Arizona Wildcats Basketball Survives Utah Utes 68-64, Remains one game behind Oregon

Feb. 17, 2013; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard Mark Lyons (2) sends Utah Utes guard Glen Dean (1) to the floor as he goes to the basket during the second half at the Jon M. Huntsman Center. Mandatory Credit: Douglas C. Pizac-USA Today Sports

Arizona played about 30-35 minutes of solid basketball and kept a consistent lead for most of the game; with eleven minutes left, Arizona was up by ten. Then, however, Utah went on a 11-2 run to tie the game 51-51 with under seven minutes left–the five minutes of basketball Arizona took off. The Wildcats maintained their composure though and never allowed Utah to take the lead.

Arizona can credit their win mainly due to the fact they out-rebounded the Utes 33-24 and outshot them 47% to 39%. Kaleb Tarczewski looked much more comfortable under the basket, going 4 for 5 and improving substantially with going to the basket immediately instead of hesitating before the shot. Mark Lyons led the team in scoring with 18 points and had several key baskets in the clutch (per usual), while Kevin Parrom was most efficient on the court, going 3 for 5 with 9 points, 9 rebounds (3 offensive) and 3 assists.

Next, Arizona will take on the Washington schools at home.