LAS VEGAS, NV – Amid the Coronavirus chaos, the show goes on for the Arizona Basketball team in the Pac-12 Tournament, with the USC Trojans looming.
It’s all focus for the Arizona Basketball team (21-11, 10-8) from here on out, as the Wildcats now prepare for their quarterfinals match-up against the USC Trojans (22-9, 11-7).
Survive and advance! That’s the name of the game at this point, and after knocking off the Huskies in a ‘Revenge Game’, it’s time for the Trojans.
Arizona Wildcats
In the second half against the Huskies, we saw exactly how we thought the team should play, taking smart shots, giving great defensive effort, and protecting the basketball. Naturally, the Cats won as a result!
However, the challenge doesn’t get any easier from here on out.
The Trojans are talented, long and athletic. Mostly led by the freshman Onyeka Okongwu, he’s the type of player that will find a way to get his, Arizona’s biggest challenge will be limiting USC’s other high-level contributors.
In addition to Okongwu, the Trojans have also been led by Jonah Matthews, Nick Rakocevic and Daniel Utomi.
Overall, the Trojans are a well-coached team, and while they may not be flashy offensively, they can still get the job done, and shoot an average of 43.9 percent from the field, including 35 percent from three.
Where they typically excel is on the defensive end, holding opponents to just an average of 66 points per game, including just 64.3 points per game in the Pac-12, which is No. 1 in Conference overall.
This is a game I think Arizona can win, the challenge won’t be easy though, as the Trojans are a formidable opponent! Hopefully the Wildcats can come out strong and win!
Keys to the Game:
Focus- For this match-up, I will still say that focus is a crucial component to winning the game! Amid the Coronvirus stuff and fans likely not being able to attend the games, the results will still matter.
As multiple leagues announce limits of fans at tournament games, I asked Pac-12 commissioner Larry Scott if the Pac-12 tournament will still go on as planned.
— Brandon Kamerman (@B_Kamerman) March 11, 2020
His response: "At the moment."
Disregard the empty arenas, the focus will still need to be there if Arizona hopes to win this one!
There are far too many distractions going on right now, so in order to win, the Cats will need to block out the outside noise and just play basketball!
Easier said than done, but if Arizona does that, I think they will be just fine!
Play Smart (Only Good Look Shots)- Again just reiterating the same point as last game, but the Wildcats will need to play smart here as well.
The Trojans are the best defensive team in the Pac-12, and if Arizona expects win, they are going to need to continue to play smart by only looking and for good shots.
When the Wildcats take the time to set-up the offense, move the basketball and get guys open, good things happen.
I will gladly take a loss if the Wildcats had good looks, but just weren’t able to get their shots to fall, versus forcing shots, taking bad shots and playing selfishly.
Should the Cats play smart, I like their chances at coming away victorious!
Protect the Basketball- It’s simple, when the Wildcats take care of the basketball, good things happen.
Want to know why Arizona won? Only three turnovers in the second half. It's that simple.
— stunna (@stunnaIo) March 11, 2020
In the first half, Arizona had 10 turnovers, which led to too many Washington points and opportunities. However, in the second half Arizona had just three turnovers which led to better results, ultimately allowing for the Wildcats to go on to win!
When the team protects the basketball, they have a far greater chance at winning. Limiting the Trojans’ opportunities will be important in this one if Arizona hopes to win!
Game Information:
Date: Thursday, March 12th
Time: 2:30 pm Arizona Time
Location: Las Vegas, NV – T-Mobile Arena (18,000)
Line: -4.5 Arizona
Television: Pac-12 Network
Radio: Arizona IMG Sports Network Arizona Wildcats (Try TuneIn Radio)
Team Records:
- Arizona Wildcats (21-11, 10-8): Arizona is coming off a win over the Huskies and look to take the rubber match versus the Trojans on Thursday.
- USC Trojans (22-9, 11-7): After a first round bye, the Trojans return to action against Arizona also looking to take the rubber match versus the Wildcats on Thursday.
Record vs Washington since 1949-50: Arizona leads 62-30 in this head-to-head series since 1949-50, however, the Trojans won the last match-up which was in Los Angeles, by a 57-48 final.
Watch highlights as the Wildcats took down Washington:
At Zona Zealots we are excited for this match-up and can’t wait to see if the Cats can replicate their success from Wednesday. As always, Bear Down Arizona!