and 2020 four of the last five against USC. They scraped together a ros- And now this. Three straight team. What went down: What went down: Among the many champion- lege game Saturday, Arizona’s Kerr Kriisa had a date with surging, first-place Pac-12 Tournament games. The Wildcatsareaverage. ter that went 8-10 in Pac-12 play • Where: McKale Center • What went down: Unique. Magical. Surreal. The UA the 200-pound body of Oregon’s LJ Figueroa and No. 10 Arizona beat the USC on Saturday,the Wildcats are Against the Pac-12’s three best “You kind of look at where in 2018-19 before one-and-done See BASKETBALL, C4 Kiana Wil- ships on VanDerveer’s resume, flying over one shoulder and the weight of the this was one of the most special. Ducks’ winning streak over the Wildcats sitting scored 15 points on the other. and No. 4 Stanford clinched its Eh, he’s dealt with bigger thingsbefore. ARIZONA SOFTBALL ARIZONA WOMEN’S BASKETBALL first regular-season league title in Kriisa missed his potential game-winning seven years,beating ninth-ranked combined for 12 3-pointers, 3, with Figueroa’s pesky Golden Bears. liams scored 15 points and Arizona 62-48 on Monday night. • Opponent: No. 17 Arizona State • When: Nov. 17,2019 However you want to describe the April after- “I’m glad I was wearing my ARIZONA SWEEPS OREGON FOR lunge forcing him UP NEXT to pump-fake and No.10Cats mask. I have to say I get a lit- putupahastyand • Who: Arizona (14-7, tle emotional because it’s such errant shot at the 8-7) at UCLA (14-5, agreatthingthatthisteamhas buzzer, giving Or- 10-3) She said it: accomplished,” VanDerveer said. egon a 63-61 win • When: 7 p.m. Thursday ‘atrocious,’ “But not only that, it’s how they with senior forward Sam “They played No. 4 Stanford clinched its have been as teammates, how Where: that was the Ducks’ Score: TV: • 51-39 • Frank Erwin Center,Austin, Texas noon at McKale Center in 2019, playing for the • ESPN or ESPN2 sixth straight over • Radio: 1290-AM, they have been mature. It’s been FIRST TIME IN A DECADE the Wildcats. 107.5-FM amazing, so you want good things But video evi- butstillbeat for people who are like that. I’m dence, and Kriisa’s really proud of the leadership of personal basketball history, suggested the miss our team. I’m really proud of the sisterhood. They really care about • What went down: It only took Barnes two seasons • Opponent: No.22Texas WNIT championship was territory Arizona hadn’t Thomas leading the way MAMTA POPAT / ARIZONA DAILY STAR had a lot more to do with Figueroa’s frame than like they had nothing to lose. first regular-season league peskyBears each other,the unselfishness. And Arizona’s Cate Reese, left, and Bendu Yeaney (23) battle Washington players for the ball in the Wildcats’ easy 22-point win Sunday. UA anysortof freshman jitters. improved to 14-2 overall and 12-2 in the Pac-12 with a trip to the Bay Area to face Cal and No. 5 Stanford next. So Arizona hasn’t beaten Oregon since Jan- I told our team that. There’s not a uary 2018? team I’ve wanted it so badly for Estonia hadn’t beaten Lithuania since 1991 with this team.” inBerkeley Lexie Hull added 16 points and … until Kriisa scored 26 points while hitting 8 with a career-high six, as the of 12 3s to help Estonia beat Lithuania in a Baltic They gave us all they had title in seven years with a win nine rebounds for the Cardinal to secure a win over rival Arizona State, a program • Score: 83-58 • When: Feb. 8, 2021 experienced since 1996, when Barnes was just (21-2, 18-2 Pac-12), who won their Way Cup game last July. By Janie McCauley 10th straight game to capture the PHOTOS BY JEFF CHIU / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS So Figueroa was hurdling toward Kriisa at THE ASSOCIATED PRESS AllsmilesonSeniorDay the last moment Saturday, deftly avoiding a BERKELEY, Calif. — Standing at mid- program’s first league title since Stanford’s Lexie Hull shoots against Arizona’s Trinity Baptiste (0) during the first half Monday night. The Wildcats played the Cardinal much tougher foul while managing to provide an aerial dis- court after the final buzzer, Aari McDonald 2014.Oregon won the past three. than they did in Stanford’s win at McKale Center on Jan. 1, but Stanford was still able to win by 14 to clinch the conference title. “I think for all of us it means so traction? took a moment before her postgame tele- NO. 4 STANFORD 62, NO. 9 ARIZONA 48 During a Eurobasket qualifying game last vision interview to greet California play- much.Thetwomonthswewere UP NEXT FG FT Reb Wildcats won on Senior Day. for 40 minutes. They played over the UA. on the road we were around each Arizona Min M-A M-A O-T A PF PTS Where: No mb , e ch th Russia n on that has maintained supremacy in the state under • What went down: McDonald could tell she was in a • , Eugene, Oregon a sophomore at the UA. The buildup to the title ve er th coa of e n ati al ers Leilani McIntosh and Michelle Onyiah other and that was it. We really • Who: No. 9 Arizona (15-3, 13-3) Baptiste 28 2-8 0-0 1-9 1 2 5 team noted that “sometimes we went at (Kriisa) with handshakes and hugs of support. Reese 25 2-5 2-4 1-3 0 2 7 asWildcatsdrubU-Dub with two men,”including 33-year-old standout McDonald scored 28 points and No. 10 grew closer and we were a fam- at Arizona State (10-9, 5-9) Thomas 35 3-9 3-4 0-2 0 1 12 ily, and we still are,” Hull said. • When: Noon, Sunday McDonald 35 8-24 4-4 3-5 4 4 20 Yevgeny Baburin. Arizona had to earn a hard-fought victory Yeaney 27 1-2 0-2 0-2 1 2 2 “We care for each other so much • TV: Pac-12 Arizona Pellington 10 0-2 0-0 0-1 1 1 0 By PJBrown “His main task was to deal with the Estonian over Cal this time on the way to its seventh Pueyo 30 0-3 0-0 1-7 2 1 0 She said it: UP NEXT She said it that winning something like this • Radio: 1400-AM Ware 10 1-2 0-0 0-1 0 3 2 SPECIALTO THE ARIZONA DAILYSTAR leader,”Russia coach Sergei Bazarevich said. straight win, beating the winless Golden Team 0 0-0 0-0 1-2 0 0 0 • Opponent: No. 11 Oregon “We’re just so Arizona showed Sunday • Who: No. 10 Arizona (14-2, Kriisa was 0 for 4 from 3 against Russia that like they wanted it more for Bears 59-50 on :“We’vegotto means a lot to us.” Totals 200 17-55 9-14 7-32 9 16 48 different zone during pregame warmups in Austin, Percentages: FG .309, FT .643. 5-21, .238 the direction of Charli TurnerThorne, but then UA game in Tucson was what made the journey so 3-Point Goals: Arizona star Aari McDonald there is more to its game than 12-2) at California (0-13, day and he didn’t hit a game-winner on Satur- PHOTOS BY JOSH GALEMORE / ARIZONA DAILY STAR Friday. (Thomas 3-7,Baptiste 1-2, Reese 1-3, McDonald 0-6, UP NEXT scored 20 points despite a slow loss to Stanford. The Wildcats Yeaney 0-1, Pueyo 0-2). Blocked Shots: 1 (Yeaney 1). just smothering defense. 0-10) day, whenheclearly wasn’t happy. Malia Martinez runs to first base during the No. 3-ranked Wildcats’ Friday’s mercy-rule win over Southern Utah at Hillenbrand Stadium. “They Turnovers: 12 (McDonald 3, Yeaney 3, Baptiste 2, Team The Wildcats can shoot — • When: 1:30 p.m. Friday “Of course, it’s hard because you start look- playedlike they • Who: No. 10 Arizona start and missing all six of her were 7-0 before they took a lop- 2, Reese 1, Ware 1). Steals: 11 (McDonald 3,Thomas 3-point tries. She began 1 for 8, sidedlossathometotheCardinal 2, Yeaney 2, Pueyo 2, Baptiste 1, Ware 1). Technical and not just on fast breaks by • TV: Pac-12 Arizona ing at all the game, and all the little details, little had nothing to (15-2, 13-2) at No. 6 Fouls: None was 2 of 11 at halftime as her team on Jan. 1. Aari McDonald or pounding it • Radio: 1400-AM mistakes we did and basically this cost us the lose,” McDon- Stanford (19-2, 16-2) FG FT Reb inside to Cate Reese. They can game,” Kriisa said. “One-possession games are ald said. “They • When: 7 p.m. Monday trailed 31-25, and finished 8 of 24. “We’ve got to get better, work Stanford Min M-A M-A O-T A PF PTS much better when Sam is on almost 40 minutes. We just get better, work on the little Brink 22 4-10 1-2 2-7 0 5 10 dropped four straight contests against the Sun or as she said:“I’m in my bag.”McDonald put • Score: 79-59 special; the Wildcats were 18-13 and fresh off a “She did hit her little pull-up, on the little things, go back and also light it up from long range. always the worst.” gave us all they • TV: ESPN2 Hull 37 6-11 2-2 1-9 0 1 16 but we were willing to live with watch film,” McDonald said. Jones 36 5-10 3-5 1-8 2 2 13 The Wildcats combined for Thomas and McDonald But there’s also no doubt Kriisa has some Wildcatsofftoasluggingstart, had for 40 • Radio: 1400-AM Williams 39 5-14 2-2 0-1 4 0 15 that,”VanDerveer said. “There’s a lot of basketball left to Wilson 28 0-1 0-0 0-3 0 1 0 12 3s — with senior forward were the dynamic duo. They minutes. They Belibi 14 1-1 0-2 1-4 1 1 2 Sam Thomas leading the way both scored 20 points. Mc- See WILDCATS, C4 played like The Wildcats (15-3, 13-3) went be played.” Jerome 0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 more than four minutes without had 13 points, eight Prechtel 7 1-2 0-0 1-3 0 1 3 with a career-high six — as No. Donald hit double figures for they wanted it more for almost 40 minutes. Jump 16 1-4 0-0 0-2 0 1 3 scoring late in the first half, miss- rebounds and two steals for Stan- Emma-Nnopu 0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 10 Arizona crushed Washing- the 82nd consecutive game. We just can’t do that. We can’t overlook Van Gytenbeek 1 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 What went down: point and she’s aggressive. can’tdothat.Wecan’tover- smashSouthernUtahinopener things, go back and watch ing five straight field goals during ford but also committed seven of Team 0 0-0 0-0 0-2 0 0 0 Devils. Once again, McDonald set the tone for Ari- together the greatest scoring performance in UA • Following a positive COVID-19 loss to Oregon in the Pac-12 Tournament, but ton 75-53 at McKale Center. She added eight assists. opponents. I’m really proud of Cal.” Totals 200 23-53 8-13 6-39 7 12 62 Arizona extended its win- “We’re just so much bet- The Wildcats (15-2, 13-2 Pac-12) had one stretch and 10 of 11 as they her team’s 16 turnovers. Percentages: FG .434, FT .615. 