This week in Arizona sports, the men’s swimming and diving team witnessed record-breaking efforts, showcasing remarkable speed and accuracy. Men’s basketball, on the other hand, presented an exciting display of skill and strategy, keeping spectators on the edge of their seats.
Player of the Week: Ralph Daleiden, freestyle/butterfly, men’s swimming
Sophomore swimmer Ralph Daleiden is a formidable competitor for the Arizona men’s swim team. Alongside contributing to the Wildcats’ high placements in various meets, his exceptional mobility has earned him respect and admiration from both teammates and opponents.
This past week, the Wildcats participated in the Minnesota Invitational in the Jean K. Freeman Aquatic Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota, securing second place. Daleiden achieved remarkable feats during this event. He shattered the 16-year school record in the time trial for the 100 Free event, clocking in at 42.00 seconds. This record was established at the 2007 National Championships.
Daleiden also secured a second-place finish and a B cut from the ‘A’ relay, clocking in at 6:16.52, just 0.05 short of the qualifying mark for an A cut. His contributions aided the Wildcats in making a statement in Minneapolis, resulting in a No. 18 ranking in the NCAA.
Team of the Week: Men’s basketball
The Arizona men’s basketball team clinched its seventh consecutive win last week, maintaining an undefeated record. Currently ranked No. 1, the Wildcats have held a position in the Associated Press poll for 38 consecutive weeks, the ninth-longest streak among all universities. With 591 appearances in the AP Top 25 since 1949, Arizona ranks seventh nationally in total rankings.
In their game against Colgate University in McKale Center, the Wildcats secured a dominant 82-55 victory despite a shaky start. Arizona has recorded at least 21 assists for the sixth time in seven games this year and the 43rd time in two or more seasons under head coach Tommy Lloyd. Key players in this game were guard Caleb Love, center Oumar Ballo and guard Pelle Larsson.
Love scored 14 points with eight rebounds and three assists, needing one more rebound to tie his career-high of nine.
Ballo contributed 13 points, 10 rebounds and eight defensive rebounds, achieving his first double-double of the season and his 15th overall.
Larsson scored 10 points with four rebounds and fell just short of his career-high in assists with six in the game.
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