No. 9 Arizona Basketball (18-4, 8-1) takes on the Washington State Cougars (9-11, 1-7) as a second half of Pac-12 play begins tonight.
We’re at the half-way point in the Pac-12 Conference schedule, and the No. 9 Arizona Basketball team is set to take on the Washington State Cougars in Pullman.
The Wildcats are rolling. Winners of six straight, as well as 15 of the last 16, Arizona looks to continue their success against a struggling Cougars team. We have it on good authority that Rawle Alkins will suit up and play tonight! He
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Never easy to win on the road, but this will undoubtedly be one of Arizona’s bigger road trips this season. It’s no secret WSU is struggling in conference play, but with an even bigger game against the Washington Huskies in just a few days, the Wildcats can’t overlook their opponent in this one.
Arizona had a close call on Saturday against Utah, as the Wildcats blew their late lead. Up by 13 at one point in the second half, the Utes made a surging comeback, to take a one point lead, before Arizona was finally able to pull away.
Moving forward, if the Wildcats hope to continue their success, they’re going to need to play better in the closing stretch of games. Also, come tournament time, Arizona can’t let late leads slip away like that.
Washington State Profile
Most Likely Line-up for the Cougars
G Malachi Flynn, 6-1, So., (14.7 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 4.0 apg)
G Viont’e Daniels 6-2, Jr., (8.3 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 1.7 apg)
G Milan Acquaah, 6-3, RFr., (5.2 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 2.5 apg)
F Robert Franks, 6-7, Jr., (17.6 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 2.2 apg)
F/C Drick Bernstine, 6-8, RSr., (7.1 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 3.0 apg)
Top reserves: G Carter Skaggs (9.4 ppg, 2.6 rpg) *Could potentially start if the Cougars want to go bigger, F Jeff Pollard (4.9 ppg, 2.3 rpg), G Kwinton Hinson (4.2 ppg, 2.6 rpg), F Arinze Chidom (4.4 ppg, 2.6 rpg).
Strengths:
Three-point shooting: The Cougars live and die by the three. They’ve attempted 601 shots from beyond the arc this year, and are connecting at 38.6 percent. What they lack in size and athleticism compared to Arizona, they make up for in shooting ability.
Weaknesses:
Depth and Size- Compared to Arizona, they don’t have it. The Cougars have one player taller than 6’9”, and the Wildcats like to score around the rim a lot. The Wildcats should have the clear advantage here, and if they are able to utilize Deandre Ayton, and recent Pac-12 Player of the Week, Dusan Ristic, this one should be a tough one to overcome for them.
Game Analysis:
We don’t expect this one to be too close, as the Cougars haven’t looked very competitive against the top half of the Pac-12 thus far. The spread is in favor for Arizona at -12, however, we could see this one being more. However, we also see this being a potential trap game for Arizona too. As we said, the match-up with the Huskies this weekend is looming, and the Cougars could catch a Wildcat team looking ahead.
Listen to Sean Miller ahead of his game against the Cougars:
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At Zona Zealots, we are excited for the game, and hope the Wildcats can come out strong and victorious in this one! Bear Down, Arizona!