After some initial hesitation, the Arizona Wildcats claimed a one-game lead for first place in the Pac-12.
Before the Wildcats pulled out a 77-66 win over Washington, they trailed by two at halftime after commitingΒ nine first-half turnovers.
While UA only turned the ball over four more times while taking leads of up to 12 points in the second half, Washington pulled within six points, 61-55, with six minutes to go.
But the Wildcats then had dunks by Kobi Simmons and Allonzo Trier to go ahead 67-57 and they stayed ahead from there.
Arizona had fIve players in double figures, while Trier added eight rebounds to his 12 points. Kadeem Allen added 14 points, six rebounds and five assists while Rawle Alkins had eight points and eight rebounds.
Markelle Fultz led Washington with 16 points, nine rebounds and three assists.
After trailing 33-31 at halftime, Arizona started the second half on a strong note, making 5 of 10 3-pointers and giving up no turnovers through the first five minutes.
The Wildcats later went up 57-49 on a 3- pointer from Lauri Markkanen with 9:48 left.
In the first half, Washington took a 33-31 halftime lead by forcing nine UA turnovers while the Wildcats missed the first nine 3-pointers they took, despite the fact that Washington did not take a single free throw.
Kadeem Allen and Markkanen each had three turnovers. Fultz led Washington with eight points and five rebounds.
The Wildcats struggled against Washington's zone defense early, committing four turnovers and missing all four three-pointers they took over the first eight minutes.
Washington took leads of up to seven points.
Although Oregon had its first conference loss on Saturday, slipping a game behind Arizona, the Ducks will get a crack at Arizona on Saturday in Eugene. UA (20-2, 9-0) will play at Oregon State on Thursday while the Ducks host ASU.
