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Cats Continue Surprising Run

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The Associated Press

The Tampa Tribune

Published: March 23, 2009

MIAMI - As the final seconds ticked off and Arizona fans chanted "Sweet 16," a grinning Chase Budinger threw one final pass on the perimeter and joined the applause.

The Wildcats relish their new role as long shots.

Seeded only 12th, the NCAA Tournament perennials took an early 14-point lead Sunday and advanced to the Midwest Region semifinals by beating upstart Cleveland State 71-57.

"Making it to the Sweet 16 feels great," Budinger said. "We're showing that we're a lot better than what people thought of us."

The Wildcats are appearing in the tournament for the 25th year in a row, two shy of the record. But they've never been seeded so low and drew criticism as undeserving of a berth.

Now they're bound for the round of 16 for the 12th time since 1988, and they'll be the lowest-seeded team still playing.

"When you look at the NCAA Tournament, a lot of times the teams that get hot at the right time are teams that had to struggle to get in," interim coach Russ Pennell said. "What's happening now doesn't surprise me with this team. We've seen it before at points in the season."

Nic Wise scored 21 points to lead four double-figure scorers for the Wildcats (21-13), who earned a trip to Indianapolis. On Friday they'll meet top-seeded Louisville.

Bracket-busting Cleveland State (26-11), at No. 13 the lowest-seeded team to reach the second round, was unable to duplicate its improbable run to the region final in 1986. That's the only other time the Vikings made the tournament.

They struggled to solve Arizona's zone defense, going 3-for-23 from 3-point range and shooting 37 percent overall.

The Associated Press

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