Simon refuses to lose in his hometown
Just one road trip remains and Miles Simon has made it no secret how he feels about it.
"Oh man, I can't lose in LA," senior guard Miles Simon said. "I have been telling everyone that I can't lose in my hometown."
The Fullerton, Calif., native has never beaten UCLA at Pauley Pavilion. All three loses, however, have been heartbreakers. The Wildcats lost 84-78 in overtime last season, fell 76-75 during Simon's sophomore season and were edged 72-70 the first time he played in Los Angeles.
You can go ahead and etch the Arizona Wildcats' name on the 1997-98 Pacific 10 Conference title trophy. Do not, however, expect the second-ranked Wildcats (26-3, 16-0 Pac-10) to look past the final road trip of the year in Los Angeles.
Beating UCLA on the road is just one of the goals the Wildcats still want to achieve.
"We accomplished our goal today," junior center A.J. Bramlett said after Saturday's win over Stanford. "We have been breaking it down to short goals."
The title was UA's first goal. Following on the list is the school record for consecutive wins and an undefeated conference run.
"This is the first Pac-10 championship for them," Olson said. "But, I don't think you are going to see them get complacent about things now. They are still very motivated and ready to go on the road trip."