Bear Down Wildcats

No. 13/13 Arizona vs. USC

Saturday, Feb. 10 at 8:15 p.m. (MST)
TV: ESPN (Dave Pasch & Bill Walton)
Radio: Arizona IMG Radio Network (Brian Jeffries & Ryan Hansen)

Read more: http://arizonawildcats.com/news/2018/2/ ... -week.aspx" target="_blank

Game notes: http://arizonawildcats.com/documents/20 ... vs_USC.pdf" target="_blank

Can we not embarrass ourselves on national TV again please.

At least it's on late again, so the east coast pundits can't watch it.

I didn't even get to watch the ucla game (didn't even get to listen on the radio to it either) so I don't have any icky feelings from that game.

Probably a good thing, based on what I've read in the forums here.

Enfield’s game plan: Just dribble to the basket and lay the ball in. When the Trojans get bored, just shoot open 3-pointers. Apply 2-3 zone on defense to make sure Arizona won’t outscore you. Game over.

I’ll be shocked if Arizona defends, or Miller boosts Akot’s minutes in response to that problem.

USC 95
Arizona 80

And no, I’m not going to watch it.

The line on ESPN says Arizona -5.5. I can't believe that. We barely beat Utah & Colorado at home when favored by 8-9. I'm not seeing it and certainly not feeling it. No question this is a "character game" for Arizona. This one is on the players. I think Miller has schemed and used various strategies with zone, switching screens, etc... But at some point, it's on the players to step up and D up. Dusan said it following the UCLA loss. It's also a critical game for USC. They've dropped 2 in a row as well. With that said, don't be surprised if things get a little chippy. I'm glad we're at home.

If things begin to unravel, I think Miller simply needs to go with 5 players who are ready to bleed on the floor at McKale. And frankly, if that means Barcello, Pinder and whoever on the floor, then so be it. And I'd tell PJC, if he ISN'T in foul trouble in this game, then he isn't trying hard enough.

I would like to see a game where Ristic and Ayton are not on the court together. I didnt know this could be a problem but I think we are too big and not quick enough. With our lack of guarding ability on the perimeter we need quicker guys at the four to step in and help on defense. It might work or it might make it worse but at this point something needs to be shaken up.

jsbowl16 wrote:I would like to see a game where Ristic and Ayton are not on the court together. I didnt know this could be a problem but I think we are too big and not quick enough. With our lack of guarding ability on the perimeter we need quicker guys at the four to step in and help on defense. It might work or it might make it worse but at this point something needs to be shaken up.

Ayton can guard on the perimeter. He can check Boatwright. He can check Metu. Ristic can probably only handle Metu. But I don't think our bigs are the problem on defense. In fact, I know they aren't. Ayton & Ristic are our best rebounders and most efficient scorers.

zonagrad wrote:The line on ESPN says Arizona -5.5. I can't believe that. We barely beat Utah & Colorado at home when favored by 8-9. I'm not seeing it and certainly not feeling it. No question this is a "character game" for Arizona. This one is on the players. I think Miller has schemed and used various strategies with zone, switching screens, etc... But at some point, it's on the players to step up and D up. Dusan said it following the UCLA loss. It's also a critical game for USC. They've dropped 2 in a row as well. With that said, don't be surprised if things get a little chippy. I'm glad we're at home.

If things begin to unravel, I think Miller simply needs to go with 5 players who are ready to bleed on the floor at McKale. And frankly, if that means Barcello, Pinder and whoever on the floor, then so be it. And I'd tell PJC, if he ISN'T in foul trouble in this game, then he isn't trying hard enough.

So I guess we aren't talented and Vegas doesn't know anything?

They know everything. It is all between the ears. Time to see if Miller is a good coach and what the players are made of.

Vegas just looks for bets to go 50-50. Teams with a really strong betting fan base betting on their team disrupts the actual point scores.

Merkin wrote:Vegas just looks for bets to go 50-50. Teams with a really strong betting fan base betting on their team disrupts the actual point scores.

And you would be an idiot to do that now since UA is one of the worst teams in the country and is the worst in the PAC12

Yes they want 50 50 but their rankings of teams matter in that more than joe schmo getting blindly. And USC has more blind money bet on it than UA.

So doesn't work here today

PHXCATS wrote:

Merkin wrote:Vegas just looks for bets to go 50-50. Teams with a really strong betting fan base betting on their team disrupts the actual point scores.

And you would be an idiot to do that now since UA is one of the worst teams in the country and is the worst in the PAC12

Yes they want 50 50 but their rankings of teams matter in that more than joe schmo getting blindly. And USC has more blind money bet on it than UA.

So doesn't work here today

So often wrong. But never in doubt.

zonagrad wrote:

PHXCATS wrote:

Merkin wrote:Vegas just looks for bets to go 50-50. Teams with a really strong betting fan base betting on their team disrupts the actual point scores.

And you would be an idiot to do that now since UA is one of the worst teams in the country and is the worst in the PAC12

Yes they want 50 50 but their rankings of teams matter in that more than joe schmo getting blindly. And USC has more blind money bet on it than UA.

