A game Arizona needed

If you looked at each school’s results heading into Saturday’s game between Arizona and Oregon, the contest shouldn’t have been close.

Arizona entered McKale Center as the soon-to-be No. 2 ranked team in all of college basketball, boasting a lofty 23-2 record, and maybe more importantly blowing inferior teams out in the process.

Oregon came in off back-to-back losses to cellar dwellers California and Arizona State.

But this was the type of game that Arizona needed to win.

This was a focused Oregon team, throughout, though. And it was a team effort starting up front with junior big men Quincy Guerrier, who went crazy all game from 3-point range, and center N’Faly Dante who posted a huge double double and was one of the few big men in the country who could counteract Christian Koloko.

But, to beat this Arizona team, one needs to play 40 minutes. Even if Arizona only plays 30. Oregon, as has been the case all season, showed off flashes of brilliance and overall talent, but when the time was there to push the lead from 10 to 15, the Ducks inevitably gave up an 8 point run or attempted a contested two point shot when a three was needed.

Yes, Arizona won by three points but this game had a Sweet 16 type feel to it. Both teams, incredibly talented, long and capable of knocking off any remaining team.

Unlike many of the best teams in the country, Arizona hasn’t been punched in the face in many games. Arizona hasn’t ventured into deep waters at home against a team capable of winning.

Arizona faced all that and more Saturday night against Oregon. Sure, the Cats didn’t play the best game of the season, but they did more than enough to win. Which is what will be needed come NCAA Tournament time.