Utah at Arizona

Recap

The Big Storyline: In an unthinkable top five upset, Arizona earned its first win of the season in a win over Utah, the first ever victory for the Wildcats over the Utes. Despite winning no event titles, Arizona used a consistent all-around effort and three season high event totals to outpace the Utes’ multi-fall beam rotation. 

Implications: Even with the loss, Utah was already out of the running for the Pac-12 regular season title and can also drop this score for NQS. Arizona’s new season best should help it continue to rise in the NQS rankings and put itself in a more comfortable position in regards to qualifying for regionals.

Records: Utah’s 20-meet streak of every event scoring at least 49.000 was ended. It was the longest streak in the NCAA.

Preview

Current Rankings: No. 4 Utah at Arizona

Why You Should Clear Space on Your DVR: With a chance to secure at least a second place finish in the Pac-12 regular season standings, Utah will hit the road for its final conference meet to face winless Arizona. The Wildcats are still sitting firmly on the postseason bubble, always needing a big score to ensure a regionals appearance.

You Can Fast Forward, but not Through This: After a few mid-season hiccups, Utah’s beam lineup is back to its usual form, with a 10.0 from Cristal Isa last weekend helping the Utes hit 198. Grace McCallum also upped her career all-around best last week, proving she can never be counted out. Arizona’s Malia Hargrove is also hitting her stride again after a scary fall early in the season, with her full-in on floor capable of stealing the event title for the Wildcats.