Analysis: Arizona dominates glass, heats up in red uniforms to earn road victory

Mark Lawson

March 1, 2019

Forward Ryan Luther (10) catches a rebound ball during the game against Oregon State University on Saturday, Jan. 19 at McKale Center. Arizona beat OSU 82-71.

Arizona men’s basketball defeated Oregon State 74-72 Thursday night thanks to the heroics of Devonaire Doutrive. The freshman rebounded a Justin Coleman miss for the game-winning put-back layup with no time remaining. The ‘Cats have now won three straight games since their seven-game losing streak, gaining some much-needed momentum going into March. Here are three reasons they were able to pull out the victory:

Glass Cleaners

The last time these two teams squared off, Arizona dominated the rebounding battle 41-29, out-rebounding the Beavers 21-9 on the offensive end. The margin came despite big man Chase Jeter playing just four minutes after injuring his back early in the game.

Arizona's Chase Jeter (4) complains about a foul call during the Arizona-California game on Thursday, Feb. 21, 2019 at the McKale Center in Tucson, Ariz. — Arizona’s Chase Jeter (4) complains about a foul call during the Arizona-California game on Thursday, Feb. 21, 2019 at the McKale Center in Tucson, Ariz.

Jeter was once again injured on Thursday, playing just 22 minutes after suffering a knee injury getting tangled up with Oregon State forward Tres Tinkle. Despite the setback, Arizona once again won the rebounding battle, this time by 35-19. The Wildcats had 12 offensive rebounds, resulting in 20 second-chance points.

Red Hot

The Wildcats brought out their red and copper “State Pride” uniforms for the second time this season, defeating UConn in December wearing them. The way they shot the ball Thursday, they might need to wear them more often.

Arizona shot 50 percent for the game, including a blistering 53 percent in the second half. The Wildcats made 8-17 shots from 3, and Brandon Randolph continued his hot streak, going 7-8 from the floor with 15 points. Doutrive went 4-4 and Ira Lee finished 4-5. The ‘Cats also made their free throws when they needed to, going 12-15 from the line.

Brandon Williams (2) and Brandon Randolph (5) celebrate Arizona getting a turnover during the game against Stanford on Sunday, Feb. 24 at McKale Center. Arizona defeated Stanford 70-54.

Williams Progressing

Brandon Williams missed six games dealing with knee soreness, taking away a key piece of the Wildcats’ offense in his ability to score and set players up. The freshman had 10 points on Thursday, his first time scoring in double figures since the Wildcats’ loss at UCLA on Jan. 26. Williams played 20 minutes, three more than he did Sunday against Stanford, and looks to be getting his game back into form at just the right time.

It is no coincidence that with Williams back, Randolph has also found his scoring again. The sophomore has scored 25 points in the two games Williams has been back after scoring just 43 in six games without him.

Arizona will look to keep the momentum going as it takes on the Oregon Ducks Saturday at 8 p.m. on ESPN2.