Arizona’s Small Frontline Towers Above Washington

Washington’s seven-foot centers, Todd MacCulloch and Peter Femerling, are a handful for most teams but No. 15-ranked Arizona’s smallish frontline came up with a big effort against them in a 103-82 Pacific 10 victory Sunday.

Arizona outrebounded Washington, 49-31, with frontline starters 6-5 Michael Dickerson, 6-8 Bennett Davison and 6-10 A.J. Bramlett each getting seven. The Wildcats, 19-7 overall and tied for second place in the Pac-10 with USC at 11-5, had season highs in offensive rebounds (28) as well as three-point baskets (13) and assists (30).

Dickerson, who had a career-high 32 points in a victory over Washington State Thursday night, scored 27 against Washington (16-9, 9-7), making six of nine three-point shots.

Guard Mike Bibby also shot well, making five of six three-point attempts, and his 20 points were matched by the Wildcats’ other guard, Miles Simon.

McCullouch and Femerling, meanwhile, had only seven rebounds and were limited to 10 shots by a swarming Arizona defense.

This left forward Mark Sanford to pick up the slack for the Huskies and he responded with 28 points on 11-for-22 shooting and nine rebounds.