Trojans prevail in ugly Pac-10 opener...

In the Stands Report by Bookemdano: The Arizona basketball team continues to struggle.

This time it counts big time. The Wildcats lost to USC 56-50 at the Galen Center last night in the Pac-10 season opener for both teams. The game was just plain ugly as both teams struggled. Unfortunately, it was the Wildcats that dug themselves a big hole early in the first half and spent the rest of the night trying desperately to catch up.

The Trojans helped the Wildcats out by playing poorly themselves. USC (9-4, 1-0) waited...and waited...and waited for the Wildcats to catch up. And Arizona almost did! The Wildcats somehow pulled to within five at 53-48 with 52 seconds remaining, but that would be as close as they could get. The Wildcats shot 27 percent from the field in the first half.

They made just seven field goals in the first 20 minutes and trailed the Trojans by 17 midway through the half. So, the Wildcats fall to 0-1 in the Pac-10 and 6-7 overall. The Wildcats continue their road trip and will take on UCLA Saturday morning. Sean Miller wants the Arizona fans to be patient.

Believe me, I'm trying to do just that. But for now, it is Sean Miller 0-1 and Kevin O'Neill 1-0 in the Pac-10. I'm getting used to Miller on the Wildcats' sideline, but O'Neill on the Trojans' sideline...that will take a while. But as Coach Miller has said over and over again, be patient.