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Arizona faces Memphis, looks to extend winning streak

Dec 20, 2006 - 4:04 PM No. 18 Memphis (8-2) at No. 9 Arizona (8-1) 8:30 pm EST

TUCSON, Arizona (Ticker) - Arizona will put its eight-game winning streak on the line against its first ranked opponent of the season.

The ninth-ranked Wildcats will host 18th-ranked Memphis on Wednesday in the Fiesta Bowl Classic.

A much-hyped squad this season, Arizona began the campaign with a disappointing loss at Virginia. Since then, the Wildcats have ripped off their longest winning streak since they won nine straight in 2004-05.

On Sunday, Mustafa Shakur paced a balanced attack with 17 points as Arizona posted an 87-62 victory over Houston. Playing their first home game since beating UNLV, 89-75, on November 28, the Wildcats shot 53 percent (33-of-62) from the floor and had five players in double figures.

On Thursday, Chris Douglas-Roberts scored 17 of his 28 points in the first half as the Tigers rolled to an 88-63 victory over Austin Peay in a non-conference matchup. Kareem Cooper and freshmen Jeremy Hunt and Doneal Mack scored 11 points apiece for Memphis, which shot 62 percent (34-of-55) from the field.

The Tigers' two losses this season have come against tough squads. They were defeated, 92-85, vs Georgia Tech in the Maui Invitational on November 21 and lost to Tennessee, 76-58, on December 6.

Memphis leads the all-time series, 3-2. This will be the first meeting since 1965.