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Arizona opens conference play against Oregon State

Jan 3, 2008 - 3:05 PM Oregon State (6-6) at No. 21 Arizona (9-3) 8:30 pm EST

TUCSON, Arizona (Ticker) - No. 21 Arizona looks to get back on track when they open Pac-10 conference play against Oregon State on Thursday.

Despite 20 points from Chase Budinger, Arizona couldn't overcome a 12-minute stretch without a field goal in the first half, suffering a 76-63 setback to No. 2 Memphis on Saturday.

Wildcats' leading scorer Jerryd Bayless, who has scored in double figures in all but one contest this season, missed the game against Memphis after spraining his right knee during practice last week. The freshman point guard is averaging 18.5 points and 4.2 assists per game this season.

Arizona might not need Bayless against Oregon State as the Wildcats are 11-1 when opening conference play at home since joining the Pac-10 during the 1978-79 season.

Oregon State is looking to end a two-game losing streak after suffering back-to-back losses to LSU and Montana State.

The Beavers held a one-point lead with just under a minute left to play against Montana State. However, Oregon State failed to increase its lead, turning the ball over on a shot-clock violation with 20 seconds remaining.

Carols Taylor nailed a shot with 3.9 seconds left as the Beavers fell, 60-59, on Sunday.