Arizona Basketball: Wildcats take on Eastern New Mexico in opening exhibition game

The Arizona Wildcats men’s basketball team begin exhibition play against Eastern New Mexico on Wednesday night.

It’s game time! Finally, the time has arrived. Wildcats fans it’s time to get out of your seats, off your couches and get loud because things are about to get really exciting. The 2017-18 season begins with an exhibition game against the Eastern New Mexico Greyhounds – let’s do this!

Fans got a sneak preview of what to expect this season in the annual Red and Blue dunk contest and scrimmage game. Depth, skill level, and experience are three traits this team has that will be a challenge for most teams to handle, including the Greyhounds. They have their work cut out for them and have the same time have nothing to lose. The Wildcats must remain focused.

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Last season in the Wildcats two exhibition games, they won their first against College of Idaho 86-35. But in their second game, it was much closer. They ended up having to come back from behind to defeat Chico State. At the half, they were down 40-37 but were able to claw their way back with a 78-70 win.

This season’s exhibition games will be a good opportunity for everyone on the team to get additional playing time and establish their role. Even though the game does not technically count as far the overall record is concerned, you still want to perform at a high level and show the rest of the country why they are preseason ranked in the top 5 in many polls.

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The Wildcats will be without Parker Jackson-Cartwright, who is out with ankle injury, but is expected to come back for the following exhibition game against Chico State. Dylan Smith won’t be playing due to team violations and Rawle Alkins will remain out but will be sure to be cheering his team on from the sidelines.

With a change in the availability of players, Coach Sean Miller’s starting five will be impacted. According to Miller, Alex Barcello and Allonzo Trier will be playing point with the possibility of Emmaneul Akot playing more of the wing position.

Coach Miller had this to say about the last-minute change in available players for tomorrow night’s game:

"Gives young players especially more of an opportunity. Alex (Barcello) has practice especially well and hard for the last couple weeks as he gets used to our system. His development is sped up, having to do more on a daily basis.."

See the full press conference here:

Arizona Wildcats:

Finished last season with an overall record of 32-5, 16-2 in Pac-12 play, Pac-12 tournament champions and advance all the way to the Sweet Sixteen before losing to Xavier.

Key players: Let’s be honest, the entire squad will be key to a deep run this year.

Eastern New Mexico Greyhounds

The Greyhounds are a Division II program that played in the Lone Star Conference. Last season, they finished with an overall record of 13-15 and 7-11 in conference play.

Key players: They lost three of their top scorers from last season and will rely on their returners from last season to have big games.

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The Wildcats are expected to win big against this Division II school (unlike ASU who has to come from behind and win in 2OT against Division II exhibition games). Before you know it, the regular season will be in full swing and Zona Zealots will be there to provide you with the best Wildcat content out there – Bear Down!

Game Details:

Opponent: Eastern New Mexico Greyhounds

When: Nov 1st, 7 pm on the Pac-12 Network

Where: McKale Center

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