The University of Arizona men’s basketball team walked out of the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles 4-0 after securing a 69-65 victory over UCLA on Friday, Nov. 14. 

As this game is often a long-awaited rivalry for the programs, there are several key takeaways from this matchup.

Slow offensive start

The Wildcats started the game with a quick 3-pointer, then didn’t get a field goal for nearly four minutes following. In that time, the Wildcats went 0-for-6 from inside. To add, they caused a turnover, missed three 3-point shots, a jumper and two lay-ups. At this point, the Wildcats found themselves down by 10 points going into the first media timeout.  

Suffocating inside defense

Both teams played excellent interior defense, with the Wildcats ending the first half with only 28 points and UCLA having 25. It was a first half where everything had to be earned. 

UCLA had three blocks to counter Arizona’s one. Fast-break points were also at large in the first half, Arizona outsourcing the Bruins 10-5.

Second-half offensive explosion

Both teams managed to find their groove in the second half, as the Wildcats outscored the

Bruins 41-40. While the Wildcats struggled from beyond the arc in the second half, going 2-7, they managed to improve their accuracy in the paint, seeing 24 points and finally cracking through UCLA’s zone defense. Notably, UCLA hit five three-pointers as well, finding their shot alongside the Wildcats and lining it up to be a close game. 

Individual struggles

With all the great things that this game had to offer, the struggles of Arizona freshman Koa Peat were evident. Peat only had 7 points in this matchup, following his previous mark of 10 points against NAU. 

Coming off of a 30-point break in Arizona’s first game against the University of Florida, it will be interesting to see his progress and fluctuating numbers throughout the rest of the season. 

Adjustments from Lloyd

The adjustments head coach Tommy Lloyd made in the second half may have led to Arizona’s struggle from the arc in the second half, but on the same note it saw the Wildcats make huge improvements in the interior and the fast break game. Most importantly, it did the number one job for Arizona: it won the game. 

Lloyd also improved the team defensively, forcing UCLA outside the perimeter and making them take more midrange shots as opposed to being able to play from inside to outside.

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