3-Point Goals: 8-22, .364 finished the half shooting 29% (8 Stanford began 5 for 14 to 4 of (Williams 3-10, Hull 2-4, Brink 1-1, Prechtel 1-2, Jump ning streak to six and now has ter when Sam is on point and By Alec White beaten Cal 69-33 in Tucson on Jan. 3 — the 1-3, Jones 0-1, Wilson 0-1). Blocked Shots: 4(Brink for 28). 13 by Arizona as the teams were Arizona’s Bendu Yeaney, bottom, tries to control the ball under Stanford’s 2, Hull 2). Turnovers : 16 (Jones 7,Hull 4, Williams beaten UW in five straight she’s aggressive,” UA coach ARIZONA DAILYSTAR fewest points Arizona has ever allowed to 2, Prechtel 2, Brink 1). Steals: 3 (Jones 2,Wilson 1). “They made Aari really work to tied at 13 after one quarter. Only Hannah Jump, left, and Kiana Williams during the second half. The Cardi- Technical Fouls: None games for the first time in 17 Adia Barnes said. “We’re just The third-ranked Arizona Wild- a Pac-12 opponent — but were outhustled Arizona 13 12 11 12—48 years. a better team. We spread the cats pushed four runs across in the to the boards regularly Friday as the Bears take pull-up jumpers, which is a six free throws were shot in the nal led 31-25 at halftime and 48-36 after three quarters. Stanford 13 18 17 14—62 zona by scoring 13 of the Wildcats’ 17 first-quarter history by hanging 44 points on the Longhorns.The test linked to the program, Arizona quickly dis- they generated buzz around the city. Barnes We’rejustabetterteam.” The Wildcats (14-2, 12-2 floor better.I love it when she’s look opponents. I’m really bottom of the sixth to run-rule stayed in the game with effort and energy film. There’s a lot of basket- really hard shot with congestion. first half, the Wildcats going 4 for Pac-12) wrapped up their reg- aggressive, doesn’t pass up Southern Utah doing all the little things. It wasn’t easy,” Arizona coach 4 and Stanford 0 for 2. Stanford. ... Arizona had won five contributing 10 points and sev- “We have a great conference ular-season home schedule by shots. 8-0 in their SATURDAY Arizona coach Adia Barnes sounded Adia Barnes said. “We need some of its last eight against Top-10 en rebounds. ... Stanford has not season — then followed that up by going 11-1 at McKale. In their “… Aari knew Sam was hot, 2021 season completely disgusted afterward — saying other productivity. They made and we’re really proud of winning opponents and six of nine against lost at home to the Wildcats since shooting 36% on Monday. last seven games, UA has held she’s penetrating in the paint opener at Hil- • What: Hillen- “It was just an atrocious game” and “it’s us pay for the little mistakes. We our regular season,” VanDerveer Top-25 competition. ... McDon- a 68-65 defeat on Jan. 6, 2001. didn’t think we played our best said. “Now we want to go to Las ald has scored in double figures ... The Cardinal are 5-1 against opponents to 51.5 points while MAMTA POPAT / ARIZONA DAILY STAR under control, especially in lenbrand Sta- brand Invitation- our worst game of the season” and “I’m Up next — Adia Barnes 19.9 turnovers per contest. UA coach Adia Barnes and Aari McDonald hug during the Senior the first half and finding Sam. proud of Cal.”— McDonald dium. al: New Mexico very disappointed, it does not feel like we ball left to be played.”— Aari game. Vegas and win the tournament.” in 84 consecutive games, longest ranked opponents this season. ... points and finished the game with 24. Despite a then-junior made 14 of her 18 field-goal attempts covered the negative effects of the pandemic and promoted tickets and challenged Arizona fans to “They make you do that. They active streak in the country. ... Stanford secured the No. 1 seed Arizona: Closes out the regular The Wildcats set a program Day ceremony after the Wildcats’ win at McKale Center. I think Aari as a point guard Arizo- at No. 3 Arizona, won.” record for 3-point percent- really ran our team. To me, this na’s night- 3 p.m.; Seattle “If Aari wouldn’t have been scoring and make you play ugly.” Big picture The Wildcats suffered just their and a bye in the Pac-12 Tourna- season at rival ASU on Sunday. age at 75% by hitting 12 of 16 Donald, Thomas and Trinity “This is our last home game was Aari’s best first half of the JOSH GALEMORE / ARIZONA DAILY STAR cap against University at No. creating shots on her own we wouldn’t Arizona’s second seven-game 10th defeat in the last 55 games. ment. ... The Cardinal shot 57.9% Stanford: Hosts California on against UW (5-11, 2-11). Baptiste who got it all rolling. here. … and leave it all on the year.” Kerr Kriisa, right, with Terrell Brown Jr. on Satur- New Mexico 3 Arizona, 6 p.m. have won,” Barnes said, pointing to her winning streak of the season end- Arizona: The Wildcats sur- Stanford: Freshman F Camer- against Arizona State on Friday Sunday to conclude the regu- It was only fitting that on “The message was just to court. I think that we did that day, has shown his smarts on the court through was still being • Where: Hillen- team’s five assists on 21 field goals. “Aari ed just like the first one, with a rendered 24 points in the paint to on Brink fouled out with 2:16 left, — their highest percentage of the lar-season slate. Senior Day, it was seniors Mc- have fun,” McDonald said. today and it showed.” See ARIZONA, C5 his first four games with the Wildcats. played when brand Stadium had to put us on her back.” McDonald rocky second half scoring for both teams, Arizona and sank all 14 of her free throws.With prior wins missed four games in 17 days. Bad news: Arizona pack McKale Center. Each game Arizona played the Star went McDonald shot 11 for 23 in Arizona’s to press Friday fourth straight win since four consecutive BY THE NUMBERS night. games were postponed. Arizona closed on AUTO RACING The Wildcats are playing five a 6-0 run as Cal went cold, finishing 1 for games over three days as part of the 10 without scoring over the final 2:21. SahuaroHighgradRenfro Hillenbrand Invitational played on The Bears have had nine games post- prevailed on its home court to hand ASU its third over North Dakota, Santa Clara and Chicago State, had to face No. 11 Oregon after beating the Ducks in its 2019 WNIT run, the next one had more campus. poned and this was their first contest since HowCardinalknockedoffCatsforsecondtime Rain,wreckslowsDaytona500 Arizona’s Alyssa Denham allowed only one hit while striking out five Southern Utah batters Friday hasNBAbackonhisradar ”“’ loss of the season. Since then, Arizona has beaten a 25-point win over a top-25 opponent on the road, in January. Good news: UA was rested and Reese fans in attendance. The first game’s recorded ASU four out of the last five games, splitting with the season after Arizona won the WNIT,showed the was motivated to have a career performance after attendance against Idaho State? 3,265 fans. The FEB. 28: ASU 66, MARCH 4: NO. 11 MARCH5:NO.9UCLA SPORTS SPORTS ARIZONAWILDCATS E EDITION the Sun Devils this season. Wildcats were a program on the incline. hearing Oregon players slighting her ability to championship game? A sold-out crowd of 14,644 A NO. 9 ARIZONA 64, OT MONDAY, MARCH 1, 2021 | SECTION C ARIZONA 60, WSU 44 FRIDAY, MARCH 5, 2021 | SECTION C 59, NO. 11 ARIZONA 49 ARIZONA DAILY STAR | SATURDAY, MARCH 6, 2021 | PAGE C7 EXTRA Editor: Ryan Finley | [email protected] Editor: Ryan Finley | [email protected] Editor: Ryan Finley | 520-573-4312 | [email protected] • She said it: “This win definitely proves that we • She said it: “No one could guard Aari. She proved shoot and operate away from the basket. Reese spectators, which remains a Pac-12 record. PAC-12 TOURNAMENT: NO. 11 ARIZONA 60, WASHINGTON STATE 44 PAC-12 TOURNAMENT: NO. 9 UCLA 58, NO. 11 ARIZONA 49 ‘Theytookitfromus’:ASUupsetsNo.9CatsinOT (PAC-12 TOURNEY) (PAC-12 TOURNEY) By PJBrown UP NEXT COVID-19 protocols. The Utes were What went down: SPECIALTO THE ARIZONA DAILYSTAR contact tracing and do not know if Aari McDonald left it all on the • What: Pac-12 Tournament quarterfi- they will participate in the open- Greg Hansen BruinsbounceCatsinsemifinals can do some big things in the conference.”