No. 3 Arizona locks down defense to beat Arizona State

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Arizona is one of college basketball's best offensive team, top 10 in scoring, assists, tempo.

When the shots weren't falling and the pace became a grind, the Wildcats turned to their defense.

Turns out, they're pretty good on that end, too.

Overcoming a second shaky shooting game, No. 3 Arizona turned up the defensive pressure in the second half to beat rival Arizona State 67-56 on Saturday.

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Arizona center Christian Koloko (35) dunks over Arizona State forward Kimani Lawrence during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, Jan. 29, 2022, in Tucson, Ariz. Arizona won 67-56. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

"We’re a good defensive team and to be able to hang your hat on your defense in a stretch where your offense is struggling like it is, it’s very important to competing for championships," Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd said.

The Wildcats (17-2, 7-1 Pac-12) opened the game missing open shots all over the floor and clanked their first 14 attempts from the 3-point arc. Arizona shot 32% from the floor, went 3 for 23 from 3 and nearly as many turnovers (12) as assists (14).

The Wildcats managed to hang around despite their shooting woes and their defense carried them in the second half to remain undefeated (11-0) at home.

Bennedict Mathurin and Oumar Ballo led Arizona with 14 points each.

"To have a good offense, you've got to have a good defense," said Arizona's Christian Koloko, who had 12 points, 13 rebounds and five blocked shots. "Even though shots aren't going in offense, you've got to keep playing hard on defense."

Arizona State (6-12, 2-6) managed to slow down one of the