Arizona Basketball: Wildcats upset No. 7 ranked TAMU

The Arizona Basketball team won another close one, this time against the No. 7 Texas A&M Aggies, 67-64.

Cats, win! Cats win! The Arizona Basketball team fought hard game on both ends of the floor and found a way to win 67-64, over recently ranked  No. 7 Texas A&M.  Wildcat fans and even GCU fans made their voices heard, turning the Talking Stick Resort Arena into McKale Center of the north! Players fed off that energy and it showed it tonight’s performance.

This game had it all. Multiple lead changes, multiple runs by each team, big man from each time showing their muscle under the basket, Bill Walton providing ESPN2 viewers “entertainment”, some interesting calls by the officials and a four point play that almost happened.  In addition, Danny Ainge, GM and President of Basketball Operations for the Boston Celtics, was in attendance tonight to witness greatness. College basketball, how can you not love it?

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The first half of the game was close early on before the Wildcats went on a 7-0 run, that included Dylan Smith providing the offense with a three and a jump shot. Allonzo Trier was unable to connect for any points during the first 20 minutes of play, but DeAndre Ayton and Dusan Ristic were and they kept their team it in for most of the half.

Leading the way for Texas A&M was center Tyler Davis, who finished the game with 21 points and two rebounds. The Wildcats were able to contain him in the first half by throwing in some double team defense.Yes, that is not a typo, Coach Sean Miller tried something new again. tonight and it worked! Maybe zone defense will be next?

Their was still signs of lack of focus with eight turnovers that led to 10 points off turnovers in the half. Plus, there were multiple times where their opponent was able to score easy buckets from out of bounds plays. That just can not continue to happen if the Wildcats want to win close games.

Both teams would go on 4-0 runs to end the half, with Texas A&M leading 31-29. Trier did not score, but Dylan Smith came off the bench led the team in scoring with 11 points and was almost perfect from the floor:

Whatever Coach Miller said at halftime worked because his team went on a 7-0 run early in the second half to take a 36-33 lead. Ayton, Brandon Randolph, Dusan Rustic and Trier helped the Wildcats re-gain the lead. Zo first points of the game came at the 17:14 minute in the half with a smooth looking shot from beyond the arc.

He also provided fans with the assist of the night,finding Parker Jackson Cartwright open in the corner for a three to give the Wildcats a 61-58 late in the game.

Defense was much improved throughout the game, even though there were times their were lapses, causing a clipboard to break. As the game progressed on, it came down to smart decision-making  and making your free throws.  Brandon Randolph and Smith, with ice in their veins, sealed the deal for the Wildcats with free throws.

With two seconds left and up 65-62, Ayton fouled Duane Wilson in the act of shooting a three-point shot that almost went in for a four point play. Wilson only made two of three of his free throws. I am sure Ayton just wanted to make things a little more exciting – he sure did!

That atmosphere’s of tonight’s game was amazing, partly due to the GCU fans that were in attendance cheering on their fellow in-state team. What an incredible job coach Dan Majerle has done for this program! After the game, coach Miller showed his respect for the GCU fans that showed up:

Key stats of the game:

• Four players were scored in double digit points: Smith, Ayton, Randolph and Ristic.
• They made 20-24 FT – that wins you close games!
• Held their opponent to shoot 5-14 FGs – much better three-point defense
• Ira Lee had a solid night on the defensive end. Even though he didn’t put up big stats, it was the small things he did for his team landing +13
• Ayton finished with another double-double, that now makes seven on the season!

See full highlights of the game below:

https://twitter.com/Pac12Network/status/938273587043098624

Must Read: Deandre Ayton named Pac-12 Player of the Week and No.1 in Sports Illustrated Mock Draft 2.0

The Wildcats are now 6-3 overall and looking to continue their winnings ways this Saturday in McKale Center against the Alabama Crimson Tide.  At Zona Zealots, we would are so happy to see the team playing like true champions. Bear Down!