Arizona Basketball: Wildcats win in overtime over the Beavers without Allonzo Trier

The Arizona Basketball clawed their way to victory in overtime over the Oregon State Beavers. They did this on the road without Allonzo Trier in the lineup.

Adversity. That is what Arizona Basketball faced in their tough matchup on the road against the upset-minded Oregon State Beavers. Earlier in the day, the team found out they would be without their second leading scorer Allonzo Trier due to a “trace” of PED found in his system in a drug test done in January. Others would need to step up in his absence, and they sure did!

The Wildcats would also find out later that day they would be without Ira Lee, due to a concussion. More adversity. But you got a sense as the game went on that the players felt that needed something to prove, and would do whatever it took to get that W! They even showed their support for their fellow teammate by wearing red and blue wildcat shoes with the hashtag “FreeZo.” One fan, Rae, also is claiming she wants to get shirts made up.

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Early in the first half, the Wildcats fell behind, but a three by Parker Jackson-Cartwright got them on the board, then things starting to fall into place. The Wildcats would end up going on one of their “runs” to build a 27-15 lead. By the end of the half, all nine Wildcats would score, with Dusan Ristic leading the way with 10 points and two rebounds.

The Wildcats bench outscored the Beavers 14-0 in the first half, had only four turnovers and shot 52% from the field. Plus, they outrebounded their opponent 14-13. That would be what you call an excellent first half of play!

The highlight of the first half would be this RIDICULOUS spin move by Deandre Ayton down low, with the left hand and gets fouled for the and one. I mean you mine as well give this guy all the college basketball awards!!

For the Beavers, junior guard Stephen Thompson Jr was on fire from three-point land, making 3-3 and keeping his team within striking distance in the first half. As has been the case all season long, the Wildcats were not able to close out on Thompson, giving him wide open looks and driving Coach Sean Miller mad.

Heading into the second half, the Wildcats had a 37-29. That lead would soon evaporate as they were not able to sustain the same type of offensive production as they did in the first, giving the Beavers a chance. Fouls started piling up to for both team, and foul shot became huge late in the game (stay tuned, more on that).

A combination of missed free throws missed shots and turnovers by the Wildcats; the Beavers found a way to tie the game at 50 with 9:51 to go. Without Trier in the lineup, they would need to find their “go to” at the end of regulation. And yes, you guessed it, it was Ayton who provided his team with HUGE baskets on the inside.

Each team traded leads towards the end, before Rawle Alkins stepped to the line, his team down by two with 14 seconds to go. He makes the first one. The Beavers would call a timeout to try to ice him. Alkins then steps up and makes the second, tieing the game and sending it into overtime.

In overtime, Alkins, aka, “The Closer” and “King” knocked down two three-pointers to help secure the victory for the Wildcats. SAVAGE LIFE. SAVAGE LIFE!! He led all scorers in overtime with six points.

Never count this baller out, never!

Head coach Sean Miller never lets up on his team. Frustrated most of the game, he hung in there and at one point was seen telling the refs, “What else is he supposed to do?” Which said volumes about his big men when they got called for fouls for literally just standing there. Then, according to Bruce Pascoe, didn’t have any words left for postgame interviews, he gave one-word answers.  How does this coach move forward? The adversity is sometimes overwhelming for us, cannot imagine what it is for him.

Record:

Dusan tied the Arizona Basketball record for most wins in his college career with Kaleb Tarczewski and Matt Muehlebach:

Keys to the game:

• Bench play was the difference in the first half. They provided 14 points in the first half, led by Alex Barcello, Brandon Randolph who each had four points.
• Limited turnovers. Wildcats only had four in the first half and nine in second half/overtime
• Ayton stepped up! He leads his team with 19 points, 12 rebounds, four assists, three blocks and one steal
• Alkins had 16 points and eight rebounds and a steal. Ristic had 14 points and three rebounds.

Must Read: Allonzo Trier Suspended Indefinitely again, for Banned Substance use

What a game! The Wildcats have now won three straight, have a 1.5 game lead in the Pac-12 over USC and are looking to finish the season strong.  Oh yeah, for those keeping track, Ristic is only one game away from becoming the all-time winningest player in Wildcat program history. Dussss!  Up next, the Wildcats will face the Oregon Ducks in Eugene Saturday 8:15 pm: 15 pm MST on ESPN. Bear Down!