No. 10 Arizona basketball defeated Point Loma, 113-64, to win their final exhibition game.
Arizona starting lineup: Jaden Bradley, KJ Lewis, Trey Townsend, Tobe Awaka, and Caleb Love.
Point Loma starting lineup: Tyce Paulsen, Luke Haupt, Coby Barnes, Zachry Paulsen, and Wynton Brown.
The Wildcats faced the Sea Lions for the first time in program history as Point Loma Nazarene University, a Division II school from San Diego competing in the PacWest Conference, visited McKale Center.
The game began slowly, with Arizona’s early turnovers allowing Point Loma to take an 8-4 lead, drawing surprised murmurs from the crowd. Once in rhythm, the Wildcats responded with a 14-point run and maintained control for the rest of the game.
Point Loma turnovers and Arizona fast breaks brought the score to 59-45 at the half – a closer game than anticipated.
Arizona basketball widened the gap in the second half, reaching its largest lead of 49 points near the end of play.
Takeaway #1: This isn’t a 3-point contest
Both teams struggled with three-pointers early on, taking low-percentage shots. Arizona hit 5 of 12 (42%) from beyond the arc in the first half, while Point Loma made just 6-of-17 (35%). Older fans in the crowd showed disproval.
These trends continued into the second half: Arizona finished the game shooting 10-of-25 (40%) from 3-point range, while Point Loma ended at 9 for 36 (25%).
3-pointers do not win games.
Takeaway #2: Fundamentals win games
“What are fundamentals? Fundamentals are repeatable habits,” said Arizona head coach Tommy Lloyd, underscoring the Wildcats’ focus on basics.
Arizona’s aggressive defense led to 15 steals and 4 blocks, which they converted into points off turnovers and fast breaks. Arizona dominated inside, scoring 56 points in the paint, while Point Loma scored just 18 from field goals.
The Wildcats also controlled the boards, securing 49 rebounds (35 defensive). Their teamwork was evident with 24 assists, and their bench added 43 points, demonstrating Arizona’s roster depth.
“We have a lot of pieces and a lot of weapons. We can come at you a lot of different ways,” said Lloyd.
Take away #3: Trey Townsend on top
This guy can play. By halftime, the 6-foot-6 forward from Oxford, Mich., had seven points and was perfect from the free-throw line (2-for-2). Townsend also contributed two defensive rebounds, an assist, a block, and a steal.
In the second half, he secured eight more rebounds, and 11 points, along with two additional assists and steals, all in just 24 total minutes of play.
Known for his hustle and heads-up plays, Townsend is already making a name for himself in only his second game as a Wildcat.
Looking forward
The Wildcats open their regular season next week at home against Canisius. Arizona basketball is 1-3 against the Golden Griffins historically, but this will be their first meeting in Tucson.
“I like how we’re trending. I love that we’re getting into the real thing and I’m excited to have another really good week of practice,” said coach Lloyd.
Next game for the Arizona Wildcats: vs. Canisius, Nov. 4 at 8 p.m. (11 p.m. EST)
Next game for the Point Loma Sea Lions: vs. Fort Lewis, Nov. 2 at 10:15 a.m. (1:15 p.m. EST)