Arizona basketball runs away from Lewis-Clark in exhibition

Arizona Wildcats Return Home with Less Than Triumphant Victory

After a spirited Red-Blue Showcase party at the McKale Center and a preseason ranking of No. 12 by the Associated Press, the Arizona Wildcats were looking forward to a successful season. However, their homecoming game against NAIA Lewis-Clark State College did not go as planned.

Thirteen minutes into the game, the Wildcats found themselves trailing 29-28 after allowing three open 3-pointers. It was clear that something was off, not only in terms of the score but also the lineups. Injuries had sidelined key players, including center Oumar Ballo, Pelle Larsson, and Motiejas Krivas.

UA coach Tommy Lloyd had to make do with the available players, mixing and matching all 10 healthy scholarship players to find a winning combination. The lack of experienced big men was a challenge for the Wildcats, with sophomore Dylan Anderson being the only healthy player regularly practicing at the center position.

The Wildcats had to be creative with their lineups, even assigning guards like Filip Borovicanin and Paulius Murauskas to play in the post. The adjustments were evident in their performance, as Murauskas struggled to adapt to his new position and went 1 for 6 from the field without collecting a rebound.

Despite the challenges, Arizona’s starting power forward Keshad Johnson and North Carolina transfer Caleb Love had impressive performances. Johnson scored 19 points on a perfect 8-for-8 shooting, while Love contributed 23 points on 9-for-12 shooting, including a buzzer-beating 3-pointer.

However, the Wildcats struggled with their shooting and defense initially. They hit only one of their first nine 3-point attempts and allowed Lewis-Clark State to shoot 47% from the field in the first 12 minutes of the game. UA coach Tommy Lloyd expressed concern about the team’s defensive rotations.

Fortunately, Arizona found their rhythm before halftime, going on a 17-2 run in the final four minutes to take the lead. They continued their dominance in the second half, ultimately winning the game 110-70. Love’s alley-oop pass to Johnson for a dunk in the second half highlighted their commanding performance.

While the Wildcats faced adversity in their homecoming game, they managed to assert their will and secure a decisive victory. With injured players expected to return soon, Arizona remains optimistic about the upcoming season. They have another exhibition game on October 30 against New Mexico Highlands to further refine their strategies.

Overall, the Wildcats’ homecoming game may not have been a triumphant display, but it showcased their resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges.

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Laura Davis

Laura Davis covers the world of basketball with precision. Her articles explore NBA and college basketball, offering game analysis, player profiles, and highlights. Laura’s passion for hoops is evident in her comprehensive basketball coverage.