Arizona men’s basketball crushes Southern Utah in dominant win

Kellen O’Halloran

December 8, 2024

Arizona Men’s Basketball player Tobe Awaka tries to score against Brock Felder of Southern Utah on Dec. 7 in McKale. Awaka scored 19 points during the game.

Behind a season-high 62 points from its bench, the University of Arizona men’s basketball team rolled past Southern Utah University 102-66 on Saturday, Dec. 7 at noon in McKale Center, leveling its current 4-4 record.

Junior forward Anthony Dell’Orso led Arizona with 19 points coming off the bench, while six other Wildcats reached double figures in a balanced offensive effort. This was a much needed win for Arizona, which had dropped four of its last five games, including two in the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament.

First Half

Arizona seized control midway through the first half after a closely contested opening stretch. Southern Utah trailed just 20-16 with 11:24 left in the half, but the Wildcats unleashed a 35-7 run, fueled by their defense and depth, to take a commanding 55-23 lead into halftime.

The Wildcats forced 13 first-half turnovers, converting them into 20 points and held the Thunderbirds to 27% shooting. KJ Lewis led the defensive charge with two steals, while also sparking the offense by hitting all four of his field goal attempts.

“I just think it’s really valuable when you add guys off the bench that can contribute in a lot of ways, especially you know, some offensive firepower, it’s good,” head coach Tommy Lloyd said. “You know you’re a part of a great program when your bench players are at the levels of your starters.”

Arizona’s reserves scored 37 of the team’s first-half points, highlighted by 9 points apiece from Dell’Orso and Lewis.

Second Half

While the second half was more balanced, Arizona never let Southern Utah back into the game. The Wildcats led by at least 30 points for all but two possessions after halftime, with their largest lead swelling to 41 midway through the half.

Lewis flourished in his new sixth-man role, finishing with 15 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and two steals. His performance helped offset an off-night for starting guard Caleb Love, who managed 11 points despite shooting 3-for-12 from the field.

“I just got to learn how to find ways to control my emotions and then when I want to be emotional, be emotional with my teammates,” said Lewis, who apologized to teammates earlier in the week for recent technical fouls.

“I’m going to play the same regardless, starting or coming off the bench. I’m always going to have an edge and you know, play with intensity,” Lewis said.

Dell’Orso stayed hot in the second half, scoring 5 quick points to cap a 13-2 scoring run by Arizona. Sophomore Conrad Martinez also made an impact in extended minutes, tallying 5 points and four assists without committing a turnover. Additionally, freshman Carter Bryant added on 5 points and nine rebounds while providing a defensive spark.

Southern Utah’s Jamir Simpson led all scorers with 21 points, but the Thunderbirds struggled to find offensive rhythm, finishing with 18 turnovers and shooting just 37.5% from the field.

Arizona’s dominance came from its depth and defense, providing 13 steals and a 47-32 rebounding edge. This victory improves Arizona’s home record to 50-4 under Lloyd over the past three-plus seasons.