Second half run keys Arizona victory

The Oregon Ducks are happy that they won't have to see Salim Stoudamire and Channing Fryeanymore. The senior duo, who have tormented the Ducks often in the last four years, continued the trend Thursday helping Arizona (22-4, 12-2) run away from the Ducks 92-67 in Tucson.

(Photo) Arizona Salim Stoudamire (20) struggles to control the ball against the pressing defense of Oregon's Chamberlain Oguchi (25) during the second half at McKale Center in Tucson, Ariz. on Thursday, Feb. 17, 2005. Arizona won, 92 to 67. (AP Photo/John Miller)

Frye made his presence felt early, scoring the Wildcats first six points en route to scoring 19 to go along with seven blocks. Stoudamire scored 22 on 7-14 shooting, including 4-7 from three-point range. The points came on his typical array of deep three pointers and drives to the basket.

The Ducks kept within striking distance of the 'Cats until a 10-0 run, led by the three seniors, put the game out of reach. Leading 58-51 midway through the second half, Frye converted a layup and a free throw after being fouled. Junior Hassan Adams, who finished with 17 points, many of which came in transition off Oregon turnovers, stole an errant pass and converted an uncontested dunk worthy of the highlight reel, bringing the capacity crowd to its feet. By the time Stoudamire hit a step back three on the ensuing possession, the score was 66-51and just like that the game no longer in doubt.

Oregon (12-10, 4-9) got no closer than twelve the rest of the way, as Arizona began a barrage of breakaway dunks, converting on sloppy Oregon passes.

The Ducks came out aggressively in the first half matching Arizona's intensity. Malik Hairston and Bryce Taylor sparked the Ducks early, repeatedly taking the ball to the basket. Hairston seemed at times to be the quickest player on the court, scoring with ease at the basket and finished with 21 points on 10-12 shooting.

Coach Ernie Kent liked the Ducks aggressiveness early saying, "We executed well in the first half."

But turnovers caught up with the Ducks as the game quickly unraveled midway through the second half. "We had our fourth bad half of basketball this season, and they capitalized on all our mistakes," Kent said.

Taylor had a busy night chasing Stoudamire around screens when the Ducks were in their man-to-man defense, but it did not seem to hamper his game on the offensive end as he scored 15 points.

Oregon was within five points with less than three minutes to go in the first half, but a deep three by Stoudamire at the halftime buzzer put the Wildcats up 43-34, taking some of the life out of Oregon. The Ducks did quickly cut the lead to five early in the second half, before succumbing to the Arizona pressure.

Point guard Aaron Brooks had a tough time with the Arizona defense committing 10 of Oregon's 19 turnovers, while being limited to 10 points, five under his average.

Arizona managed to hoist 16 more shots from the field than Oregon thanks to the turnovers and 10 offensive rebounds, finishing 35-68 (51%) from the field.

Oregon continues the Arizona swing Saturday vs. Arizona State in desperate need of a split to keep hope alive for a trip to the Pac-10 tournament early in March. Only the top eight advance to the tournament, which remains the Ducks only hope for a longshot NCAA tournament bid. Oregon is currently ninth.