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Arizona Basketball will square off with Pac-12 leading Trojans

By Eric Townsend

STANFORD, CA - FEBRUARY 02: Tahj Eaddy #2 of the USC Trojans drives to the basket during a game between University of Southern California and Stanford University at Maples Pavilion on February 02, 2021 in Stanford, California. (Photo by Bob Drebin/ISI Photos/Getty Images).
STANFORD, CA - FEBRUARY 02: Tahj Eaddy #2 of the USC Trojans drives to the basket during a game between University of Southern California and Stanford University at Maples Pavilion on February 02, 2021 in Stanford, California. (Photo by Bob Drebin/ISI Photos/Getty Images). /
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Arizona Basketball (14-8, 8-8) suffered another tough loss against UCLA on Thursday, but the Wildcats will need to quickly rebound against the Pac-12 leading USC Trojans (18-3, 12-2).

Thursday evening did not go well for Arizona Basketball. Despite holding on to a one-point lead at halftime, the Wildcats ultimately fell to UCLA as the Bruins shot over 70 percent from the field in the second half to run away with the 14-point win.

Now losers in five of their last seven games, the challenge becomes even tougher for the Wildcats this weekend, as Arizona will now prepare for the Pac-12 leading USC Trojans.

Arizona Wildcats
Arizona Wildcats /

Arizona Wildcats

Led by the supremely talented Mobley brothers, the Trojans’ are the best team in the Pac-12 for a reason. They have tremendous post-play which has been one of the Wildcats’ bigger challenges defensively this year. Plus, USC has legit guards that will present difficulties for Arizona.

Tahj Eaddy is a legit scoring threat from all over the court and has been one of the Trojans more talented scorers this season so far, and guard/wing combos Drew Peterson and Isaiah White have tremendous length and athleticism that will make for a difficult challenge.

The last time these two teams met, White and Evan Mobley had big days, combining for 41 points on 14-23 shooting. Arizona will have to play much better in this one if they are going to come away with the win.

With that said, as Arizona prepares for their matchup with USC, these are Keys to the Game for the Wildcats to come away with the win.

DEFENSE: Arguably one of the weakest elements in Arizona’s respective game, it was the defense that failed to contain UCLA in the second half of Thursday nights loss. Allowing the Bruins to essentially get whatever they want, UCLA shot over 70 percent from the field in the second half.

Against the Trojans, the effort and results have got to be there if Arizona hopes to win. Granted,  that task won’t be easy, especially against a talented and gifted team like USC, but with not many games left on the season, seeing the Wildcats finally come away with a big-time win sparked by a great defensive performance would be sweet.

Bench Production: Again, Arizona needs to find more consistent scoring options outside of James Akinjo, Ben Mathurin, and even Azoulas Tubelis.

Mathurin struggled on Thursday evening, and outside of Akinjo and Tubelis, the Wildcats were unable to do much offensively. Against a talented offensive team like USC, it seems like Arizona is going to have to find a way to match that offensive production.

To me, a shootout type of game doesn’t favor Arizona in the slightest, but unless the Wildcats are able to come up big defensively, this one likely comes down to offense, and that means the bench production will have to step up!

Bring the toughness: Against the Bruins, Arizona was outmanned, outplayed, outclassed, etc. On Thursday evening, the Bruins just looked like the tougher and more physical team.

Uncharacteristic for most Sean Miller-coached teams, this squad will need to dig deep and play with some toughness.

The Trojans are talented, lengthy, and athletic. To me, another aspect of this game will be how physical the Wildcats can make this game. With not many games left on the season, now would be the time for this team to give it everything they got.

Game Information:

Date: Saturday, February 20th, 2021

Time: 4:00 PM MST (Arizona Time), 3:00 PM PST

Location: Los Angeles, CA – Galen Center (10,258… 0)

Line: +6.0 Arizona

Television: Fox

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

Team Records:

  • Arizona Wildcats (13-8, 8-8):  Losers in five of their last seven games, Arizona has hit a bit of a rough patch, and their road doesn’t get any easier either with No. 17 USC on deck.
  • USC Trojans (18-3, 11-2): USC is rolling, sitting in first place in the Pac-12, and looks to continue their strong play against a flailing Arizona program.

All-Time Record: 62-31 Arizona. Since 1949-50, Arizona has dominated this series, however, USC has certainly improved their program immensely over the past couple of years, making this matchup more competitive of late.

More. On Arizona Basketball. light

Hopefully, Arizona comes out ready to go, and is able to come away with the win on the road. As always, Bear Down, Arizona!

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