Breakdown: Wildcats dump USC

The Lowdown: When the Arizona Wildcats come out
flat they always have a 38-16 run in their back pocket at
home, right? USC took advantage of the ‘Cats flatness and
built an early lead, but then UA’s trio of guards went on
a flurry over the next 14 minutes.

It was back-to-back threes orchestrated by Kyle Fogg that
started the run, one made and one assisted. From there the
Wildcats didn’t look back, making 8 three-pointers and 10
free-throws (after not attempting one in the first half)
running away with their 11th Pac-12 win of the season, 70-
54.

The way this team has played as of late playing with
essentially seven players – three freshman – has been
impressive. They are as synergized as ever, playing great
team basketball on both ends of the floor. Jordin Mayes
played the final two minutes after the game was already
decided. It was nice to see the sophomore back in good
health. Mayes had missed the last five games after
suffering the injury in a win over Cal in early February.

What went right for Arizona? Assists and turnovers
have been an issue all season for the Wildcats, but not
Thursday as they notched 17 assists on 26 made field
goals. A big spark came from freshman Josiah Turner, who
had 5 assists without a turnover on the evening.

When it was over? The Wildcats gave back all the
work on that run by allowing the Trojans to rattle off 10
straight of their own. Jesse Perry responded with a fast-
break lay-in with 5:25 to go ending any hope of a USC
comeback. Perry’s bucket put the Wildcats up by 12.

Who stepped up for Arizona? The spirit of Derrick
Williams has entered Kyle Fogg over the last three games
as he has notched his second career double-double with 16
points and 12 rebounds. He has 31 rebounds in his last
three games.

Stat of the Game: In the first half, the Wildcats
were shutout from the free-throw line and turned it around
quickly in the second half as they went to the line on
their first two possessions. They finished 10-of-15
overall from the line in the second half.

They said it: “Tonight I went out and played more
aggressively. Solomon told me to be more aggressive. It
was very motivating because I look up to him.” — Arizona
guard Josiah Turner

What it means: That is now 20 wins against 9 losses
for the Wildcats on the season and keeps them in the hunt
for a first round bye in the Pac-12 Tournament. In
conference they are 11-5 and in third place after
Thursday’s win.

What’s Next: The final home game of the season tips
off Saturday as Arizona hosts UCLA on CBS at noon. In the
previous meeting in Anaheim in January, the Wildcats were
outclassed by the Wear Twins in a 65-58 loss.

Follow @Vincemarotta