The Arizona Wildcats needed to defeat the UCLA Bruins if they hoped to have any chance at making the NCAA Tournament. Despite a sluggish start, slow tempo and a bevy on unnecessary whistles, the UA pulled away late in the second half in front of upwards of 14,700 fans at McKale Center to win 65-63.
Kyle Fogg, a senior, scored 16 of his 20 points in the second half and brought down nine rebounds for the fourth consecutive game. Jesse Perry, another senior, had 16 points -- 12 of which came in the second half -- and six rebounds, while Solomon Hill added 13. Neither of the freshmen guards played well; Josiah Turner and Nick Johnson combined for five turnovers, one assist and 11 points on 4-for-12 shooting.
Jerime Anderson led the Bruins with 20 points and both of the Wear twins had a strong game, combining for 21 points and 15 rebounds. Josh Smith dominated the paint whenever he was on the floor, but the sluggish big man picked up two fouls early and never had much of a consistent impact.
Arizona picks up their 21st win of the season and improves to 12-5 in Pac-12 play, guaranteeing themselves a first round bye in the conference tournament regardless of their outcome against the Arizona St. Sun Devils next weekend.