— when it counted … how she’s going to step up and made 11 of 14 field-goal attempts, including all There was a can’t-lose vibe for Arizona and the Arizona court — just like she said she was go- nals: No. 2-seeded Arizona vs.TBA ing-round game on Wednesday. ing to do in her final regular-season • When: 6 p.m.Thursday The seventh seed will be Washing- By P.J. Brown game at Arizona. • Where: Las Vegas ton State. SPECIALTO THE ARIZONA DAILY STAR Yet, with seconds ticking off the • TV: Pac-12 Networks UA’s last shot against ASU wasn’t It was the March edition of clock, down by two to ASU, she • Radio: 1400-AM how the Wildcats drew it up. Coach Ducksflew “Pac-12 After Dark.” couldn’t get a good look. Arizona’s Adia Barnes wanted the ball in the The second game of a Pac-12 McDonald perform, that she is one of the best guards in the three of her 3-point attempts, and scored 25 Wildcats, fueled by a raucous McKale Center State hit 10 of 18 from the star guard passed the ball to Cate hands of the McDonald, the team’s Tournament doubleheader fea- Reese, who was open. Reese’s shot ment, which means that if the tour- All-American, at the end. totopofPac tured second-seeded Arizona tak- clanked off the rim to the right, and nament was held today, the Wildcats Barnes said the Wildcats lost the ing on third-seeded UCLA from ASU pulled off a 66-64 overtime up- would be the No. 7 team overall and game long before then. Las Vegas in a game that started at set in Tempe on Sunday afternoon. aNo.2seed.However,thetopseeds “We played bad; ASU wanted it 9p.m. Despite the loss, No. 9-ranked Ar- were selected before Sunday’s game. more,” Barnes said. “I saw it in the What went down byspotting, What went dow By 11 p.m., the question facing country.”— Barnes points. Despite only leading by a point at halftime, crowd, led Northwestern for nearly 37 minutes. 3-point line, with Taya Han- izona still finishes the Pac-12 regular In the Pac-12 Tournament, the warmups — I was actually worried in : Trinity n: All-Amer- Arizona — would the Wildcats season in second place with a 13-4 Wildcats open up Thursday night the warmups. (The Sun Devils) were accomplish their next goal, ad- record. The Wildcats will be the No. against the winner of the No. 7 vs intense. They were talking; they were developing vancing to the title game? — was 2 seed in this week’s Pac-12 Tourna- No. 10 game. At this point, it’s a lit- confident; they wanted to win. And answered. ment in Las Vegas. tle cloudy as to who that will be: they took it from us. They played real- MAMTA POPAT / ARIZONA DAILY STAR UCLA won 58-49 at Michelob Arizona also movedup a spot in the No. 10 seed Utah canceled its game Arizona’s Bendu Yeaney, left, is defended by Arizona State’s Ultra Arena, ending the Wildcats’ son leading the way on 5-of-7 Top-16 reveal for the NCAA Tourna- against Colorado on Sunday due to See WILDCATS, C4 Eboni Walker on Sunday. ASU won 66-64 in overtime. Baptiste led the Wildcats hoopstalent icans Pac-12 Tournament run. For a WILDCATS HOLD OFF NINTH-RANKED Arizona outscored Oregon 27-14 and cruised to That was the first time Arizona cut down the nets second consecutive year, Arizo- regon’s six-year climb to the na (16-5) was denied a shot at the COLOGUARD CLASSIC O so-called mountaintop of Pac-12 conference championship one basketball includes so many game short of the finals. disruptive elements that it doesn’t seem Aari McDonald, who scored 24 possible the Ducks could have gone 10-2 points to lead the Wildcats, said ARIZONA OUTLASTS OREGON STATE a 20-point victory on ESPN. Barnes grabbed her under Barnes. Maybe the next time Barnes is on shooting, and the Sun Devils with 17 points while shooting against Arizona. and Aari McDonald each that it came down to “just not For starters, the Ducks can match Ar- stopping ball, lack of focus, just UCLA TO START CONFERENCE PLAY izona’s recruiting mishaps of the last six not being together, not communi- Greg Hansen years bust for bust. cating.” Busts: Four-star Oregon recruits M.J. “Being a competitor, you don’t Cage and Keith Smith transferred to want to lose,” she said. “We’re stunned their in-state rival in 8of11fromthefield,and Pepperdine. Four-star big man Kavell scored 24 points, but On- gonna play hard for 40 minutes, second win against the Ducks after losing her first a ladder holding scissors, it’s for a championship ISAAC BREKKEN / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Bigley-Williams left for LSU. Four-star but it (stinks), especially that it’s Tucsonwill Arizona guard Bendu Yeaney shoots over Washington State guard Charlisse Leger-Walker during the first half of the Pac-12 Tournament shooter Victor Bailey bailed out for Ten- my last go-round, but I’m proud IN OVERTIME IN CORVALLIS quarterfinals Thursday night in Las Vegas. Arizona scored the game’s first 11 points and cruised from there into the semifinals. nessee. Five-star forward C.J. Walker is of my team for fighting all the now at UCF. Four-star forward Addison way.” Patterson is at Nevada. The last time these two teams Tempe. withstand Arizona opened the Pac-12 That’s six busts in six years, a period in yenwere’s Bruins held on to played was early December, with • When: Dec. 4, 2020 10 and Arizona swept Oregon for the first time with more significance. which Arizona also lost much-heralded Arizona coming out on top 68- Emmanuel Akot, Alex Barcello, Devonaire 65. Arizona’s return trip to Los Trinityfor2:Baptisteshinesas Doutrive, Brandon Randolph, Kobi Sim- Angeles was canceled because of financialhit mons and Brandon Williams. COVID-19 issues with the Wild- She said it: TheDuckshavealsolostthreeone- cats. and-done players: Louis King, Bol Bol In Friday’s showdown, the • Where: McKale Center • When: Feb. 9, 2020 since 2011. • She said it: “If you would have said we are going “Wegavethem Tournament with a quarterfi- ArizonaadvancestoPac-12semis and Troy Brown. beat the Wildcats in the Pac- two All-Americans did what of’21event Yet Wednesday night’s 82-74 win over All-Americans do: score. Michae- UCLA means that a win in Sunday’s final la Onyenwere and McDonald each n the weeks leading to the PGA Tour STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS regular-season Pac-12 game over Oregon finished with 24 points. PHOTOS BY ISAAC BREKKEN / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS I Champions’ Cologuard Classic, the As it opened the most important month State will give the Ducks a fourth cham- McDonald sparked a Arizona’s Aari McDonald dives for a loose ball as UCLA’s Charisma Osborne (20) and Michaela Onyenwere defend during the first half. McDonald sponsoring Conquistadores appealed in nearly 20 years, the Arizona Wildcats pionship in six years. fourth-quarter comeback when scored 24 points, but the rest of the Wildcats combined for only 25 as UA lost 58-49 in the Pac-12 Tournament semifinals in Las Vegas on Friday. Opponent: Where: momentum, we let them to Pima County to permit about 2,500 fans nals win in Las Vegas. were searching for more than just wins. So what is it? Why have the Ducks 12 Tournament semifinals. she made a layup with multiple • No. 9 UCLA • , Corvallis, Ore. • She said it: “I just heard some stuff they were to win the WNIT and sell out with almost 15,000 NO. 9 UCLA 58,NO. 11 ARIZONA 49 at Tucson National. The county said no. It Coach Adia Barnes was desperate to won nine NCAA Tournament games in a bodies in front of her and drew a allowed just 200 fans per day. find, among other things, a second — or period Arizona has won just two? There’s foul to close to within six, 48-42. FG FT Reb The long-popular and profitable hos- even third — scorer to pair with all-every- gottobemoretoitthantheNCAA/FBI McDonald hit a 3-pointer and UCLA Min M-A M-A O-T A PF PTS Miller 28 2-5 2-2 3-5 1 2 6 pitality tents weren’t even built. All of the thing guardAari McDonald. investigation that has rattled the reputa- Shaina Pellington scored on a Onyenwere 36 7-19 10-11 0-4 1 2 24 local and national firms whose sponsorship Mission accomplished. Trinity Bap- tion of UA basketball. layup with 1:25 left to pull Arizo- Chou 36 3-5 1-2 1-6 2 1 7 She said it: “ She said it: Corsaro 36 2-5 0-2 1-2 1 2 5 signs are normally prevalent in heavily-traf- tiste scored 17 points on 8-of-11 shooting I think it can be explained in four parts: na within two points, 49-47.They stick around. Then they just We don’t want “Nothing to do Osborne 35 1-12 4-4 2-7 2 3 7 Score: Opponent: ficked areas were missing. There wouldn’t Thursday night as the UA defeated Wash- 1. Oregon coach Dana Altman has would get no closer: Onyenwere • 68-65 • No. 9 Oregon State saying about me. I took that personal.”— Reese people. I would have said ‘huh?’ But we did it. Bessoir 17 2-7 2-2 1-7 0 1 6 be enough eyeballs to justify the buy-in. ington State 60-44 in the Pac-12 Tour- established a stability and anchored hit a layup 12 seconds later and, Darius 10 1-2 0-0 1-4 0 0 3 KELLY PRESNELL / ARIZONA DAILY STAR nament quar- Horvat 2 0-0 0-0 1-1 0 0 0 Beer sales? Zip. There was no can’t- program that has only been matched by following a and ensuing Team 0 0-0 0-0 1-5 0 0 0 “For some reason, Arizona has always been good to me,”said Kevin Sutherland, who got some help putting on his trophy Sunday. miss-it Saturday night concert on the FRIDAY terfinals in Las Oregon State’s and Arizona’s foul by Trinity Baptiste, UCLA’s Totals 200 18-55 19-23 11-41 7 11 58 driving range. Vegas. The sec- over 40 years. Altman’s two Lauryn Miller hit a pair of free Percentages: FG .327, FT .826. 3-Point Goals: 3-11, .273 (Corsaro 1-1, Osborne 1-6, Darius 1-1, Bessoir 0-3). And so before the Cologuard Classic • Who: No. 11 Arizona ond-seeded lead assistants, Tony Stubblefield and throws. UCLA’s six-point lead Blocked Shots: 3 (Corsaro 1, Osborne 1, Bessoir 1). • What went down: Arizona usually begins its Pac- • Score: 65-58 in overtime This city has been amazing … They were deter- punched us in the face and began, the Conquistadores had probably to go home.”— Baptiste (16-4) vs. UCLA/ Wildcats (16-4) Kevin McKenna, have been by his side for about it. We have to bounce ballooned to nine in the closing Turnovers: 13 (Osborne 4, Miller 3, Corsaro 2,Team 2, lost 65% of their income. The mid-week Washington advance to take the entire 11-year period at Oregon. Third seconds. Onyenwere 1, Darius 1). Steals: 8 (Onyenwere 3, Chou 3, Miller 1, Osborne 1). Technical Fouls: None Pro-Ams — at which a coveted tee time • When: 9p.m. on the winner assistant Mike Mennenga is in his seventh As expected, Friday’s second FG FT Reb AthomeinArizona,Sutherland costs $3,500 — were as profitable as ever, • TV: Pac-12 Networks of Thursday year. semifinal game — Stanford routed Arizona Min M-A M-A O-T A PF PTS probably raising as much as $700,000, but • Radio: 1400-AM night’s game That’s the type of soul — family at- Oregon State in the first one — was Baptiste 36 2-7 1-1 2-6 0 4 5 Reese 23 3-6 2-2 1-4 2 3 8 the costs of staging a Champions Tour event between No. 3 mosphere — that Ralph Miller generated adefensivebattle. Thomas 38 2-5 0-0 1-3 0 4 5 go way beyond $700,000. UCLA and No. with 20-year assistant coach Jimmy Arizona shot 32% going 18 for McDonald 36 8-24 6-7 1-8 2 4 24 12 portion of the schedule closer to New Year’s, • What went down: The Beavers snuck away from mined to win this thing. They had that attitude. took it from us. And that’s back and get better. We Yeaney 16 0-3 1-4 0-1 0 0 1 ARIZONA CUTS DOWN FOURTH- You’ve got to rent the golf course for a 11 Washington. The Pac-12 semifinal game Anderson and Olson had with 18-year 57 from the field, while UCLA shot Conner 9 0-3 0-0 0-2 0 1 0 ralliestowinCologuardClassic week during high-season rates. Even during starts at 9 p.m. Friday and will air on Pac- assistant Jim Rosborough. It was home. 33%, going 18 for 55. Both teams Pellington 12 3-5 0-0 0-1 0 1 6 a pandemic, you’ve got to pay for parking 12 Networks. You can’t affix a value to that kind of hit three 3-pinters. Arizona had Pueyo 19 0-3 0-0 0-6 0 0 0 Ware 11 0-1 0-0 0-1 0 1 0 By Michael Lev on Sunday for his fifth victory his long and left into the back professional victory since 2007. areas, dig deep for insurance coverage and a Arizona led 11-0 and 13-1 before the consistency. fiveblocks,UCLA three. Team 0 0-0 0-0 2-3 0 0 0 ARIZONA DAILYSTAR on the PGA Tour Champions – bunker. He struggled to put his run- million other things, Cougars scored their first basket. Baptiste In 12 years at Arizona, Sean Miller Both forced nearly the same Totals 200 18-57 10-14 7-35 4 18 49 While the final group stood his third in the state of Arizona. Sutherland then chipped ner-up finish in perspective. The $1.7 million purse paid to the golfers scored the Wildcats’ first five points on a has had 10 assistant coaches. Since his number of turnovers, the Bruins Percentages: FG .316, FT .714. 3-Point Goals: 3-17, .176 unfortunate.”— Adia Barnes have a week to get better (McDonald 2-6,Thomas 1-2, Baptiste 0-1, Yeaney 0-1, but the COVID-19 pandemic proved nothing is Tucson with a game-winning bucket earlier in the on the sixth green at Omni Sutherland twice has won the in for birdie – the only bird- “I’ve got to think about it,” is a cost shared by the Conquistadores, the layup and 3-pointer. Cate Reese followed brother Archie left for Dayton and Ros- with 13 and the Wildcats with 15. Conner 0-3, Pellington 0-1, Pueyo 0-3). I love that they played with heart. We always say Blocked Shots: Tucson National Resort, the Charles Schwab Cup Cham- ie of the day on No. 16. Weir said Weir, who shot an even- Champions Tour and Golf Channel. with a layup, Baptiste scored again and borough-like assistant James Whitford UCLA outrebounded Arizona 41- 5 (Thomas 2, Reese 1,Yeaney 1,Ware 1). Turnovers: 15 wind that had been blowing all pionship at Phoenix Country couldn’t get up and down. par73tofinishat13under.“I But if any organization in Tucson sports Aari McDonald made a turnaround jumper became the head coach at Ball State, 35. (McDonald 5, Baptiste 4, Reese 2, Pueyo 2, Thomas 1, RANKED STANFORD IN OT Ware 1). Steals: 7 (Reese 3, McDonald 3,Thomas 1). day began to whip and swirl. Club. Just like that,they were tied. need time to refresh and digest history can withstand the financial hit of to give the Wildcats an 11-0 lead. Miller hasn’t been able to match the dif- UCLA went to the free-throw Technical Fouls: None Dust blew toward the players “For some reason, Arizona Sutherland would birdie 17 to it and think about the little ad- a year without paying customers, it’s the Washington State made a free throw and ference-making stability. line 23 times, while Arizona was UCLA 8 17 13 20—58 from the left side of the fair- has always been good to me,” take a one-shot lead. Needing a justments I probably need to Conquistadores. Sam Thomas sunk a pullup jumper,and the 2. The Ducks identified, signed and only made the trip 14 times. UCLA’s Lauryn Miller and Arizona’s Cate Reese fight for control of the ball during the first half. UA cut the lead Arizona 8 9 11 21—49 normal. Less less than a week after the Wildcats’ season, which fueled motivation for an Arizona ‘made for it’ and I think they were made for it way, and leaves danced in the said Sutherland, who shot a miraculous birdie on the diffi- make. Since taking charge of pro golf in Tucson lead was 12points. ISAAC BREKKEN / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS developed a franchise player, point guard prepared for the NCAA Tour- The Bruins made nine more free to two in the final minutes but could get no closer as the Bruins clinched the game at the free-throw line. breeze. 4-under 69 for a 15-under to- cult 18th hole to possibly force “But there wasn’t a lot to in 1965, the Conquistadores have raised Washington State attempted just 10 Arizona forward Cate Reese as over Washington State’s Charlisse Leger-Walker defends Payton Pritchard. During Pritchard’s four throws than the Wildcats, match- “It feels like ‘The Wizard of tal. “I don’t know what it is a playoff,Weir three-putted for do different out there. I clearly more than $33 million for Southern Arizona shots in the first quarter, hitting two of during the first half of Thursday’s Pac-12 Tournament quarterfinals. years at Oregon, the Wildcats started a ing the margin of victory. contact. Michaela, you know, 10 run over the last eight-and-a-half to Tucson and wait until March 15, Rim shots Oz,’ ” said Kevin Sutherland, about the air here, but I seem to bogey. didn’t strike it quite as good as charities via 62 golf tournaments — 42 PGA them. The Cougars turned the ball over 11 different point guard every season: Justin “I felt like the rebounding at for11fromthefree-throwline. minutes of the half. They went the NCAA Tournament’s “Selec- who was playing in that group. enjoy it.” “Kevin made a great chip,” the first two days, but I didn’t Tour events, five LPGA Tour events, eight times in the first quarter alone. McDonald. The All-American guard shot No. 4 Stanford 92, USC 53: In Las Ve- Coleman, Nico Mannion, Parker Jack- times — I know, they were only She really, really hurt us. She was into the locker room up 25-17.The tion Monday.” • Stanford’s 34-point win over Moments later, Sutherland Sutherland’s second win of Weir said. “That’s golf. You strike it poorly either. I just World Golf Championship events and seven The big lead was more than enough to 6 of 17 from the field, 1 of 7 from 3-point gas, Ashten Prechtel had 15 points and son-Cartwright and Kadeem Allen. A few plus-six, but the times and man- really the only one scoring. For me Wildcats’ last field goal was on a “I’m proud of my team,”Barnes Oregon State was the largest mar- season-opening win over Northern Arizona, No. 7 team itching for its first-ever win over a top-10 team • When: Feb. 20, 2020 and the whole city was made for this situation.” stepped up to a 30-foot putt. the2021seasoncameatthe can’t play defense.” didn’t really get much out of Champions Tour events. carry the Wildcats the rest of the way. range, and finished with 13 points. Reese 11 rebounds to lead the Cardinal into the weeks ago, Miller referred to point guard nament.”