Wildcats hurt by poor shooting and turnovers

TUCSON – Matisse Thybulle set the tone early by blocking Brandon Randolph’s jumper in the paint.

Washington’s long-armed senior guard swatted away Ryan Luther’s shot two minutes later and kept knocking balls away, swatting and stealing the Huskies to the cusp of a Pac-12 title.

Thybulle had 15 points, five blocked shots and five steals, helping Washington remain undefeated in Pac-12 play with a 67-60 win over Arizona on Thursday night.

With big man Noah Dickerson limited by a right ankle sprain and several players sick – Thybulle among them – Washington (19-4, 10-0 Pac-12) had another impressive defensive night, forcing 20 turnovers while holding Arizona to 37 percent shooting.

Justin Coleman led the Wildcats (14-9, 5-5) with 16 points.

Saturday’s game

Washington State at Arizona When: 5:30 p.m.

Where: McKale Center

TV: Pac 12 Networks

Outlook: Washington State (9-14, 2-8) comes in with some momentum after stunning Arizona State 91-70 on Thursday for its first road win of the entire season. Much of the damage was done by senior F Robert Franks (22.1 ppg, 7.7 rpg), the leading scorer in the Pac-12, who managed 34 points and hit 11 of 17 tries from the field including 5-of-9 attempts from long distance. As a team the Cougars hit 26-of-60 shots with 12 3-pointers. Also impressive was the team total of 22 assists on 26 field goals . . . Meanwhile Arizona (14-9, 5-5) is coming off a 67-60 loss to Pac-12 leader Washington, its fourth straight loss. Junior G Dylan Smith started in place of injured Brandon Williams. The Wildcats shot just 37.7 percent (20for-53) from the field and were only 4-of-18 (22.1 percent) from long distance. Perhaps the biggest problem though was turnovers - the Wildcats had 20. Senior G Justin Coleman had a team-high 16 points with five rebounds and four assists. Junior C Chase Jeter (12.3 ppg, 7 rpg) was back in the starting lineup and able to play 26 minutes after being slowed by back spasms the last two weeks.

Injury report: Arizona will likely be without freshman G Brandon Williams (ankle) who has missed the last two games.