TUCSON, Feb. 1 (UPI) -- Jason Gardner scored 18 points and Channing Frye added 12 and 11 rebounds Saturday night as the Arizona Wildcats took over sole possesion of first place in the Pac-10 Conference with a 95-80 victory over No. 24 California.
California (14-4, 7-2 Pac-10) was within 33-29 late in the first half after a basket by Brian Wethers. Freshman Hassan Adams had a jumper and a three-pointer and Frye scored at the buzzer for a 40-30 halftime edge.
Salim Stoudamire had a pair of three-pointers and Gardner scored five points in a 13-5 run to open the second half that opened a commanding 53-35 cushion. The Golden Bears did not get within double digits thereafter.
Arizona (16-2, 8-1) moved one game ahead of California and Stanford. The Wildcats will likely fall from their top ranking after Thursday' 82-77 loss to the Cardinal.
The Wildcats avoided a second straight home loss for the first time under Coach Lute Olson since losses to Washington State and Washington in 1984.