— Adia Barnes ners they got them really, real- indication of the game, our of- turnaround jumper by Cate Reese said. “We played hard, we didn’t gin of victory in a Pac-12 Tour- He jarred it for birdie. expenseofMikeWeir,whowas Weir, a PGA Tour Cham- it. The front nine I did, but the Ultimately, donations to Tucson charities Consider: They went 4 minutes and 19 added 10 points on 4-of-9-shooting. semifinals. Haley Jones and Hannah Jump James Akinjo as his club’s “commander.” ly hurt us,” Arizona coach Adia fense was four assists on 18 field to give the Wildcats a 13-10 lead. giveup,wegaveourselvesachance nament game. The Cardinal has “There’snoplace like home,” leading after each of the first pions rookie making his Co- back nine I didn’t get much out will be affected more by the pandemic than seconds without a basket in the second Arizona led 29-21 at halftime, growing each had 14 points, and Lacie Hull added Pritchard was a commander. Arizona Barnes said. goals. And you’re not going to win Arizona’s other four points came up to a minute and a half, we’re played for the tournament title 18 Sutherland quipped. two rounds and held a two- loguard Classic debut, finished of it at all.” anything else. When Kevin Sutherland was quarter … and still held a double-digit lead. their lead to 42-26 at the end of the third 10 points for the Cardinal (23-2, 19-2), who hasn’t had one since T.J. McConnell in “Ithoughtinthefirsthalf,espe- a lot of games like that.” on free throws — McDonald hit still playing hard, going downhill. of 20 times. Sutherland is from Sacra- shot advantage over Suther- second for the second time this Entering Sunday, Weir had paid $255,000 for winning Sunday’s cham- McDonald’s jumpshot with 4:40 remain- quarter. Barnes mostly emptied her bench improved to 48-6 all-time in the Pac-12 2015. cially they got all the 50-50 balls, Both teams scored only eight three and Bendu Yeaney hit 1. The Wedon’t give up; it just wasn’t our • The Pac-12 has been using mento, California, but he has land as the final group ap- season. On both occasions, he played the back nine in 10 un- pionship at Tucson National, no one pulled ing before halftime gave the Wildcats a 23- in the final period; Madi Conner, who en- tournament and 18-1 in the quarterfinals. 3. Altman and his staff have been adept they got all those passion plays points in the first quarter. UA was Wildcats went 0 for 10 from the night. And that happens some- microwaves to disinfect the bas- UA hosted ninth-ranked UCLA in front of a fan-less on the road.Arizona starts and ends with McDonald, • Where: McKale Center —Barnes made Arizona is home away proached the 16th hole. entered the final round with der par. He made seven birdies him aside and said,“Wait a few daystocash 10 advantage. rolled at the UA earlier this season after The Cardinal tied a Pac-12 tournament —masterful, really —atevaluating and that we usually get. I thought that shooting 40% from the field on 4 fieldduringthisstretch. times. Nothingtodoaboutit. ketballs with UV lights during C8 NCAA EXTRA SUNDAY, MARCH 21, 2021 / ARIZONA DAILY STAR EQUITY IMPORTANT AS WILDCATS MAKE NCAA TOURNAMENT RETURN

commercial airlines until Barnes and her team were given access to charter jets for a few trips in 2018- 19 and 2019-20. Finally, this sea- son, Arizona’s women’s basketball team flew in charter jets to all six Greg Hansen road trips. The cost is significantly higher and was especially noted during the financial drain of the ow things have changed pandemic. H and are becoming more “For sure, it’s getting better,” equitable in women’s said Barnes, who has frequently basketball: expressed thanks to UA athletic • UA coach Adia Barnes ap- director Dave Heeke. “When I peared on three Zoom conference played, we had nothing like we media sessions last week, fielding have now. We had community dozens of questions from ESPN, showers. We’ve made a ton of CBS, the Associated Press, every progress.” conceivable Tucson sports media • Women’s coaches rarely get platform and even a 9-year-old recycled. “Women in our profes- young lady who aspires to be sion don’t get second chances,” a journalist. Monday’s NCAA said Barnes. Tournament opener against Stony Only two Pac-12 women’s bas- Brook will be televised on ESPN2. ketball coaches of the last 30 years One of Barnes’ comments hit — June Daugherty, who coached the bullseye: “There are a lot of at Washington and then WSU, and voices out there, and people care Chris Gobrecht, who coached at now. They didn’t care five years Washington and then USC — were ago. They didn’t care in the ’90s. REBECCA SASNETT / ARIZONA DAILY STAR given a second chance to coach in (But) they care now.” The Arizona Wildcats cheer as their name is called during last week’s NCAA Tournament selection show. Mon- the league. (Mark Trakh is in his Compare that to Barnes’ days day’s opener against Stony Brook will air on national television — a change from Adia Barnes’ time as a player. second stint as USC’s head coach). as an All-Pac-10 forward at That’s not true in men’s bas- Arizona, when the UA’s sec- (women’s), can earn more than with a current compensation of That would never happen now. ketball. ond-round NCAA Tournament $3,000 per game. $740,000. Last week, Washington fired For example, Oregon’s Ernie game against No. 2 seed Rutgers Some leagues still pay men’s ASU’s , fourth-year coach Jody Wynn Kent, ASU’s Herb Sendek, Cal’s was televised only on Cablevi- officials a bit more than women, probably the second most accom- even though it still owed her Ben Braun, OSU’s Ritchie McKay, sion of the Raritan Valley in New but it’s close. The Pac-12 restruc- plished women’s basketball coach $950,000 through 2023. The Hus- Washington’s Bob Bender and Jersey. Compare that to Barnes’ tured its pay for officials about 10 in Pac-12 history, last month kies had gone from the Final Four Lorenzo Romar and WSU’s Paul first-ever NCAA Tournament years ago. In Barnes’ days, Pac-10 signed an extension through in 2015-16 — Barnes’ last season Graham all were rehired as head game, 1997, against Western referees were paid roughly $750 2024; she earned $544,000 this as a Washington assistant coach — coaches after being fired in the Kentucky, which wasn’t tele- per game. Women’s officials of a season. to a combined 8-26 in conference Pac-12 the last 25 years. vised anywhere. Now the ESPN generation ago were essentially a Not all Pac-12 coaches are so games the last two seasons. • One area that hasn’t shown platform televises all 63 women’s Triple-A level of basketball offici- well paid. Utah’s Lynne Roberts In five years, Barnes has turned much change is competition NCAA Tournament games. ating. That is changing. is at $295,000 and Colorado’s Arizona into what her old Wash- within the NCAA Tournament. “I don’t want the message of • Barnes last week agreed to J.R. Payne at $300,000. But ington program used to be. The When men’s 15th-seeded Oral the NCAA Tournament to be one a five-year contract extension they haven’t commanded Top 25 Huskies flipped and have become Roberts stunned No. 2 Ohio State of disparity,” Barnes said Friday. through 2026. Her base salary will programs. what Arizona used to be. on Friday, it became the 27th time “We’re on the main channels. move from $404,000 to a much • Arizona cared so little about “I still have a Final Four ring a 15th or 14th men’s seed has won There is progress. (But) I hope higher figure, perhaps close to its women’s basketball program in from my Washington days,” a first-round game. for my daughter it’s going to be $700,000, by 2026. the pre-Barnes days that it kept Barnes said. Incredibly, no women’s No. better.” It simply puts her in the renewing the contract of coach • In the spring of 2011, Sean 15 or No.14 seed has ever won a • Pac-12 women’s basketball ballpark with Pac-12 contem- Niya Butts even though she had Miller threatened to leave Arizona first-round NCAA Tournament referees are paid about $3,000 poraries. Oregon’s successive Pac-12 records of 4-14, to become the head coach at game. That’s a record of 0-104. per game, on average. That’s the recently signed an extension 3-15, 3-15 and 1-17 from 2012-15. Maryland. Part of the negotiations That’s one of the slowest-to- roughly same as Pac-12 men’s through 2029 and will earn $1.3 Yet Butts was retained for an to keep Miller in Tucson included change components of women’s basketball officials. The most million in the final year of his deal. eighth season, 2015-2016, and use of charter jets to all UA men’s basketball, one that Barnes isn’t in accomplished officials, men’s and Oregon State’s , who paid $210,000, even though her road games. a hurry to see change. women’s, like Tucson’s Chris Ra- was paid $385,000 as recently as career Pac-12 record would sink to Yet Arizona’s women’s bas- The Wildcats open Monday statter (men’s) and Bob Scofield 2017, is now signed through 2027 24-110. ketball teams strictly flew in against No. 14 seed Stony Brook.

