TUCSON, Ariz. — In an exciting season opener for coach Tommy Lloyd, the No. 10 Arizona Wildcats showcased their skills with a commanding 93-64 victory over the Canisius Golden Griffins on Monday night. Caleb Love led the way with 17 points and six assists, while Jaden Bradley contributed 15 points in the Wildcats’ impressive performance.
From the get-go, Arizona set the tone by racing out to a 13-point lead, jumping ahead with a 20-2 run that defined the first half. By the end of the first half, the Wildcats had built a comfortable 52-30 advantage, and they maintained control throughout the game, never allowing the margin to shrink below 18 points. This victory marks Arizona’s 18th consecutive home opening win.
A significant factor in Arizona’s dominance was their superior play in the paint, where they outscored Canisius 48-12 and controlled the boards with 18 more rebounds. KJ Lewis added to the team’s effort with 14 points, and the Wildcats displayed excellent teamwork with 20 assists against just nine turnovers, although five of those turnovers occurred before the starting lineup exited the court.
On the other hand, Canisius faced a rocky start, struggling to find their rhythm early on as they took four minutes to score their first points. Despite their challenges against the taller Arizona team, they managed to shoot a solid 43% from the field, which is commendable for a tough away game setting. Paul McMillan IV stood out for the Golden Griffins, leading the team with 20 points.
Key observations from the game revealed that while Canisius had promising offensive moments after their shaky beginning, their early deficit was too steep to overcome against a stronger opponent. Arizona, on the other hand, demonstrated their strength as they should against a non-conference team, hinting at their potential for a deep run in the upcoming NCAA Tournament with a deep roster.
A pivotal moment came with Love’s return after testing his mettle in the NBA draft; his immediate contribution during the opening run was vital. Notably, with two 7-foot players in their lineup, Arizona capitalized on their size, collecting 17 offensive rebounds that translated into 19 second-chance points.
Looking ahead, Canisius is set to face St. Bonaventure on Saturday, while Arizona will host Old Dominion on the same day. The Wildcats’ victory not only establishes a solid start to the season but also showcases their aspirations for basketball glory this year.