Remaining Arizona Wildcats Schedule: How Favorable is it?
by Clair Wyant on Feb. 06, 2012, under Basketball, University of Arizona
Chris Morrison-US PRESSWIRE; Arizona Basketball against Washington in McKale Center in Tucson, AZ
The University of Arizona basketball team did their fair share to make the Pac-12 more confusing than it already was by sweeping the Bay Area schools, but how favorable is the remaining schedule?
In their last seven games, three of them are teams currently in the bottom three in the Pac-12 standings (as of games ending February 4).
What will continue to be interesting is how the team reacts to games on Saturdays, as they have had trouble closing them out. We know they can do so, as they beat Stanford this past Saturday in Maples Pavilion.
The remaining games follows (all standings and win/loss records as of games ending February 4):
- Feb 9 Colorado
Last game: Jan 21; lost 64-63
This game is not only for “revenge,” for the loss in Boulder (where they are undefeated), but also for the Wildcats to keep the momentum going from last week. The odds are in the Cats’ favor. It’s a Thursday game, and the Buffalo have won only one game on the road (won against current last place USC).
- Feb 11 Utah
Last game: Jan 19; won 77-51
Arizona is facing a Utah team that is second to last in the conference, and currently winless on the road. The immediate question is, can Arizona win, what could be, its fourth straight? Last time this season Arizona won four straight? Beginning of the season (Valparaiso, Duquesne, Ball State, St John’s).
- Feb 16 at Washington State
Last game: Jan 26; won 85-61
Arizona kicks off the last regular season out-of-state road trip in Washington, but it will not be easy. Washington State can be a treat at home, as they have shown so already this season, beating Cal team at home.
- Feb 18 at Washington
Last game: Jan 28; lost 69-67
This will be the toughest game remaining on the schedule. Washington is currently on the top of the Pac, and playing as well as anyone right now (if there is such of a thing this season). Of course, it’s not like Arizona already beaten a team on top of the Pac-12 at home this season already. Right?
- Feb 23 USC
Last game: Jan 8; won 57-46
If there is such thing as a “guaranteed win,” this is it. USC is horrible in every aspect. Arizona won on the road, and it is also a Thursday game, where Arizona has performed the best thus far.
- Feb 25 UCLA
Last game: Jan 5; lost 58-65
UCLA has been getting it together, picking up a few road victories, and is expecting to get better game by game. Out of all the Pac-12 teams that struggled during non-conference play, and picked it up in the conference play, it is UCLA. Home, away, watch out.
- March 4 at ASU
Last game: Dec 31; lost 68-51
ASU is the rival, so naturally, there is some intensity by both teams. Face it, depending on other games go, if Arizona loses this game, it could be very bad news. That is enough fire in itself; top it off with the rivalry. Good news is Arizona only focus that week will be ASU.