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FIRST ROUND SECOND ROUND SWEET 16 ELITE EIGHT ELITE EIGHT SWEET 16 SECOND ROUND FIRST ROUND March 21-22 March 23-24 March 27-28 March 29-30 March 29-30 March 27-28 March 23-24 March 21-22

1 Stanford Connecticut 1 25-2 24-1 16 Utah Valley High Point 16 13-6 22-6 8 Oklahoma State Syracuse 8 18-8 14-8 9 Wake Forest South Dakota State 9 12-12 21-3 5 State Iowa 5 21-2 18-9 12 UC Davis WOMEN’S Central Michigan 12 13-2 BASKETBALL BRACKET 18-8 4 Arkansas Kentucky 4 19-8 17-8 13 Wright State Idaho State 13 18-7 ALAMO RIVER WALK 22-3 6 Oregon REGION West Champion South Champion REGION Michigan 6 13-8 14-5 11 South Dakota Florida Gulf Coast 11 19-5 26-2 3 Georgia Tennessee 3 20-6 16-7 14 Drexel Middle Tennessee 14 14-8 FINAL FOUR 17-7 7 Northwestern Virginia Tech 7 15-8 Friday, April 2 14-9 10 Central Florida Marquette 10 16-4 19-6 2 Louisville Baylor 2 23-3 25-2 15 Marist Jackson State 15 18-3 18-5

1 South Carolina NC State 1 22-4 20-2 16 Mercer N. Carolina A&T 16 19-6 2021 NCAA 14-2 8 Oregon State South Florida 8 11-7 championship 18-3 9 Florida State Washington State 9 10-8 Sunday, April 4 12-11 5 Georgia Tech Gonzaga 5 15-8 23-3 12 Stephen F. Austin Belmont 12 24-2 20-5 4 West Virginia Indiana 4 21-6 18-5 13 Lehigh VCU 13 10-5 HEMISFAIR MERCADO 16-10 6 Texas East Champion Midwest Champion Rutgers 6 18-9 REGION REGION 14-4 11 Bradley BYU 11 17-11 18-5 3 UCLA Arizona 3 (16-5 16-5 14 Wyoming Stony Brook 14 (14-9 15-5 7 Alabama Iowa State 7 (16-9 16-10 10 North Carolina Michigan State 10 (13-10 15-8 2 Maryland Texas A&M 2 (24-2 All games at Texas sites: 23-2 15 Mount St. Mary’s Austin, San Antonio Troy 15 (17-6 and San Marcos 22-5 AFTER 63 TOURNAMENT PICKS, STANFORD LEFT STANDING

By Doug Feinberg beating South Carolina and Lou- THE ASSOCIATED PRESS isville. So the Wolfpack, led by The women’s NCAA Tourna- versatile post Elissa Cunane, can ment field is set and now the fun clearly play with anyone in the begins with 64 teams descending country. However ,it might come on the San Antonio region for the down to balance, and no team in event that was canceled in 2020. the region is more balanced on of- This will be a tournament like fense than Texas A&M. no other, with every game played Other players to watch: Arella on neutral courts and teams that Guirantes, Rutgers; Aari McDon- make the Final Four having to ba- ald, Arizona; Ashley Joens, Iowa sically live out of a hotel room for State. three weeks. Here’s a look at what Upset watch: BYU could give could happen over the next few Rutgers a tough test in the first weeks in tournament brackets. round, but watch out for Indiana There are a couple of rules to live potentially knocking off N.C. State by: in the Sweet 16. The Hoosiers have Chalk rules: ANo.1seedhas had a great season and have a tal- won the national championship ented post player of their own in the past eight tournaments and Mackenzie Holmes, who could 12 of 13. The only time that didn’t match up with Cunane. happen was 2011 when First-round winners: N.C. led Texas A&M to the title as a two State, South Florida, Gonzaga, seed. Also since 2005, at least two Indiana, Rutgers, Arizona, Iowa of the No. 1s have made the Final State, Texas A&M. Four every year except for 2016. Second-round winners: N.C. Lack of major upsets: Looking ISAAC BREKKEN / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS State, Indiana, Rutgers, Texas topicka14,15or16seedforanup- Coach Tara VanDerveer leads a top-seeded Stanford team that won the Pac-12 Tournament and is viewed as one A&M. set? Might want to look elsewhere of the teams to beat in the NCAA Tournament,which begins Sunday and Monday. Regional final winners: Indi- as there has been only one victory ana, Texas A&M. by any of those seeds in the 38- ville potentially await the Cardinal will have to get through an Ore- sensation Caitlin Clark, or Ken- Regional champion: Texas year history of the tournament. in the regional final. gon State team that has figured tucky with star Rhyne Howard. A&M. That was when 16th-seeded Har- Other players to watch: Chel- itself out after a long coronavirus Get to the Elite Eight and Baylor vard knocked off No. 1 Stanford in sea Dungee, Arkansas; Natasha pause, and then potentially UCLA could be waiting for the Huskies. The Final Four 1998. The No. 14, 15 and 16 seeds Mack, Oklahoma State; Hannah or Maryland. They were supposed to play in Jan- are winless since. Sjerven, South Dakota. Other players to watch: Janelle uary, but that got canceled when Whoever gets this far will have Watch out for 12s: Just like in Upset watch: UC Davis will Bailey, North Carolina; Kysre Lady Bears coach had been living in a hotel for three the men’s bracket, the 12 seeds continue the trend of 12s knock- Gondrezick, West Virginia; Ashley COVID-19. weeks and that’s no small feat on have some success in recent years ing off 5s as the Aggies have a good Owusu, Maryland. Other players to watch: Paige its own. Stanford, UConn, Mary- upending the 5s. At least one 12 has shottoupsetMissouriState,which Upset Watch: Stephen F.Austin Bueckers UConn; Tiana Mangaka- land and Texas A&M have been made it out of the first round in opted out of the Missouri Valley has won 19 straight and has a good hia, Syracuse; Reinna Davis, Ten- stellar all season. three of the last four tournaments. Conference tourney before the shot to pull off the victory as a12 nessee; NaLyssa Smith, Baylor. The Cardinal have played strong And some advicetoo: semifinals because of COVID-19 seed over Georgia Tech. Upset watch: Florida Gulf defense and will find a way to slow Wait: Don’t rush to fill out your concerns for its opponent. First-round winners: South Coast is led by Ohio State transfer down Maryland, the top-scoring bracket this year because there is First-round winners: Stan- Carolina, Oregon State, Stephen Kierstan Bell. Once she became team in the nation. that chance a key player or coach ford, Oklahoma State, UC Davis, F. Austin, West Virginia, Texas, eligible early on, the team hasn’t UConn has made the Final Four could test positive for COVID-19, Arkansas, South Dakota, Georgia, UCLA, North Carolina, Maryland. lost. The Eagles will have to find a ever year since 2008,but lost in the which could really change the dy- Northwestern, Louisville. Second-round winners: South waytoslowdownBigTenPlayerof national semifinals the last three namic of the tournament. Second-round winners: Stan- Carolina, West Virginia, UCLA, the Year Naz Hillmon. times, albeit two of those came on And now the picks: ford, Arkansas, Georgia, Louis- Maryland. First-round winners: UConn, last-second shots in overtime.The ville. Regional semifinal winners: Syracuse, Iowa, Kentucky, Florida Huskies will find a way to end that AlamoRegion Regional semifinal winners: South Carolina, Maryland. Gulf Coast, Tennessee, Marquette, skid and reach the title game. Stanford, Louisville. Regional champion: Maryland. Baylor. Analysis: Stanford is definitely Regional champion: Stanford. Second-round winners: UCo- National champion the top overall seed for many rea- River Walk Region nn, Kentucky, Florida Gulf Coast, sons. The Cardinal are deep, led by Hemisfair Region Baylor. Stanford and UConn met in the Haley Jones and Kiana Williams, Analysis: UConn has made the Regional semifinal winners: 2010 title game in the Alamodome talented, and have already spent Analysis: South Carolina has a Final Four every season since 2008 UConn, Baylor. and after an ugly offensive first two months on the road, so three lot of young talent, but unfortu- and the young Huskies will be Regional champion: UConn. half, the Huskies came away with weeks in a hotel room shouldn’t nately not much tournament ex- tested to get there. No coach Geno a 53-47 win. The Cardinal will win faze them too much. It won’t be perience. The Gamecocks could Auriemma for the first two rounds Mercado Region this time, ending UConn’s un- easy with a high-scoring Arkan- go a long way led by Aliyah Bos- and then potentially a tantaliz- defeated streak in championship sas team as a potential Sweet 16 ton and Zia Cooke. Getting to the ing matchup awaits in the Sweet Analysis: N.C. State knocked games and giving Tara VanDerveer matchup. and Louis- Final Four, ’s squad 16 with either Iowa and freshman off two No. 1 teams this season, her third national championship. C10 NCAA EXTRA SUNDAY, MARCH 21, 2021 / ARIZONA DAILY STAR FRESHMEN WHO GRADUATED EARLY GAIN NCAA TOURNEY EXPERIENCE

