Jan. 7, 2005
Box Score |
Quotes
BERKELEY, Calif. (AP) - Channing Frye had 20 points and eight rebounds to
lead No. 13 Arizona to its ninth straight victory, 87-67 over California on
Thursday night in the Wildcats' first road game in 19 days.
Hassan Adams added 16 points and Ivan Radenovic had 14 points and seven
rebounds for Arizona (12-2, 2-0 Pac-10). Mustafa Shakur and Chris Rodgers each
had 10 points for Arizona, which beat the Bears for the 11th time in the last
12 meetings.
Arizona led for most of the game but couldn't shake California until putting
together an 18-4 run early in the second half. Frye sparked the spurt with
seven points, including a short hook to cap it and give the Wildcats a 56-44
lead.
Arizona had not played away from Tucson since a 48-43 win over Marquette on
Dec. 18. The Wildcats, who last season had just their fourth losing road record
in the Pac-10 under coach Lute Olson, play three of their next five conference
games away from home.
Richard Midgley scored 14 points to lead California (8-5, 1-2), while Rod
Benson added 13 and Dominic McGuire 12.
Arizona averaged 91.3 points in its previous four games but got off to a
slow start against California, which owns the Pac-10's second-stingiest defense
allowing just 61.7 points a game.
The Wildcats led by four points at halftime and fell behind when the Golden
Bears scored the first six points of the second half to take a 40-38 lead.
That's when Frye and Arizona regained their composure, scoring the next 11
points.
The Wildcats led most of the first half despite a slow start from leading
scorer Salim Stoudamire. Stoudamire came into the game averaging 14.8 points
but was held in check by Midgley, scoring just six points.
Arizona didn't seem to miss Stoudamire's scoring much, however, as Frye's 13
points and five rebounds helped stake the Wildcats to the 38-34 halftime lead.
California, which missed eight of its first 11 shots from the field, stayed
close in the first half thanks to the shooting of Midgley, who had 12 points
before halftime.
The Bears also got some help from Arizona, which continued to have problems
handling the ball. The Wildcats turned the ball over on their first two trips
down the floor and had 11 in the first half.
