Wild About '88: Chapter 28: Tom Tolbert and Steve Kerr lead Cats past Oregon State at McKale.
This season marks the 35th anniversary of one of Tucson’s most beloved teams of all time, the 1987-88 Arizona Wildcats that finished 35-3 and went to the program’s first Final Four. We will celebrate that team by recapping each game during that unforgettable season by referencing newspaper archives and interviews conducted during the making of the upcoming documentary film ‘Wild About ‘88: The Rise of Arizona Basketball.’ (Some interview quotes in this series have been edited for clarity.)
February 14, 1988 vs Oregon State
When Oregon State came to McKale Center for its second conference matchup of the season against Arizona, the Beavers head coach Ralph Miller had been recently voted into the Basketball Hall of Fame.
Miller and the Beavers dominated the early part of the decade in the Pac-10 and although the 1987-88 Oregon State squad was good, Miller did not expect any McKale miracles.
“We have two days to prepare for the Wildcats, but I’m not sure how much good it will do,” Miller said. “At least somebody in the conference beat them. I have not observed any weaknesses you can exploit.”1
Before the game started Miller was given a respectful standing ovation by the McKale faithful. Arizona fans continued to cheer for Miller even as he attempted to signal them to stop.
Oregon State came out on fire, racing to an early 19-8 lead. It was only the second time all season Arizona had trailed by double figures.
Miller’s zone defense gave Arizona fits early in the first half, but Arizona would lead by one going into halftime.
“Even though we had a one-point lead. I felt they had outplayed us in most categories,” Lute Olson said. “They looked quick and fresh. We looked like we were in slow motion.” 2
In the second half, Arizona fought the zone by taking advantage down low. Tom Tolbert would score 16 points in the second half, finishing with 21 points for the game.
This game was another great battle between the two best point guards in the conference, Gary Payton and Steve Kerr.
Kerr would finish with 18 points which included three three-pointers in the final five minutes.
Payton dropped 14 points. His nine assists were nearly offset by his seven turnovers (Kerr had three steals).
Arizona’s point guard was impressed with Payton’s quickness while zinging himself.
“He’s a good player. Real quick. He gave me problems with his penetration, just as every other guard in the country does,” Kerr said.3
No. 3 Arizona would end up winning 77-62, improving to 23-2 and 12-1 in the conference.
Next Up: February 18, 1988 at USC
Blog content and original interview quotations © Waterfoot Films 2023.
Jack Rickard, “It’s a matter of time for Cats: Pac-10 title could come in L.A.,” The Tucson Citizen, February 15 1988, Page One and Three—Section B.; Jack Rickard, “Miller gets warm McKale welcome,” The Tucson Citizen, February 15 1988, Page Three—Section B.; Jack Rickard, “It’s a matter of time for Cats: Pac-10 title could come in L.A.,” The Tucson Citizen, February 15 1988, Page Three—Section B.; Roy Gault, “OSU fades in stretch: Foul trouble helps ‘Cats rally for 77-62 victory.; Dana Cooper, Memories ‘88.; Jay Gonzales, “Tolbert leads Wildcats past Beavers, 77-62,” The Arizona Daily Star, February 15 1988, Page One and Two—Section C.
Jack Rickard, “Cats involved in ‘other race,” The Tucson Citizen, February 13 1988, Page One—Section B.
Jack Rickard, “It’s a matter of tome for Cats: Pac-10 title could come in L.A.,” The Tucson Citizen, February 15 1988, Page Three—Section B.
Jack Rickard, “Miller gets warm McKale welcome,” The Tucson Citizen, February 15 1988, Page Three—Section B.