By Janie McCauley tience, coach Shannon THE ASSOCIATED PRESS (Perry-LeBeauf) says, UCLA assistant coach ‘She’s a high school senior, Tasha Brown calls her “Lit- Cori,’” Close said. “Real- tle Intern” — and Domi- ly, it’s amazing, because nique Darius doesn’t mind. physically she’s ready. She’s Darius realizes how high-level athletic, long, much she still has to learn strong, great body for the about college basketball game, great athlete. But when most young wom- all the mental side, all the en her age are in their final skills, the pace of the play push toward high school those are a lot of adjust- graduation. ments there. Players like Darius who “I think Dominque has a graduated early are not only great future for us and I told gaining a head start and her all along ... ‘all you can valuable experience in their do is grow from this.’” college basketball careers as From a coach’s perspec- early enrollees, they have tive, it’s tough to know how been counted upon to help the player will do thrown teams across the country into the pressure-packed keep their seasons going conference schedule mid- when players are held out season. for COVID-19 protocols. Oregon State’s Von Oel- Now, some — including hoffen graduated early Arizona’s Madi Conner — from her small high school will make their March Mad- in Pasco, Washington, and ness debuts on the big stage soon afterward arrived on in the NCAA Tournament. campus in Corvallis. When Darius arrived in Beavers coach Scott Southern California in late Rueck said, “It was kind December eager to quickly of a mystery to add a rediscover her form after high-schooler to your team minimal organized basket- at that point.” ball for nine months, Bruins But Von Oelhoffen pro- coach made one vided immediate perimeter thing immediately clear: no depth and impressed ev- pressure on Darius to de- eryone with her ability to liver big shots right away, quickly learn multiple po- she just needed to absorb as sitions. much as she could. “It’s crazy, and it hap- “I’m getting in the pened so fast, but you know groove of things,” Darius it’s COVID and everything said. “The first day I walked you kind of just roll with the in I got there early and I was punches,” Von Oelhoffen just getting shots up be- told the Pac-12 Networks. cause I hadn’t shot in like a “So it’s kind of my new nor- week because I was quaran- mal.” tined and I was like, ‘Dang, I Though Cal is not play- don’t have my shot or a feel ing in the postseason, for the game,’ but it was OK, coach is they weren’t expecting me thankful for Mia Mastrov’s to.” timely arrival that allowed Darius, who attended the Golden Bears to keep Blair Academy boarding playing games. And Smith school in New Jersey but knows what NCAA Tour- didn’t have a senior sea- nament experience could son because of COVID, mean to other such fresh- has spent numerous hours men like Darius. playing catch up through “For Dominique at UCLA film study and extra work in to have tournament experi- the gym. ence, that’s crucial,” Smith At Oregon State, said. the Hemisfair Region No. 1 overall seed Stan- eighth-seeded Beavers are ford didn’t have the chance getting a boost from Talia to bring anyone early, yet von Oelhoffen. Saylor Pof- Hall of Fame coach Tara fenbarger is doing the same VanDerveer is all for it. for UConn, the No. 1 seed “It’s a bonus year,” in the River Walk Region VanDerveer said. “Real- and the tournament’s sec- ly, everyone has an extra ond-seeded team overall. year. ... I think it’s great that Poffenbarger is hap- they’ve allowed them to do py to have the best of two JOHN LOCHER / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS that and they’ve been able to worlds: She enrolled at Oregon State’s Talia Von Oelhoffen graduated early from her high school in Pasco, Washington, and went straight to Corval- take advantage. It has helped UConn in January but lis. Now, she’s contributing for the tourney-bound Beavers. some teams that were really Middletown High School low in numbers and may- in Maryland will welcome larly about their shared ex- college and taking college at Gonzaga in December While any minutes are be projected them into the her back for both prom and periences. classes.” and has averaged 1.2 points valuable for early enrollees, NCAA Tournament.” graduation. “A lot of what we discuss Early enrollees aren’t while playing 47 minutes Darius is making the most In addition to the expe- “I haven’t had any re- is knowing our role, find- unique to the women’s over 14 games. The Buck- of her time. rience on the court, Darius grets,” she said. “I was at ing our role and fitting into game. There are a handful eyes pressed guard Meechie She gave UCLA an imme- received another perk: She the point in my small town a role and not having to do of midyear enrollees play- Johnson Jr. into some sig- diate lift as the program’s got out of dormitory living where I was ready to move everything,” Poffenbargering for several teams in the nificant minutes in January third top-30 recruit in as her first year of college. on to the next thing.” said. “But also just talking men’s tournament, includ- due to an injury, though he’s many years. In 14 games, “Coach Cori said, ‘We It has helped that one about being in college in ing top-seeded Gonzaga appeared in just 17 games she averaged 9.1 points and can’t put you in a dorm of her best friends, Olivia general. Going from liter- and 2-seeded Ohio State. overall and hasn’t played 1.1 rebounds. now,’” Darius said with a Miles, enrolled early at No- ally being in high school a Ben Gregg, a 6-foot-10- more than 10 minutes in “It just blows me away. grin, “‘you’ve seen the good tre Dame. They talk regu- few months ago to, we’re in inch freshman, enrolled any game since. Every time I lose my pa- life.’” JUST MONTHS REMOVED FROM HIGH SCHOOL, SHARPSHOOTING CONNER READY TO HELP UA

By PJ Brown will receive an extra year Conner won the first having a good mindset. And don’t you have an opportunity to play SPECIAL TO THE ARIZONA DAILY STAR of eligibility. gold jersey — for “pas- let that discourage me, because I an extra semester it advances your Madison Conner is living in the Conner’s response? sion plays” — of her UA shouldn’t even be here right now. game, helps your maturity-wise moment. “Shoot, sign me up,” career. It’s an opportunity — just stay and gives you a head start. And what a moment it is. she said. “I was ready Expect Conner to find motivated and keep my work ethic “Adia has confidence in Madi. Arizona’s 17-year-old freshman for whatever came along minutes in Monday’s and keep working hard.” I asked her how she was in prac- guard, a player who joined the with that.” NCAA Tournament Conner has found a way to fit tice and she said, ‘She’s killing us’ Wildcats in January as an early en- Conner logged her opener. Barnes has said in, too — even if her teammates (by playing against the starters). rollee, is one day away from play- first minutes in a game Madison Conner’s shooter’s men- joke that they’re playing with an When you see positive things hap- ing in her first NCAA Tournament Feb. 14 against Wash- Conner tality will help the Wild- eighth-grader. pening in practice and your head game. The third-seeded Wildcats ington. She said she was cats when it matters. In that regard, Conner shares coach has confidence in you, that’s (16-5) will take on No. 14-seed nervous and “super tense.” The UA could use the long-stance something with her coach. Barnes a big thing. The time when she’s Stony Brook (15-5) at 11 a.m. Mon- “It was like, ‘Oh my god, don’t threat; the Wildcats hit just 31.8% similarly started her UA career at going to shine will happen soon.” day in San Antonio. mess up. Don’t do this,’” she said. of their 3-pointers this season, age 17. Asked this week about how Conner still follows her former Conner is one of 15 players “I think I needed to calm my- a mark that ranks seventh in the Barnes would’ve handled playing high school team, which is run by across the country who jumped at self down from that because you Pac-12 and 137th nationally. in the NCAA Tournament just a ex-Sabino coach Jaamal Rhodes. the opportunity to start their col- don’t play good when you’re tight The guard should be ready. few months after joining the team, It stung when AZ Compass Prep lege careers a semester early. Five and tense, worried about making Conner has been watching film her former coach took a moment lost in the final of The Grind Ses- play in the Pac-12; three of them a mistake. I had to get into that with her teammates, who have to think. sion World Championships. — Conner, Oregon State’s Talia groove of like,’ I know, it’s new, I’ve helped make the transition to the “That’s a tough question,” Joan Conner knows she could’ve Von Oelhoffen and UCLA’s Dom- played basketball before. It’s not a college game easy. She talks exten- Bonvicini said. “Basketball-wise, helped them, but bigger things inique Darius — made the NCAA new thing that I’m doing. It’s just sively with the Wildcats’ coaches, Adia played well, yet (her) fresh- awaited her. Tournament. a higher level.’” especially Barnes. man year was a big adjustment for “It kind of stinks that I couldn’t Conner was starring for AZ Conner played against Cal and Barnes told Conner “don’t let her. Being accountable to rules — finish the season with them, but I Compass Prep when coach Adia Arizona State down the stretch, anybody or the circumstances or Adia was always late. That was an definitely wanted to take this op- Barnes called to see she’d be inter- and made appearances in both anything else change me,” Conner issue. It’s hard (to adjust) as you portunity,” Conner said. “I defi- ested in making the leap to college. of Arizona’s Pac-12 Tournament said. “Focus on myself, and how I have to be more accountable in nitely would not change my deci- There wasn’t much of a risk in do- games. She scored her first basket, can get better and help the team. college basketball. Adia was pretty sion. … I’m so happy to be here. I ing it, she said; NCAA rules dic- a 3-pointer, in the Wildcats’ run- No matter what that is — if that’s good right away and she averaged definitely would not change that. tate that everyone playing during away win over Washington State playing 10 minutes or sitting on 14 points, I think and was Pac-10 I gave up something to get a little the pandemic-shortened season in the quarterfinals. That week, the bench the entire time — just Freshman of the Year. I think if bit more.” SUNDAY, MARCH 21, 2021 / ARIZONA DAILY STAR NCAA EXTRA C11 NC STATE, A&M CHALLENGE CATS IN TOUGH MERCADO REGION

