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In its press release for tonight’s game, Arizona mentions that the Wildcats can tie the school-record of 19 consecutive wins if they beat Colorado. Lute Olson’s 1992-93 and 1997-98 teams each won 19 consecutive games.
By my count, the actual record is 22 consecutive wins under J.F. “Pop” McKale from 1914-17. Seven of the victories were against high school teams, including five against Tucson High School.
But when Arizona chased the best start in school history — 16-0 in 1931-32 — questionable games did not disqualify Fred Enke Sr.’s team of that generation. Two of the victories were against the University of Arizona Alumni All-Stars. The Wildcats also defeated Dixie (Utah) Junior College twice and a semi-pro team called the Phoenix Ramblers en route to their 16-0 start.
An exhibition game is an exhibition game regardless if it’s a high school team or a group of former Wildcats. The records should be uniform or not include exhibition games altogether in the record books.
#Pac12 Ref Tracker: Colorado, playin #ArizonaWildcats tonite, known for getting most calls because of attacking style http://t.co/0s05LLsN85
— Javier Morales (@JavierJMorales) January 23, 2014
Let’s just say Arizona can tie the “modern-era” record of 19 consecutive games with a victory over Colorado tonight. By modern era, I’m suggesting since 1970.
Much to the delight of Arizona fans, Sabatino Chen, who reminded Sean Miller of Reggie Miller last year because he could not miss, will be as far away from McKale Center as possible tonight.
The former Colorado guard is playing professionally in Taiwan and drawing plenty of oohs and aahs from the broadcasters there.
In case you’ve been in a cave, Chen is the player who made what seemed to be a game-winning three-pointer for Colorado last year at McKale Center. The refs, however, ruled that the shot was a fraction of a second too late and Arizona prevailed in overtime.
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COLORADO (15-4, 4-2) VS.
NO. 1 ARIZONA (18-0, 5-0)
Tip: 7:05 p.m. MST
Television: ESPN2 (Dave Pasch/Bill Walton)
Radio: Arizona IMG Sports Network (Brian Jeffries/Ryan Hansen)
Satellite Radio: Sirius 91; XM 91
Rankings: Arizona – No. 1 AP Top 25/No. 1 USA Today Coaches Poll; Colorado – Not ranked in either.
ARIZONA BEST STARTS
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LONGEST WINNING STREAK
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PAC-12 STANDINGS
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ARIZONA OVERALL PRODUCTIVITY RATING
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ARIZONA’S STRENGTHS VS. QUESTION MARKS
Per NCAA national statistic rankings out of 345 Division I teams
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Arizona is No. 1 and 18-0 despite deficiencies with total steals, free-throw shooting and number of three-pointers made. Arizona is solid with its rebounding, defense in particular in the lane and overall shooting percentage. The Wildcats are taking smart shots by taking advantage of their size inside. Turnovers continue to be a concern. The Wildcats average 11.6 turnovers a game. Miller wants no more than 10. T.J. McConnell ranks 15th nationally with 112 assists and has only 37 turnovers.
ARIZONA AS NO. 1 TEAM
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WILDABOUTAZCATS.net publisher, writer and editor Javier Morales is a former Arizona Press Club award winner. He also writes articles for Bleacher Report, Lindy’s College Sports and TucsonCitizen.com.
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