Wildcats Post Best Start in UA Basketball History

University Communications
Jan. 13, 2014

Setting a UA men's basketball record is no easy feat. But the Wildcats did it Sunday night with a 73-53 win over USC, which pushed the team to 17-0 and the record for the best start in school history.

Photo courtesy of Arizona Athletics

The 1931-32 men's basketball team had held the record with a 16-0 start.

After the game, head men's basketball coach Sean Miller tweeted: "Very proud of our team tonight in earning a hard fought road win! Thank you to the best fans in college basketball for being so loud!"

Wildcat fans echoed those sentiments as they hit the UA Facebook page to share their jubilation.

  • "Showing my #wildcat support all day everyday here in Florida ! Missing Hometown. #BearDown" – Ianna Valencia
  • "Played in a slump still managed to win by 20 points. Way to go Wildcats!" – Tony Hernandez
  • "U of A all day, you go U OF A, got all the California schools in one shot. What's up. ....!!!" – Sergio Cazares
  • George Cosarba predicted that the score would "become 18-0 on Thursday when we play ASU."

In an interview with the Pac-12 TV Networks after the game, point guard T.J. McConnell – who, like teammate Brandon Ashley, scored a season-high 19 points – applauded his teammates.

"We shared the ball well and we knocked it down," McConnell said.

If you missed the game, see highlights in this video:

About Miller, McConnell said: "He just pushes me to be my best. I love playing for him, and he is one of the best coaches in college basketball."

Arizona State is next on the schedule, when the Sun Devils visit McKale Memorial Center on Thursday. The 7 p.m. game will air on FOX Sports and live stats will be posted online.

"We just have to keep doing what we're doing at practice every day," McConnell said in anticipation of the rivalry matchup. "We can't overlook any opponent because Arizona State is very good."

If you can't wait until Thursday for your UA basketball fix, check our the Pac-12 Networks spot below. The team had some powerful dunks during non-conference play, including a one-arm slam dunk, fake shots, slam dunks, windmill jams and over-the-head jams.

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