By Kristie Rieken other year. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS “It’s pretty much do or SAN ANTONIO — While die right now, so we got to top-seeded North Caro- play literally like it’s gonna lina State with star Elissa be our last game ever,” she Cunane is a slight favorite said. in the Mercado Region of McDonald led the Pac-12 the NCAA Tournament, in scoring (19.4) and steals No. 2 seed Texas A&M and (2.7) a game for the third its bevy of veterans could straight season and has be poised to knock off the scored at least 10 points in Wolfpack. 87 straight games, which is Then there is third-seed- the longest active streak in ed Arizona, which can’t be the nation. overlooked in this region Double trouble: Gon- with two-way standout and zaga, the fifth seed in the Pac-12 player of the year region, may have oppo- Aari McDonald leading the nents seeing double in the way. tournament. That’s be- N.C. State is in the tour- cause the Bulldogs have two nament, which is being held sets of twins on the roster: entirely in the San Anto- the Wirth sisters and the nio area, for the 26th time Truong sisters. overall but earned a No. 1 LeeAnne and Jenn Wirth seed for the first time. The are 6-foot-3 starting for- 6-foot-5 Cunane, who is wards for the fifth-seeded averaging 16.6 points and Bulldogs (23-3). The iden- 8.1 rebounds a game, was tical twins come from an named the most valuable athletic family: Their father, player of the Atlantic Coast SEAN RAYFORD / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Alan Wirth, played for the Conference Tournament Kayla Wells has helped one-time national champion Texas A&M burst back onto the national scene this season. The loaded Oakland Athletics and older as N.C. State won it for the Aggies will get to play all their NCAA Tournament games within three hours of their campus. sister Christina played for second straight season. the WNBA’s Indiana Fever “The No. 1 seed is a great after a college career at Van- honor, obviously,” N.C. derbilt. State coach Wes Moore Jenn is the older of the said. “You know me. I’d just two, by 18 minutes. as soon stayed No. 2 and laid “It’s a cliché answer but low. You still got to go out also the truth – you just either way and work.” have a built-in best friend,” The Wolfpack open the said Jenn, who has averaged tournament on Sunday 12.8 points and 8.2 rebounds against 16-seed NC A&T. this season. Texas A&M coach Gary Then there’s sophomore Blair does not share Moore’s guards Kayleigh Truong feelings about the top seed. and Kaylynne Truong, also The Aggies won the SEC identical Twins. regular season title after Gonzaga (23-3) will face beating No. 1 seed South No. 12 seed Belmont on Carolina, but likely lost Monday. The Zags are mak- their shot to be a top seed in ing their 12th overall ap- the tournament for the first pearance in the tournament. time after losing to Georgia Belmont is in the tourna- in the tournament semifi- ment after winning its fifth nal. Ohio Valley Conference Blair was a bit irked that tournament title in the last his team didn’t get a 1-seed six years behind the stellar but said it gives Texas A&M performance of freshman a chance to prove people Destinee Wells, who scored wrong. The Aggies are in a career-high 32 points in their 15th straight tourna- the title game. ment under Blair, and it’s Rise of the Hoosiers: In- the 10th anniversary of their diana is the No. 4 seed in the only national title in 2011. region; the Hoosiers highest “I love to go out and show seed in program history. people what this team can Their previous best seed do and what this coaching was being No. 6 in 1983 staff and I can do to put to- when just 36 teams made gether a game plan,” Blair ISAAC BREKKEN / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS the tournament, and their said. “I’m not one of the Four years after making the Sweet 16 with Washington, Aari McDonald now leads a UA team that has plans to get at least best seed in the 64-team blue bloods yet, but I’m in that far. UA has made the regional semifinals only once in program history, in 1998. field was No. 8 in 2002 after the conversation.” earning a top-10 ranking in Texas A&M meets No. 15 since 2005 and meet No. 14 nervousness but nervous is scared.” ence on the roster after Mc- the AP Top 25 for the first seed Troy on Monday night. Stony Brook, which is mak- good for basketball,” coach Though Arizona is mak- Donald reached the Sweet time in school history this Wildcats back: The ing its first NCAA appear- Adia Barnes said. “Scared is ing its first trip to the Big 16 with Washington in 2017. season. Wildcats return to the tour- ance, on Monday. bad, and we don’t have any Dance in 16 years, they do She put off a WNBA career The Hoosiers play No. 13 nament for the first time “There is going to be the players on our team that are have tournament experi- to return to Arizona for an- VCU on Monday. BARNES’ NCAA TOURNAMENT EXPERIENCE SHOULD HELP UA’S FIRST-TIME DANCERS

By PJ Brown A new look SPECIAL TO THE ARIZONA DAILY STAR Barnes says her team has a dif- Adia Barnes is a first-time head ferent focus already. coach in the NCAA Tournament. “I think there’s an excitement. But she’s been here before. There’s just a different look in As a player, Barnes led the 1998 their eyes,” Barnes said. “Practice Wildcats to the Sweet 16 — fur- is a lot sharper — it’s less time. ther than any other Arizona squad Some players are probably hap- in history. As an assistant coach at py because we only have a set 90 Washington in 2016, Barnes was on minutes. They’re probably so ex- the bench when the Huskies made cited about that. But there’s just a run to the Final Four. (Days lat- a focus, it’s clicking, we’re go- er, she was named Arizona’s head ing faster, everything’s moving coach). smoother. That tells me there’s Barnes will talk to her players more of a focus. I think we’re, it’s about the experience leading up just tournament time. I think it at to Monday’s tournament opener this point, everybody steps up a against Stony Brook. little bit.” “I’m trying to get them to visu- alize what it’s like in a normal year Resilient Cats with thousands of people walking around, all the festivities, all the Reese said perseverance has excitement, the whole city shuts helped her team get through a year down for the tournament,” Barnes unlike any other. said. “There are so many different Only three players on the UA KELLY PRESNELL / ARIZONA DAILY STAR obstacles that not only us, but roster have NCAA Tournament Arizona’s Cate Reese said the Wildcats look at tough times as a chance to prove how tough they are. “When we every team has to get past,” Re- experience. Aari McDonald played were shut down for a little bit, we didn’t really look at that as a negative,” said the forward. ese said. “I think that we’ve done her freshman year at Washington, a great job. When we were shut and the Huskies made it to the ing at — I think that that’s great,” out in their teammate’s rooms, no rades,” she said. down for a little bit, we didn’t re- Sweet 16. Bendu Yeaney advanced Reese said. “But also her having stopping in the hotel’s gift shop, no “I’m trying to make it fun. We ally look at that as a negative, we to the second round with Indiana some inside view of being at the getting coffee in the lobby — they gave them a gift bag downstairs full came together. two years ago, and Shaina Pelling- tournament. ... I think that that’s are still having fun. of stuff and essentials for the tour- “I think our chemistry got bet- ton played in the first round with really helpful for all of us, especial- Barnes has helped to break some nament here. I’m trying to do what ter during that week. There have Oklahoma three years ago. ly with such a weird year coming in of the boredom. When the team we can. been so many different things that Their experience helps Arizo- here, especially with the pandemic, was finally allowed to eat meals to- “We’re fine and we’re enjoying we’ve had to get over. …(We) just na’s first-timers. UA forward Cate we all feel a little bit isolated. I think gether in their assigned large con- the moment. … We’re happy that stuck together as a team. Reese said Barnes’ experience both that’s great to have her insight into ference room, Barnes had a little no one tested positive. We’re, like, “At the end of the day, we get playing and coaching has had an everything.” something in mind. ready to go. to play basketball. I think that’s especially big impact. While things may look a lit- “We played, I think it’s called “I think that all that stuff is just one of the most important things. “There are not many coaches tle different, especially being on heads up — you know, the phone kind of the other stuff — the noise. That’s just what we have to keep in out there that have played specifi- a little stricter lockdown than the where you flip it … you have to ask We’re focused on what we need to mind. I think that being resilient cally at the school they are coach- Wildcats are used to — no hanging questions and act it out like cha- do.” every day has really helped.” SUNDAY, MARCH 21, 2021 / ARIZONA DAILYSTAR NCAA EXTRA C12 JimClickFord.com • HolmesTuttle.com • JimClickFordGreenValley.com America’s #1 SellingBrand “Based on 2020 CY Sales”

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