Arizona Wildcats Bounce Back with Dominant Victory Over USC, Extending Unbeaten Streak After Losses
McKale Center Erupts as Star-Studded Crowd Witnesses Arizona’s Resurgence
In a pulsating McKale Center, the 12th-ranked Arizona Wildcats delivered a resounding 82-67 victory over the visiting USC Trojans on Wednesday night. The win marked another impressive display of resilience for the Wildcats, who have maintained a remarkable record of 13-0 in games immediately following a regular-season loss under head coach Tommy Lloyd. This consistent ability to bounce back from setbacks has become a defining characteristic of the Lloyd era in Tucson.
Efficient Shooting and Balanced Scoring Propel Arizona to Victory
Arizona’s offensive performance was characterized by efficient shooting and balanced scoring. The Wildcats shot 40% from the field overall and 38.5% from beyond the arc. Five players reached double figures in scoring, led by Caleb Love’s 20 points. Love’s sharpshooting from downtown, connecting on five 3-pointers, proved to be a key factor in Arizona’s victory. Pelle Larsson contributed 13 points, while Kylan Boswell and Jaden Bradley each added 11 points. Keshad Johnson rounded out the double-digit scorers with 10 points.
Oumar Ballo’s Dominance on the Boards
Oumar Ballo, Arizona’s 7-foot center, made his presence felt on the boards, securing 13 rebounds, including six offensive rebounds. His rebounding prowess helped Arizona control the paint and create second-chance scoring opportunities.
USC Struggles with Turnovers and Shorthanded Roster
The USC Trojans, playing with two starters sidelined due to injuries, faced challenges throughout the game. They committed 19 turnovers, which Arizona capitalized on, converting them into valuable points. DJ Rodman led the Trojans in scoring with 16 points, while Bronny James, son of NBA legend LeBron James, contributed 11 points and a career-high six assists in his second career start.
Arizona’s Sloppy Moments Overshadowed by Dominant Stretches
Despite Arizona’s impressive performance, there were moments of sloppy play, particularly in the second half. The Wildcats experienced a brief scoring drought, allowing USC to close the gap. However, Arizona’s ability to make timely plays and maintain a comfortable lead ultimately secured the victory.
Star-Studded Crowd Adds to the Excitement
The McKale Center crowd was filled with a star-studded lineup of attendees, including NBA stars Kevin Durant and Miles Simon, former Arizona standout Ka’Deem Carey, and the newly appointed UA football coach Brent Brennan. The presence of these notable figures added to the electric atmosphere and heightened the excitement of the game.
Upcoming Matchup: Arizona Faces UCLA in Pac-12 Home Finale
The Arizona Wildcats will return to action on Saturday afternoon for their final Pac-12 home game of the season against the UCLA Bruins. The Bruins, who rallied from a 13-point halftime deficit to win at Arizona State on Wednesday night, will pose a formidable challenge for the Wildcats.
Additional Notes:
- Arizona’s record following regular-season losses under Tommy Lloyd now stands at 13-0, with an average margin of victory of 24.6 points.
- The Wildcats outrebounded USC by nine and scored 22 points off of 21 offensive rebounds.
- USC’s DJ Rodman is the son of former NBA star Dennis Rodman.
- Arizona’s impressive home record remains intact, with the Wildcats winning 13 of their 14 games at McKale Center this season.
- The Wildcats will look to maintain their momentum and finish the regular season strong as they prepare for the Pac-12 Tournament and the NCAA Tournament.
Call to Action:
Stay tuned for our exclusive post-game analysis and in-depth interviews with Arizona Wildcats players and coaches. Don’t miss out on the latest news and insights from McKale Center. Follow our blog for all things Arizona Wildcats basketball.