Arizona basketball opens up a big weekend, by facing the UCLA Bruins in a rematch from earlier this season.
The Wildcats road trip to So Cal earlier this season, certainly was one to forget. The Wildcats were swept by both the Bruins, and the Trojans, both in heart-breaking fashion. As you may recall, Arizona lost to UCLA, on a Bryce Alford three-pointer at the buzzer, and the gut-wrenching four-overtime loss to USC.
The Wildcats (19-5, 7-4) return home, fresh off a road sweep of the Washington schools, and with a revengeful mindset. They will also have a healthy Allonzo Trier, who suffered an injury to his hand during that trip to Southern California.
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This weekend will be a huge test for Arizona on so many levels. Not only for bragging rights but Pac-12 Conference standings. As it stands, Arizona is currently in 3rd place at 7-4 in the Conference, only a half game back of USC (7-3), and two games back of first-place Oregon (9-2). Win both and Arizona moves up to 2nd place.
Additionally, both opponents are ranked in the Top 100 RPI, which would undoubtedly help the Wildcats’ potential post-season resume that could still use a bit of work.
For UCLA, Arizona is going to have to key in on a talented, yet undisciplined team. The Bruins, in many ways, have a lot of weapons (offensively and defensively), but for whatever reason, haven’t been able to consistently “put it together” this season. At 13-10 on the season, surely those in Westwood can’t be too pleased with what they have seen.
Alas, Arizona must be focused and ready for this game. The Bruins have already beaten the Wildcats once this year, and still seem to be that proverbial thorn in Sean Miller’s side.
Since arriving in Tucson, Millers’ record versus the Bruins is a mere 8-8. Arizona will certainly look to get back to a winning record against the basketball rival, but also get to the 20-win mark for the sixth time, in Millers’ seven seasons with the Wildcats.
To do so, Arizona’s Keys to winning this games are:
- Slowing down Bruin Guard Bryce Alford- He scored 25 points against the Wildcats in Westwood, just a few weeks ago. He’s the Bruins’ leading scorer, and the offense certainly goes through him.
- Turnovers- Arizona was plagued by them at Seattle, but still managed to win that game. At 14 turnovers per game, Arizona must handle the ball a bit better
- Intensity- When Arizona has that focus, they’re pretty tough to beat, especially in McKale. If they show up Friday with the right mindset, the Wildcats will win.
Prediction: UCLA is going to give Arizona its best shot just like they always do, but Arizona will protect its home court in this one, extending their new home winning streak to two. Good guys: 81, Bad Guys: 76
Date: Friday, February 12th
Time: 7 p.m. MST, 6 p.m. PST
Location: Tucson, AZ- McKale Center
Line: Arizona -11.5
Television: ESPN
Radio: Arizona IMG Sports Network Arizona Wildcats (Try TuneIn Radio), KTKT, KCUB 1290 AM The Source, K-Hit 107.9, Fox Sports 910 Phoenix, KHYT 107.5 FM
Team Records:
- Arizona 19-5: Swept the Washington schools last week.
- UCLA 13-10: Lost to USC by 19 on Thursday.
Last Meeting: Thursday, January 7th at Pauley Pavilion, UCLA 87 Arizona 84
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BearDown Arizona! Beat the Bruins and even the score!