21 and Oh! Cats Remain Unbeaten

Photo Credit: Arizona Athletics

By Francisco Romero

In a hard fought battle between Arizona and Stanford, the Wildcats were able to escape Maples Pavilion with a 60 – 57 win to remain unbeaten.

Arizona improved its record to (21–0, 8–0 Pac–12) and it is one of three unbeaten teams left in Division I basketball along with No. 2 Syracuse and No. 4 Wichita State. 

Once again, Nick Johnson proved why he is being seen as one of the best players in the country as he scored a crucial three-pointer with 51 seconds remaining on the clock and giving Arizona the lead.  Stanford still had a chance to tie with the last shot of the game, but Chasson Randle missed a three pointer.

Stanford’s record stands now at (13-7, 4-4 Pac-12). 

Arizona struggled offensively during the start of the game as it made one of 9 attempts.  Defense was the key to the victory, the Wildcats almost held Stanford scoreless the last nine minutes of the game.

Stanford entered the game and played with confidence, the Cardinal have already beaten two Top 25 teams this season (Connecticut and Oregon).

The Cats leading scorer was guard Nick Johnson, finishing the game with 16 points and 4 assists.  T.J. McConnell added 11 points along with 4 assists and freshmen sensation Aaron Gordon scored 10 points.

For Stanford Josh Huestis and Dwight Powell finished with 13 points each to lead the Cardinal.  Stanford had four players finish with double digits in scoring. 

Stanford won the battle of the boards with 38 overall against Arizona’s 36.

The road does not get any easier for the Wildcats, Arizona will face California on Saturday and as expected it should be a hostile environment once again at Berkley.