Mission accomplished?
Well, Arizona’s Tommy Lloyd thinks so after UA beat St.Mary’s 81-68 at McKale Center in what proved to be more than a Saturday afternoon stroll.
But Lloyd, now in his fifth year at Arizona, didn’t want or expect a walk in the park from the Gaels, given their reputation and style. They make teams uncomfortable … and times they made Arizona feel that way in the game.
He got what he had hoped – “and then some,” he said.
So, it was a good day for the preseason No. 13 team. And just two weeks before the Wildcats face defending national champion Florida in Las Vegas in the season opener.
“That’s the best preparation you can ask for,” said Anthony Dell’Orso. “That’s exactly why we’ve scheduled these people, and that’s why our nonconference schedule is the way it is.”
In the end, Jaden Bradley led with 23 points, including eight in a 16-2 run near the end of the game. Dell’Orso had 13 points, Mo Krivas had 17 rebounds and 11 points.
A nice start that helped Lloyd get back into his coaching mode and the “emotions that come with it,” he said, “trying to help your guys navigate on the fly.”
Again, mission accomplished.
Mo Krivas looked fit and ready for what’s ahead.
Jayden Bradley looks like he’ll be able to control the backcourt (again) while probably having to score more from the point guard spot.
Brayden Burries will have to continue to be an aggressive offensive player from the perimeter and near the basket, given his penchant to score. Koa Peat will have to be aggressive (and not get hurt, which it appeared like he did a time or two yet played through it) near the basket.
And, everyone will have to fall into place, even Tobe Awaka, who sat out with an undisclosed injury. Lloyd said Awaka could have played but he was “banged up” so they erred the side of caution.
Still, Arizona looked good – but temper that by knowing noting is won in mid-October when it comes to college basketball. The road ahead is usually bumpy – even for talented, deep teams like Arizona.
“It made us dig deep and try things you wouldn’t have had to try,” Lloyd said. “I’m thankful for how our guys stepped up.”
A win is a win – even in an exhibition game. Well, especially in an exhibition game at home and with such lofty expectations.
“I told our guys if you’re able to lead a team like that for 40 minutes, kind of weather a storm and a few runs, that’s a good place to start,” Lloyd said. “We shot 53 percent and turned the ball over seven times (both great). That’s a winning formula. We held them to 39.3 percent (shooting) and they turned the ball over 12 times. That’s a winning formula.”
Even when all things didn’t go that well. Arizona shot 13 for 25 from the free throw line and just 4 for 16 from beyond the 3-point line. Anthony Dell’Orso, who had 13 points, was 6 for 12 from the floor, but just 1 for 7 from beyond the arc.
“I don’t know how often he’s going to go 1 for 7 from 3,” Lloyd said. “(For) Delly, it’s that fine line of being aggressive but (also) maybe not putting yourself in difficult situations and having the understanding of what that is. That’s not easy to coach and not easy to play. We’ve got to help him with the gray areas.
“I’m happy with Delly and trust his shot so much that I know 1 for 7 should be 4 for 7.”
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