Arizona Rebounds from Washington State Loss, Defeats USC 82-67
TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) – In a captivating display of resilience, the University of Arizona Wildcats, led by Caleb Love’s 20-point performance and Pelle Larsson’s 13-point contribution, secured an impressive 82-67 victory over the visiting USC Trojans in a Pac-12 Conference men’s basketball matchup at McKale Center on Wednesday night. This triumph marked another resounding bounce-back victory for the Wildcats under the guidance of their esteemed head coach, Tommy Lloyd.
A Tale of Two Halves: Arizona’s Dominance Prevails
The Wildcats, seeking redemption after a narrow three-point loss to Washington State in their previous outing, showcased their unwavering determination to overcome adversity. Despite a challenging stretch of nearly seven minutes without a field goal, Arizona managed to maintain a 10-point lead at halftime, laying the foundation for their eventual triumph.
In the second half, the Wildcats extended their advantage to a commanding 19-point lead midway through the period, leaving the Trojans reeling. Although Arizona’s shooting accuracy remained subpar, hovering around 40%, they capitalized on numerous second-chance opportunities, converting 22 points off 21 offensive rebounds.
Arizona’s Remarkable Record Under Lloyd: A Legacy of Resilience
This victory further cemented Arizona’s remarkable record under Coach Lloyd, extending their undefeated streak to 15-0 in games following a loss. Additionally, the Wildcats have established a dominant presence against USC at McKale Center, boasting a 13-1 record in their last 14 encounters.
USC’s Struggles Continue Amidst Injuries to Key Players
The Trojans, arriving in Tucson on a two-game losing streak, faced an uphill battle from the outset, compounded by the absence of their two leading scorers. Boogie Ellis, sidelined for the second consecutive game due to a hand injury, and freshman sensation Isaiah Collier, recovering from hand surgery, left a significant void in USC’s offensive arsenal.
Bronny James’ Valiant Effort Amidst Adversity
Despite the challenges confronting the Trojans, Bronny James, son of NBA legend LeBron James, displayed unwavering resolve, leading the team with 11 points, nine of which came in the first half. However, the Arizona faithful, known for their spirited support, greeted James with a chorus of boos each time he touched the ball, adding an extra layer of intensity to the contest.
Remarkably, James, playing in his 10th game since returning from a cardiac arrest, demonstrated remarkable resilience, shooting 5 of 11 from the field and dishing out six assists, a stark contrast to his previous three games, where he managed just two points on a combined 0-for-14 shooting performance.
DJ Rodman Emerges as USC’s Leading Scorer
In the absence of USC’s top scorers, DJ Rodman stepped up to the challenge, leading the team with 16 points, providing a much-needed offensive spark for the Trojans.
Game Flow: A Tale of Momentum Swings
The Wildcats ignited the game with a blistering start, establishing an early 10-point lead. However, USC responded with a tactical shift to a zone defense, disrupting Arizona’s offensive rhythm and limiting their scoring opportunities. This defensive adjustment resulted in a nearly seven-minute scoring drought for the Wildcats, allowing the Trojans to trim the deficit to just four points.
As the first half drew to a close, Arizona regained their composure, embarking on a 7-0 run to restore their 10-point advantage at halftime.
The second half mirrored the pattern of the first, with Arizona extending their lead to a commanding 19-point margin. Despite the Trojans’ valiant efforts to narrow the gap, they were unable to come closer than 10 points, ultimately succumbing to the Wildcats’ relentless pressure.
Key Takeaways
USC’s Struggles at McKale Center Persist
The Trojans’ struggles at McKale Center continued, with their latest defeat extending their dismal record at the venue. The absence of their top scorers further exacerbated their woes, making the task of breaking their losing streak in Tucson an insurmountable challenge.
Arizona’s Resilience Under Lloyd Shines Through
Despite a disjointed performance at both ends of the court, the Wildcats showcased their remarkable ability to grind out victories under Coach Lloyd. Their knack for bouncing back from losses and their dominance against USC at McKale Center underscore their resilience and determination.
Upcoming Fixtures
USC
The Trojans will travel to Tempe, Arizona, to face Arizona State on Saturday in their next Pac-12 Conference matchup.
Arizona
The Wildcats will host Stanford on Saturday at McKale Center, seeking to extend their winning streak and bolster their position in the Pac-12 standings.
Call to Action:
Who will emerge victorious when Arizona and Stanford clash this Saturday? Join the conversation and share your predictions on social media using the hashtag #ArizonavsStanford.