The Sun Devils took one on the chin in their own gym.
Photo by David Kadlubowski/azcentral sports

Arizona defeated Arizona State on Saturday afternoon in a very satisfying victory for Wildcat fans. It wasn’t just winning in Tempe. It wasn’t merely the 17-point margin of victory. It was beating ASU in a fashion that left no doubt as to who had the better team.

It was a sign that a return to the days of a one-sided hoops rivalry may be on the horizon.

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Happy 15-year birthday, net!
Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images

The nets have been cut down. The basketballs have been put away. The upholstery has been extinguished.

The 2012 college basketball season is now in the history books. With the Kentucky Wildcats in the championship game you couldn’t blame Arizona fans for thinking of their own “One Shining Moment” 15 years ago.

March of 1997 was the month it all came together for Lute Olson and his brand of Wildcats. Thanks to modern technology you can relive the title game in its entirety for free. Join me for a dribble-drive down memory line.

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Lute Olson was on hand Senior Day to say goodbye to the last of his guys.
Photo by Chris Morrison-US PRESSWIRE

They are the last remaining ties to Lute Olson, the final players signed before the legendary University of Arizona basketball coach retired.

Seniors Kyle Fogg, Brendon Lavender and Alex Jacobson are the last remaining Cats of Chaos. They have witnessed controversy and turmoil. They lived through the Wildcat program teetering on the brink of collapse only to come roaring back under Sean Miller.

With wins in their final two home games Lute’s last players are making a run at one final NCAA tournament berth.

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Can the football rivalry gap end up like the basketball gap?
Photo by Pat Shannahan/The Arizona Republic

The Arizona Wildcats beat Arizona State handily on Saturday giving Sean Miller his fourth win in five games against the Sun Devils.

Add in the UA football team winning three of the last four Territorial Cup games and Cat fans are swimming in bragging rights.

When was the last time the head-to-head in-state rivalry was this lopsided in the two highest profile sports?

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It's all about the trophies.
Photo by Robert Deutsch/USA Today Staff

It’s been a quiet summer for college sports.

Well, there have been scandals and rumors of scandals but after last year’s tectonic shifts this summer has been downright placid.

Unless someone wants to start whispers of Alabama and Auburn to the Pac-12 we have time out west for more reflection. Arizona‘s place in Pac-10 basketball history has been established. Where do the Wildcats fit in on a national level?

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