Arizona Basketball: Preview vs. Canisius

Arizona basketball begins its regular season with a matchup against Canisius University on Monday.

#10 Arizona basketball faces Canisius University on Nov. 4 at 8 p.m. MST (10 p.m. EST). This is the Wildcat’s first regular season game, following big victories over Eastern New Mexico and Point Loma. 

General Information:

Teams: Arizona (0-0) and Canisius (0-0)

Tip time: 8 p.m. (10 p.m. EST)

Watch: ESPN+

Listen: Wildcats Radio 1290 AM

What to know about Canisius

The Golden Griffins enter the 2024-25 season after finishing 14-18 overall and 8-12 in MAAC play. They made it past the first round of the MAAC tournament in a 77-61 victory over Mount St. Mary’s but were cut short in the quarterfinals in a 76-52 loss against Quinnipiac. 

They are playing their first game under new head coach Jim Christian. Christian’s last head coaching job came at Boston College where he was fired after starting their 2021-22 season 3-13. However, he did have some early success at Kent State, winning two MAC regular season and tournament titles with the Golden Flashes.

Crucial players for the Golden Griffins are transfer Tana Kopa from LIU, transfer Anthony Benard from Mercer, and the highest-scoring returning player Cam Palesse. Canisius lost their top six scorers to the transfer portal over the offseason.

Latest on Arizona basketball

Arizona is looking to get their regular season rolling after an extremely successful preseason lineup. They would be electric, winning both of their matchups by 40+ points. 

Their new transfers and team role seem to be working as well with standout Trey Townsend dropping 24 points against EMNU and 18 against Point Loma. Townsend would lead the team in scoring for both these outings, as well as showing crucial team effort at rebounds and assisting.

Carter Bryant, Arizona’s star-studded recruit, appeared to also catch steam against Point Loma with 13 points on 6-8 shooting with two rebounds and two steals.

The Wildcats look to gain some early momentum before their clash against the Duke Blue Devils in McKale Center on Nov. 22.