TUCSON, AZ- Arizona Basketball (9-4) avoids disaster just before the holidays, escapes with a win over UC Davis in final non-conference game.
It’s been a weird few weeks for Arizona Basketball. After looking like a solid group still learning their identity, it appears a bit more learning and chemistry is in order.
The Saturday match-up against UC Davis (3-8), was a clear indication of a tale of two different teams this season. On Wednesday, the Wildcats mauled the visiting Montana Grizzlies, which was a stark contrast to how they performed on Saturday evening.
Arizona Wildcats
Perhaps just a typical case of anticipating the holiday break and overlooking their opponent, Arizona’s game against a three-win UC Davis team should have been an easy tune-up to close out the non-conference schedule.
From the tip, it looked like Arizona was in control of this one and would likely cruise to a comfortable win. Using a stout defense and flurry of offensive production, Arizona led by as many as 15 at one point in the first half.
However, the visiting Aggies wouldn’t back down, beginning to climb back into this one. Luckily, Arizona was ahead at halftime 41-30, with Chase Jeter leading all Wildcat scorers with 12 points, and Ira Lee right behind him with eight points.
Unfortunately, that was about the only bright spot in this one.
UC Davis would open the second half with a bit of poise and focus, beginning the half with a 18-7 run to tie the game at 48-48 with just over 14 minutes to play.
Despite Arizona’s best attempts to get separation, UC Davis would not go away. Scratching and clawing, eventually the Aggies would take the lead at 64-62 with over five minutes left to the dismay of many in attendance.
Needing to Bear Down, Arizona would try to climb back and steal the momentum back in their favor. Trailing 66-65, Jeter would head to the charity stripe, connecting on both attempts to give Arizona the lead albeit briefly.
Another lay-up by UC Davis’ TJ Shorts, would put the Aggies back in front with 1:37 to play. Fearing the improbable upset, the Wildcats would need a little bit of magic.
Mostly quiet all game, Justin Coleman would arguably hit the biggest shot of the game, connecting on a three to give the Wildcats the lead at 70-68.
It was the one that decided the game. 👏
— Pac-12 Network (@Pac12Network) December 23, 2018
This 👌 from @APlayersProgram's Justin Coleman gets the @OpusBank #12Best moment. pic.twitter.com/9haZZ1hD7w
Luckily, Arizona was able to prevent the Aggies from scoring again, avoiding the potential disaster against UC Davis. The Wildcats closed out the game with a 70-68 victory, improving to 9-4, just ahead of their conference schedule.
That’s a winner at McKale! #APlayersProgram pic.twitter.com/ARVgZcA2Aw
— Arizona Basketball (@ArizonaMBB) December 23, 2018
Luckily, Arizona will have the next 11 days off before returning to action against Colorado at home on January 3. Hopefully, the break will be what the doctor ordered to get things sorted out.
At Zona Zealots, we’re just glad the Wildcats were able to avoid the upset and hopefully will get things figured out with conference play starting. Bear Down, Arizona!