Arizona basketball (13-6, 7-1 Big 12) reignited its hot streak after a 78-63 win against Colorado (9-10, 0-8 Big 12).
Arizona basketball keeps their season rolling with what might be the start of a new winning streak after they have won two straight against Oklahoma State and now Colorado. Arizona is 9-1 in their last ten games completing the season turnaround that was needed for this team.
They ebbed and flowed throughout many parts of the game constantly keeping the teams close and the fans tuned in more than ever. However, the Wildcats would begin to pull away as the second half came to a close.
Despite Colorado’s early attempts to keep it close, dominant performances from Anthony Dell’Orso, KJ Lewis and Caleb Love pushed the Wildcats to the advantage and showcased their second-half dominance while at home.
Takeaway #1: Arizona answered the call and excelled when Colorado made it close
Arizona would hold a 7-point lead over the Buffaloes several times in the first half. Despite these big stands, Colorado would be knocking at Arizona’s door constantly, such as leading Arizona by a single point late into the first.
Their offense and defense experienced slow downs as in the first half Arizona was losing the rebounds game 20-18 and going 4-14 from the three-point line.
However, Arizona would turn around and dominate Colorado in the second half. Anthony Dell’Orso would shoot 4-6 from behind the arc getting 14 of his 20 points in just the second half. Dell’Orso remained a strict offensive machine getting his point total without any rebounds or assists.
“I’ve told Delli [Dell’Orso] all along, that you got to stay locked in and ready because there’s going to be nights we might need you to be our leading scorer,” said head coach Tommy Lloyd. “He did that tonight. He was great.”
KJ Lewis would also find his stride in the second half going 4-5 from the field with 10 of his 12 points coming in the second. This was Lewis’ highest-scoring game since the outing at West Virginia earlier this month.
Not only was Lewis key on offense, but his skill extended beyond scoring. He had 4 steals and had 6 assists, with most coming in the first half.
Caleb Love also had a rocky start not scoring well into the first half, off of a trip to the free throw line. After this, he would go off scoring 6 more points until the half ended, and he would close the game with 10 total.
Takeaway #2: Arizona was able to capitalize on crucial Colorado mistakes
As seen before in KJ Lewis’ ability to grab early steals, Arizona was able to find meaningful possessions off of Colorado’s mistakes.
Colorado would end the game with 15 turnovers over Arizona’s 10. Despite this close outcome, Arizona would excel in the points resulting from their turnovers. Arizona would have 19 points over Colorado’s 10 after these turnovers.
When on the fast break, Arizona would show the Buffaloes’ defense scoring 19 points off fast break possessions over Colorado’s 4. This disparity widens when we see Arizona had 11 points over Colorado’s 0 in the second. Arizona was able to capitalize on defensive inconsistency and control the court.
Takeaway #3: Colorado made Arizona look sloppy to open up the first half
Arizona opened their game with some leads, but ultimately this matchup started back and forth. This was seen in Colorado’s shift from a traditional man defense to a zone, which confused Arizona early on.
“Expect the unexpected,” said Lloyd.
Colorado was able to limit Arizona’s shooters, while also keeping more rebounds to themselves. They would dominate the paint and cause Arizona to panic at some moments putting up ill-advised three-pointers.
Colorado’s Bangot Dak was scoreless in the first but provided crucial flame to the offense with his 2 steals on Arizona. Colorado wouldn’t relent from the zone coverage maintaining it even when the game inched away.
This change wouldn’t last long as after half, Arizona would reshape their game and break apart the early controlling zone.
“The 40 minutes [of zone coverage] was a bit of a shock, but either way, we figured it out,” said Dell’Orso.
Next up for Arizona basketball (13-6, 7-1): vs. No. 3 Iowa State – Jan. 27 at 8:30 p.m. MST
Next up for Colorado basketball (9-10, 0-8): vs. Arizona State – Jan. 28 at 7 p.m. MST