Three reasons No. 5 Arizona Wildcats defeated Washington 76-68

The Arizona Wildcats over came several obstacles on their way to defeating the Washington Huskies. These are three reason No. 5 Wildcats beat Washington last night. 

After coming off a victory in against Washington State, the Huskies gave the No. 5 Arizona Wildcats all they could handle on the road. Senior PG, Kadeem Allen, sat out for a second straight game due to a dislocated pinky during practice last week.

Coach Sean Miller was sure that Kadeem would be out for the rest of the season but hopefully there is a chance for Allen to come back for both the USC game and UCLA ESPN Game Day matchup. With Kadeem out backup PG Parker Jackson-Cartwright filled in Allen’s role nicely playing a game high of 38 minutes, three for eight from the field for 11 points, two rebounds, four assists and stayed a perfect two for two from the charity stripe.

1. Second chance points

But what really sparked the Arizona offense was second chance points. Both Chance Commanche,(C) and Lari Markkanen (PF) came down with majority of the rebounds that lead to second chance put backs and baskets.

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The Wildcats as a team pulled in 35 total rebounds 14 of which were offensive rebounds. This eventually led to 17 second chance points and was one of the components that propelled Arizona to the victory. Washington had only nine second chance point opportunities but they could have take advantage of more throughout the course of the game.

2. Points off Turnovers 

Arizona feasted on Washington’s 16 turnovers and churned out 23 points in return. But they did not take care of the ball as the Wildcats had 11 turnovers that led to seven points for the Huskies.

3. Chance Commanche and Lauri Markkanen getting it done

Backup big Chance Commache received the starting nod In place of the still injured Dust Ristic and his presence was felt immediately. Chance came up with rebounds and took advantage of the lack of defense in the paint for the Huskies and received this sweet pass from Rawle Alkins for a slam dunk.

Comanche finished the game with six of eleven from the field for 13 points, seven  rebounds, one block and went one for two from the free throw line.

Lauri Markkanen came out swinging for a second straight game and was fantastic throughout. He tied a game high 26 points with Huskies freshmen phenom Markell Fultz but impacted the game so much more by ending the game with a game high 13 rebounds, one assist and get one block.

Doing his usual damage shooting from behind the arc along with attacking the basket at will and taking advantage of offensive rebounds for second chance points. Markkanen has greatly improved his inside presence and offensive prowl and this game definitely showed case it.

Arizona is finished up the season with these last two home games against USC and UCLA before heading up to Tempe to finish off the regular season against ASU.

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The next two games are going to be crucial for both the PAC-12 Tournament and heading into the NCAA Tournament. Hopefully both Dusan Ristic and Kadeem Allen return next game to get the team at full strength before UCLA comes to McKale Center next Saturday.

BEAR DOWN!!!