Arizona basketball kicked off its season by thrilling the home crowd at McKale Center with a lopsided exhibition win over Eastern New Mexico University.
Arizona basketball’s starting five featured #0 Jaden Bradley, #1 Caleb Love, #5 KJ Lewis, #4 Trey Townsend, and #30 Tobe Awaka.
Despite Eastern New Mexico winning the tip-off and scoring first, Arizona quickly seized control and went on a 10-0 run that prompted Greyhounds’ new head coach Daven Võ to call an early timeout. Five minutes into the game the Wildcats had already built a double-digit lead, a gap they would only build on throughout the game. At halftime, Arizona led 64-26, with standout newcomer Townsend contributing 20 points and hitting 100 percent of his shots behind the arc and at the line.
The second half offered more of the same. The Wildcats continued to play like Wildcats; they continued to dominate on both ends of the floor. Arizona finished the game with 47 rebounds and 25 assists, while ENMU led in just one category—steals, narrowly edging Arizona 12-11.
Takeaway #1: Wildcats have been hitting the weights
Arizona’s physicality was evident all night, particularly on the defensive boards, where they grabbed 34 of their 47 rebounds. Leading the way was the 6-foot-8 forward Awaka, who snagged 11 defensive rebounds.
“Our guards are getting to the paint and finishing over big guys and getting and-ones,” said Townsend, “We just got a lot of offensive talent, as well as defensive talent,”
Arizona’s ability to control the paint forced ENMU into 13 first-half fouls, equating to half of their 26 points at the time.
Takeaway #2: Free Throws win games
Eastern New Mexico’s 23 personal fouls sent Arizona to the line repeatedly, where the Wildcats took full advantage, hitting 77.1% of their free throws.
“We’re not trying to build a team to shoot 30 threes a game; we’re building a team to shoot 30 free throws,” said head coach Tommy Lloyd. “I think if we can have that mindset, we’re going to have a lot of great shots.”
Notable free-throw performances came from Awaka (4-for-4), Townsend (4-for-4), Anthony Dell’orso (2-for-2), Conrad Martinez (2-for-2), Jaden Bradley (6-for-8), Will Kuykendall (2-for3) and KJ Lewis (5-for-6), two of which were and-one opportunities.
“I like that we’re able to establish getting to the foul line. That’s important to me,” added Lloyd.
Takeaway #3: Townsend turns up
In his Wildcats debut, the fifth-year forward displayed why he was named the 2024 Horizon League Player of the Year at Oakland University. Townsend scored 24 points, shooting 12-for-16, and found open looks all night. His shots behind the arc were especially note-worthy, going 4-for-5 after hitting only 12 threes all last season.
“I’ve always felt that I was a capable 3-point shooter,” Townsend said. “I give a lot of credit to Ken… He’s been my guy since I got here in June.”
Townsend also contributed 5 assists, 4 rebounds, and a steal for the Wildcats.
Now, let’s not get too excited about this win. This was, after all, an exhibition game, and the Wildcats’ upcoming schedule will really turn up come late November when Duke comes to town.
Next Game for Arizona Wildcats: vs. Point Loma, Oct. 28 at 7 p.m. (10 p.m. EST)
Next Game for Eastern New Mexico Greyhounds: at Grand Canyon, Oct. 29 at 7 p.m. (10 p.m. EST)
[…] Wildcats’ dominant win over the Eastern New Mexico Greyhounds has provided fans with real excitement for a tremendous opening season in the Big 12. The outing […]