Arizona Basketball returns to action against the USC Trojans

After an exciting week of action last week, the Arizona Basketball team (9-1, 3-1) finally returns to action to take on the USC Trojans (6-2, 1-1).

Last weekend was an eventful and successful trip up to the Pacific Northwest, as the Wildcats came away with the two-game sweep over the Washington Huskies and the Washington State Cougars. However, it wasn’t an easy task by any means.

To recap, Arizona throttled Washington and escaped in a barn-burner win against Washington State that went to double overtime.

Arizona Wildcats

This week, the challenge will be even greater, as the talented USC Trojans come to Tucson having lost to Colorado and beating Utah last week. Much like everyone else, they very much have been impacted by Covid but will be ready to go come Thursday evening.

The Trojans will undoubtedly be led by freshman forward/ center Evan Mobley who is the real deal. Evan was the No. 3 overall player in the 2020 recruiting class and is currently averaging 15.0 points and 8.0 rebounds per game. He has a strong inside-outside game, and will be the biggest challenge in the post to date for Arizona.

Outside of that, the Trojans also are a deep team, getting great contributions from Senior guard Tahj Eaddy, junior wing Drew Peterson, and sophomore forward Isaiah Mobley (older brother to Evan).

Overall, USC is a talented team with a lot of talent and skill at every position, and their size and length will pose a challenge to the Wildcats.

They are a good, but not a great offensive team and they shoot the ball well from beyond the arc, converting at nearly 37 percent as a team on the season

To me, this is another winnable game for Arizona, however, it won’t be easy. If Arizona is to come away with the victory once again, these are the Keys to do it:

Take Care of the little things: Arizona can be an opportunistic team, however, they have to capitalize when the opportunity presents itself. Again, that means:

• Hitting those Free-Throws
• Capitalizing on second-chance points
• Scoring points off turnovers

These were things that made a huge difference in their win over Washington State. Against USC, they need to be able to replicate that. If they can take care of the little things, they will come away victorious.

Bring the Energy: When Arizona comes out strong and ready to play, they are a tough team to beat. Week-by-week this group is getting better, and there is still plenty to play for. With a matchup against a tough USC team and their matchup against UCLA looming, the Cats need to bring the energy.

For 40 minutes, play with excitement, play with passion, bring it to USC! Arizona has the talent to win, but they are going to have to want it more!

Attack: The Wildcats are naturally an aggressive basketball team, shooting nearly 27 free-throw attempts per game. On Thursday, Arizona is going to need to attack. Attack the post, try and get the Mobley brothers into foul trouble, but don’t stop being aggressive.

If Arizona can get to the line with any consistency and get the Trojans into foul trouble by attacking the rim, I like their chances in this one.

Game Information:

Date: Thursday, January 7th, 2021

Time: 7:00 PM MST (Arizona Time), 6:00 PM PST

Location: Tucson, AZ – McKale Center (14,545… 0)

Line: -3.5 Arizona

Television: ESPN 2

Radio: Arizona IMG Sports Network Arizona Wildcats (Try TuneIn Radio)

Team Records:

• Arizona Wildcats (9-1, 3-1):  Arizona got the three-game sweep last week, but can they extend it against even better competition?
• USC Trojans (6-2, 1-1): USC is finding their stride after having battled Covid. They have talent and skill, so can they get the win against the Wildcats in Tucson?

All-Time Record: 63-30. Since 1949-50, Arizona Basketball has controlled this series, but in recent history, it has been a bit closer. For those that don’t remember, the two teams split their match-ups last year, as the Wildcats won in Tucson, but lost in Los Angeles.

Hopefully, Arizona can come away with the victory. USC is a talented team and will certainly pose a challenge. As always, Bear Down, Arizona!