Defensive minded Wildcats improve to 18-2

Arizona Wildcats Basketball


A tough defense and a career night offensively by backup center Dusan Ristic helped seventh-ranked Arizona improve to 18-2 overall and 6-1 in Pac 12 play with a 73-50 win over California tonight at Haas Pavilion in Berkeley, California.

Ristic answered the call after Kaleb Tarczewski was whistled for three fouls midway through the first half and the freshman quickly made the most of his minutes on the court with seven points -- including a three-pointer. Rustic finished the night with 12 points and two rebounds.

Arizona held a 29-19 lead at the half, thanks mainly to freshman Stanley Johnson who pumped in 11 points. Johnson finished with 18 points and nine rebounds on the night. Tarczewski flexed his muscles in the second half, finishing with 10 points and three rebounds.

The Arizona bench outscored the California bench 24-0.

The Wildcats return home and prepare for next week's Pac-12 action with Oregon on Wednesday and Oregon State on Friday. Both games slated for 8 p.m. at McKale Center.

Way to go, Wildcats. A sweep of the Bay Area.