Defense at heart of Wildcats' success

TUCSON Hope is where the heart is. And right now Arizonas hope of finishing strong and maybe, just maybe, getting a shot at the NCAA tournament will come from its defense. It's on that end of the court where the Wildcats have consistently shown the most heart throughout an up-and-down season, and especially in last week's sweep at California and Stanford. Were feeling good, but its not over, freshman guard Nick Johnson said of last week's sweep and the surge of confidence for the Wildcats, who stand at 16-8 overall and 7-4 in Pac-12 play heading into this weekend's home games against Colorado (Thursday night) and Utah (Saturday). Arizona coach Sean Miller has said all season that defense will be the determining factor in the teams ultimate success. It's been the cornerstone, and will continue to be. The Wildcats rank fourth nationally in 3-point field goal percentage defense, giving up just 25.3 percent. From the floor overall, opponents are shooting 39.8 percent, good enough for 40th in the nation. Arizona works so hard on defense in part because its come to grips with its offensive limitations. Its the thing I am most proud of, Miller said. Anytime you take over a program you want to create an identity and you want to see improvement from one season to the next. This season its been game to game and it's given the Wildcats a fighting chance in virtually every outing. It's been more about attitude than talent. Theres no fancy strategy, just stick to the assignment and stay in help mode at all times. Miller describes it as a disciplined pressure. I am very proud of our defense, Miller said. I do have my fingers crossed because having coached other good defensive teams, it could leave you in a minute. Our danger is that if our defensive leaves us, it would be a disaster. Its kept us in virtually every game. I would hope we can continue to develop on offense and keep our defense the same, and (if thats the case) you will see us finish very strong. Jordin Mayes update The Wildcats' depth will continue to be tested for at least another week. Maybe longer. Miller said Tuesday that sophomore guard Jordin Mayes is suffering from a stress reaction in his right foot. Rest is the best option, Miller said, adding that Mayes already feels a little bit better, which is a good sign Its unlikely Mayes will play this week. He is wearing a walking boot. He could be out as long as the Pac-12 Conference tournament in four weeks. Its a matter of when his pain subsides, and we anticipate it will, Miller said. The injury is on the same foot that was broken last summer, when a screw was inserted in the foot. The good news is that his surgery and everything that happened previously is completely intact, Miller said. Jordin is relieved that his foot isnt broken. When you go through what he did, you always think worst-case scenario. We all did, because its the same foot and roughly the same area. Mayes was averaging 18.2 minutes a game, scoring 5.5 points per game. His absence, coming on the heels of Kevin Parrom's season-ending foot injury, leaves Arizona with four backcourt players: seniors Kyle Fogg and Brendon Lavender and freshmen Josiah Turner and Johnson. The Wildcats are equally thin up front and have employed a three-guard lineup for most of the season. Free throw woes The good news is Arizona is getting to the free throw line a lot. Over the last five games, it has gotten to the line nearly eight more times (on average) and scored 3.1 points more from the line than its opponents. The problem lately, however, is that more shots are translating to more misses. Overall, the Wildcats are shooting 68.5 percent from the line, but just 65 percent in Pac-12 games. Its mirrored the last four games. Last weekend, they made just 30 of 54 (55 percent). Miller said because the team shot free throws well in each of the last two years (74.6 and 73.3 percent), thats what doesnt feel right about this year. I believe we have a few players not shooting up to their capability, he said. Were trying to address it. Sometimes its about confidence. Theres no easy solution.