When it comes to defense, nobody does it better than the Arizona Wildcats.
This year's team boasts of one of the best defenses in college basketball history, having limited five opponents to scores less than 50 points including a 71-39 drubbing of Utah on March 13 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
Teams are finding it hard to find their range against the Wildcats, which is holding its opponents to 38.2 percent field goal shooting. And the Wildcats are pesky even in the perimeter, with opponents shooting just 31 percent from the three point area.
Arizona's defense starts with the perimeter tandem of Nick Johnson and T.J. McConnell, arguably the best defensive perimeter combo in the country. Up front, the defensive anchors of the team are Aaron Gordon and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson.
Rob Dauster of Collegebasketballtalk.nbcsports.com describes the freshman sensation Gordon: "Aaron Gordon may be the best defender in the country. He's big enough to guard fours and quick enough to stay in front of point guards. He can block a shot and rebound in traffic with anyone, and he can pick a point guard's pocket. He's a nightmare at the top of a press and he's the prototype when it comes to big men that can defend the pick-and-roll. He's a perfect fit in Arizona's pack-line defense."
On Friday, Gordon once again showed his defensive prowess when he blocked a one-handed dunk attempt by Colorado's Xavier Johnson as the Wildcats routed the Buffaloes, 63-43. After the game, Colorado coach Tad Boyle said of the Wildcats via The Associated Press: "If Arizona makes shots and the way they guard consistently, they've got a chance to win a national championship."
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