Arizona Basketball is overpowered by USC in 87-73 loss
TUCSON, AZ – It wasn’t a night to remember for Arizona Basketball (9-2, 3-2) as the USC Trojans (7-2, 2-1) overpowered the Wildcats in their 87-73 win.
Arizona Basketball freshman Azoulas Tubelis had the best night of his career, scoring 31 points and grabbing eight rebounds on 11-16 shooting. However, that was all for naught for the ‘Lithuanian Lefty’ as the Wildcats lost by 14-points on their home floor to USC, losing for the first time since 2008 in McKale to the Trojans.
Coming off three-straight wins, and proving to be a solid team in the Pac-12 this year so far, the Wildcats very much proved they are a team that is continuing to go through growing pains. Remember, this is a team without Daniel Batcho and Kerr Kriisa.
Arizona Wildcats
Call it fools gold if you will, especially as Arizona entered this game 9-1 (3-1), however, the Trojans proved why they are considered one of the top teams in the conference this year, using their depth, size, and athleticism to overpower the Wildcats.
Jumping out to a 15-6 lead in the first half, things looked very promising for Arizona early on, but unfortunately, it didn’t get much better for us from there. USC would close the half on a 29-19 run to lead 35-34 at the half.
The second half would be even worse for Arizona. Despite getting close a few times, the Trojans always seemingly had a response, driving to the basket at will.
The Wildcats would get Isaiah Mobley and Chevez Goodwin to foul out, but it was the play of USC’s guards that proved to be the difference-maker.
Adversely, Arizona’s guards James Akinjo and Jermarl Baker would really struggle, finishing the game with a combined three points on 1-16 shooting… yikes!
With the loss, Arizona falls to 9-2 (3-2) on the season, with another tough test against UCLA on Saturday looming. The Bruins are just as talented, if not more, and even with no postseason in play, another loss would be tough to swallow.
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At Zona Zealots, we’re hoping the Cats can rebound and as always, Bear Down, Arizona!