2/24/1991

It Takes Arizona Two Overtimes to Beat Duke and Extend Streak

February 25, 1991 • From Associated Press

Arizona extended its nation-leading home winning streak to 61 games Sunday, but not without some anxious moments before winning, 103-96, in two overtimes at Tucson.

Duke had a two-point lead and the ball in the closing seconds of regulation. "It looked as though we were in big-time trouble," Arizona Coach Lute Olson would say later.

But Arizona's Matt Othick deflected a pass by Duke's Christian Laettner, enabling Sean Rooks to hit a spinning layup with 3.8 seconds left to tie the score at 78 and force the first overtime.

Then Chris Mills made a 10-foot jumper with 13 seconds left in the first extra period to tie it at 88-88, then almost sank a 12-footer at the buzzer. That miss forced the second overtime.

Matt Muehlebach scored seven points in the second overtime as the No. 9 Wildcats (22-5) beat the No. 7 Blue Devils (23-6).

"I'd sure like to meet the ghost of McKale (Center)," said Brian Williams, who led Arizona with 24 points.

"He's definitely got a jinx on somebody."

Rooks, whose spinning layup was similar to one he made to beat UCLA at McKale Center earlier this season, said: "I wouldn't say that I'm Mr. Clutch. It was a matter of position. I was just fortunate enough to get the ball and score in that situation."

Mills' shot, meanwhile, was a carbon copy of one he made earlier this season that led to an overtime victory at UCLA.