Arizona's comeback win over Florida could boost Wildcats
BY JOHN MARSHALL Associated Press
Monday, December 17, 2012
12/17/12 at 5:27 AM
TUCSON, Ariz. - Arizona was largely ignored as it raced through the early part of its schedule.
Sure, the Wildcats were ranked in the top 10 and off to their best start in 14 years, but the schedule wasn't exactly difficult.
The perception should change after their pull-it-out-of-thin-air win over No. 5 Florida on Saturday night.
Rallying from six points down in the final minute to beat at top-five team? That's a pretty good statement.
"We're the real deal," sophomore guard Nick Johnson said. "Everybody said something about our schedule before this and this was the opportunity to prove ourselves in front of the nation."
They certainly did, though it took them a while to get going.
After winning its first seven games by an average of 20 points, No. 8 Arizona had its hands full in the McKale Center's first matchup between top 10 teams since 2004.
Deep and talented, the Gators also were undefeated coming in and had one of the nation's best defenses.
Trailing 64-58 with a minute left, Arizona appeared to be done.
Instead, the Wildcats pulled off a magic act that likely will be remembered for a long time in Tucson.
The victory sent the Wildcats charging off the bench, a handful of students onto the floor and coach Sean Miller into the arms of athletic director Greg Byrne.
In the short term, it should give the Wildcats a big boost of confidence.
Long term, the come-from-behind victory is going to look awfully good come March, maybe even into April.
Original Print Headline: Arizona boosted with big win
