The Arizona Wildcats played one of the toughest non-conference schedules of anyone in college hoops, but a lack of wins over quality opponents may come back to really bite Sean Miller and the 'Cats in 2012. After just one week of Pac-12 play, Joe Lunardi of ESPN currently has Arizona on the outside looking in at the field of 68.
In his latest update, which came out January 3, Lunardi has Arizona listed among the teams that just missed the cut. Among programs in the conference, the Cal Bears and Stanford Cardinal were the only two to earn a hypothetical bid.
The key for the Wildcats will be the next few weeks. With a favorable schedule, the UA needs to win every home game and at least split every Pac-12 road trip. The games that will determine Arizona's season will likely be their matchups with Cal, Stanford and Washington, and it is imperative for the team to put on a show for the selection committee in those games.
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