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CatsTopPac
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Wildcats had better show up big for this one. The significance of this game cannot be understated. Without overlooking SU and NAU laugh3 Ann Arbor is the only game that stands between AZ and a second consecutive undefeated non conference schedule.
And again, not to look too far down the road (but I will, because I'm a fan), but Michigan is the only real chance to lose the top spot until at least @UCLA on January 9th. So winning this game on Saturday puts them in the driver's seat to taking the #1 spot for at least a full month. This keeps (1)Arizona at the front of everyone's mind (press and recruits, included) and shows that AZ belongs at the top, instead of just having it for the minimum of one week. I am not trying to put too much onus on rankings (or the #1 spot) so early in the season. But it does add to the resume, and it does mean something in the eyes of recruits, and the press/selection committee (for a team to hold the #1 ranking for an extended period of time throughout the season).
From there, it's really until the end of January until we play a team that even has the caliber of talent to knock us off, and that is against (21) Colorado, in McKale.
So this game is big. No other games to focus on first. This is it. This is what lies in front of us. And this is the only thing that keeps the talk in anyone's mind from AZ being a pretender at #1, to AZ being (truly) the team to beat in college basketball.
On top of all that, I think that Michigan will upset some teams in the B1G this season in conference play; so not only does the win help in the future argument for AZ as a #1 seed, but it adds another bullet to the Pac RPI.
Lots on the line for this one, looking for a great showdown, and another gauge of understanding either what AZ is capable of, or the the effects of AZ's weaknesses in moving forward in the season. Either way, it should be a great game. BTFD
And again, not to look too far down the road (but I will, because I'm a fan), but Michigan is the only real chance to lose the top spot until at least @UCLA on January 9th. So winning this game on Saturday puts them in the driver's seat to taking the #1 spot for at least a full month. This keeps (1)Arizona at the front of everyone's mind (press and recruits, included) and shows that AZ belongs at the top, instead of just having it for the minimum of one week. I am not trying to put too much onus on rankings (or the #1 spot) so early in the season. But it does add to the resume, and it does mean something in the eyes of recruits, and the press/selection committee (for a team to hold the #1 ranking for an extended period of time throughout the season).
From there, it's really until the end of January until we play a team that even has the caliber of talent to knock us off, and that is against (21) Colorado, in McKale.
So this game is big. No other games to focus on first. This is it. This is what lies in front of us. And this is the only thing that keeps the talk in anyone's mind from AZ being a pretender at #1, to AZ being (truly) the team to beat in college basketball.
On top of all that, I think that Michigan will upset some teams in the B1G this season in conference play; so not only does the win help in the future argument for AZ as a #1 seed, but it adds another bullet to the Pac RPI.
Lots on the line for this one, looking for a great showdown, and another gauge of understanding either what AZ is capable of, or the the effects of AZ's weaknesses in moving forward in the season. Either way, it should be a great game. BTFD
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