1/2/2009

BERKELEY, Calif. (AP)--Patrick Christopher matched his season high with 23 points, dished out four assists and played strong defense against Arizona star Chase Budinger, and California won its sixth straight game with a 69-55 win over the Wildcats in the Pac-10 opener for both schools Friday night.

Jerome Randle added 14 points, five assists and four rebounds for the Golden Bears (12-2), who under first-year coach Mike Montgomery reached double digits for victories before Jan. 1 for the first time since the 1947-48 season.

Nic Wise scored five straight during one second-half stretch on the way to 16 points. Jordan Hill had 18 points and 11 boards for Arizona (9-4), which couldn't overcome another cold night by Budinger. He was held to nine points on 4-for-16 shooting after going 4-for-23 in his previous two games.