Arizona Wildcats Bounce Back with 82-67 Victory over USC, Maintaining Unbeaten Record After Losses
Resilience and Determination Lead Wildcats to Dominant Win
McKale Center, Tucson, Arizona – January 18, 2024: In a captivating display of resilience and determination, the Arizona Wildcats, led by head coach Tommy Lloyd, bounced back from a disappointing loss to Washington State with an emphatic 82-67 victory over the USC Trojans at the McKale Center. This triumph marked the Wildcats’ 13th consecutive win following a regular-season loss over the past three seasons, extending their impressive dominance in such situations.
A Star-Studded Crowd Witnesses Arizona’s Dominance
The highly anticipated matchup attracted a sell-out crowd, including notable figures such as NBA star Kevin Durant, former Wildcat Miles Simon, and football standout Ka’Deem Carey. The presence of these prominent individuals added to the electrifying atmosphere of the game, further elevating the intensity of the contest.
Wildcats Maintain Control Despite Sloppy Stretches
Despite flashes of sloppy play reminiscent of their recent loss, the Wildcats maintained a commanding lead throughout the majority of the game, leading by 10 or more points for all but a brief 101-second stretch in the second half. While their offensive execution lacked consistency at times, their overall performance showcased their resilience and ability to overcome adversity.
Balanced Scoring Fuels Arizona’s Victory
A balanced scoring attack propelled the Wildcats to victory, with five players reaching double-digit points. Caleb Love led the charge with 20 points, including five three-pointers, while Pelle Larsson contributed 13 points, Kylan Boswell added 11 points, and both Jaden Bradley and Keshad Johnson chipped in with 10 points each. The team’s collective efforts ensured that Arizona maintained a steady offensive rhythm throughout the game.
Oumar Ballo’s Double-Double Performance
Oumar Ballo, the Wildcats’ dominant center, made a significant impact on both ends of the court, securing a double-double with 13 rebounds and 13 points. His rebounding prowess helped Arizona control the boards, outrebounding USC by nine and generating 22 second-chance points from 21 offensive rebounds.
USC’s Challenges and James’ Solid Performance
The USC Trojans faced adversity in this contest, missing two starters due to injuries. Despite these setbacks, Bronny James, the son of NBA legend LeBron James, made his second career start and delivered a solid performance, contributing 11 points, five rebounds, and a career-high six assists. However, the Trojans’ 19 turnovers proved costly, hindering their efforts to mount a sustained challenge against the Wildcats.
Boswell’s Highlight-Reel Plays and Arizona’s Offensive Struggles
Kylan Boswell provided some of the game’s most memorable moments with his highlight-reel plays. His pump-fake that sent a USC defender airborne, followed by a pass to Caleb Love for a corner three, exemplified his creative playmaking ability. Additionally, his reverse layup while drawing a foul further showcased his offensive versatility. However, Arizona experienced stretches of offensive struggles, particularly in the first half, where they endured a 10-shot drought before Johnson drained a timely corner three.
Defensive Lapses Allow USC to Trim the Lead
While Arizona’s defense generally held strong, there were moments of vulnerability that allowed USC to chip away at the lead. Back-to-back turnovers led to five quick points for the Trojans, narrowing the gap to 71-59 with just over five minutes remaining. A botched breakaway dunk attempt by Love could have further intensified the drama, but Jaden Bradley’s quick reaction to secure the loose ball and convert a spectacular three-point play restored Arizona’s comfortable lead.
Consecutive Threes Bring USC Within Striking Distance
USC showed resilience in the closing minutes, connecting on consecutive three-pointers to reduce the deficit to 77-67 with under three minutes to go. However, Pelle Larsson responded with a timely three of his own, and Caleb Love added a floater that bounced in, effectively sealing the victory for the Wildcats.
Arizona’s Strong Start and Early Foul Trouble for USC
The Wildcats made a blistering start to the game, making seven of their first nine shots and forcing USC into early foul trouble. KJ Lewis’ basket with 15:13 remaining in the first half gave Arizona a 19-9 advantage. However, the Wildcats then endured a shooting slump, missing 10 consecutive shots before Johnson’s corner three ended the drought. As Arizona regained their shooting touch, their defense faltered, allowing USC to make four of six shots and reduce the deficit to 31-28.
Arizona’s 7-0 Run Extends the Lead at Halftime
A 7-0 run by the Wildcats helped them regain control of the game, extending their lead to double digits at halftime. This surge was fueled by contributions from multiple players, demonstrating the team’s depth and ability to generate offense from various sources.
Upcoming Clash with UCLA
The Arizona Wildcats will return to action on Saturday afternoon for their final Pac-12 home game of the season, where they will face their arch-rivals, the UCLA Bruins. The Bruins, who rallied from a 13-point halftime deficit to secure a victory at Arizona State, will present a formidable challenge for the Wildcats.
Don’t miss the thrilling showdown between the Arizona Wildcats and UCLA Bruins on Saturday! Witness the passion and excitement as these two fierce rivals battle it out for supremacy in the Pac-12