So doesn't work here today

So often wrong. But never in doubt.

I already posted the stats that prove the fact UA is worse in the conference vs the spread. And talk to anyone that works in sportbooks like I have. USC gets lots of blind money.

I'll be heading down to Tucson in a couple of hours to cheer on my Cats.

I would like to see Miller plant Ristic in the middle of the zone instead of Ayton (at least to start the game). I would rather see Ristic take the first couple of shots against the zone that SC will invariably throw at us. Ayton has shown a pattern of missing a lot of early jump shots (he missed damn near everything against UCLA). I would rather his first shot be a layup or slam dunk.........Let Ristic take the jumpers in the first 10 minutes. We need to get off to a fast start.

The PJC/Laughlin and Boatwright/Ristic matchups we will invariably see scare me to death. If PJC can't stop McLaughlin early on I hope Miller does what he did at UW in the 2nd half and sits PJC for Akot/Randolph/DS.

dmjcat wrote:I'll be heading down to Tucson in a couple of hours to cheer on my Cats.

I would like to see Miller plant Ristic in the middle of the zone instead of Ayton (at least to start the game). I would rather see Ristic take the first couple of shots against the zone that SC will invariably throw at us. Ayton has shown a pattern of missing a lot of early jump shots (he missed damn near everything against UCLA). I would rather his first shot be a layup or slam dunk.........Let Ristic take the jumpers in the first 10 minutes. We need to get off to a fast start.

The PJC/Laughlin and Boatwright/Ristic matchups we will invariably see scare me to death. If PJC can't stop McLaughlin early on I hope Miller does what he did at UW in the 2nd half and sits PJC for Akot/Randolph/DS.

Not to diminish your comments, but I think Arizona's shortcomings are apparent to everyone. Miller knows it. The fans know it. I'm sure the players know it. And you can bet USC knows it. Too bad there isn't an easy solution. It ultimately comes down to who is going to defend and play their ass off. And Miller can start subbing until he gets what he wants. But I'm afraid that even PJC feels like he's playing his ass off on D, it's still not good enough.

zonagrad wrote:

dmjcat wrote:I'll be heading down to Tucson in a couple of hours to cheer on my Cats.

I would like to see Miller plant Ristic in the middle of the zone instead of Ayton (at least to start the game). I would rather see Ristic take the first couple of shots against the zone that SC will invariably throw at us. Ayton has shown a pattern of missing a lot of early jump shots (he missed damn near everything against UCLA). I would rather his first shot be a layup or slam dunk.........Let Ristic take the jumpers in the first 10 minutes. We need to get off to a fast start.

The PJC/Laughlin and Boatwright/Ristic matchups we will invariably see scare me to death. If PJC can't stop McLaughlin early on I hope Miller does what he did at UW in the 2nd half and sits PJC for Akot/Randolph/DS.

Not to diminish your comments, but I think Arizona's shortcomings are apparent to everyone. Miller knows it. The fans know it. I'm sure the players know it. And you can bet USC knows it. Too bad there isn't an easy solution. It ultimately comes down to who is going to defend and play their ass off. And Miller can start subbing until he gets what he wants. But I'm afraid that even PJC feels like he's playing his ass off on D, it's still not good enough.

The solution is extremely easy. Play hard and smart consistently.

Longhorned wrote:Enfield’s game plan: Just dribble to the basket and lay the ball in. When the Trojans get bored, just shoot open 3-pointers. Apply 2-3 zone on defense to make sure Arizona won’t outscore you. Game over.

I’ll be shocked if Arizona defends, or Miller boosts Akot’s minutes in response to that problem.

USC 95
Arizona 80

And no, I’m not going to watch it.

A 15 point loss at home? Come on man. Miller will get things back on track the best he can and make the most of the rest of the season. I really believe that. Don't give up though. Now is when as fans we have to really get behind the team and CSM. They deserve our support through the wins and through the losses. A lot of good things can still happen.

Well the committee should have a long night ahead of them to decide the early top 16 seeds for tomorrow after tonight. It's so crazy today I think we have a chance to win this game!!!!!

U.P. Zona Fan wrote:Well the committee should have a long night ahead of them to decide the early top 16 seeds for tomorrow after tonight. It's so crazy today I think we have a chance to win this game!!!!!

I like our immediate chances, especially after the last two games. What worries me is our sustained likelihood of competing at our best level.

Tip at 8:20 now

JFC aTm finish them

Boatwright still not starting tonight

Sparking 3.

Good start

On ESPN News, but about to switch over to ESPN

There you go Rawle

Sweet move!

9-4 Cats

Akot, Pinder & Smith in. Looks like BR is on the outs

Good d

Bill is high tonight

9 teams? Bill...

Is that an assist to Akot?

Ayton still ice cold from 12-15'

Man, Ayton is really off this weekend. Take it to the rack

UAEebs86 wrote:Bill is high tonight

Bill is higher than I am...and I'm baaaaaked.

Pindah!

Get Pinder the ball! Not really, but he has been playing well

Give Randolph's minutes to Akot

I don't think that I knew Pinder had that finishing move in his repertoire

Is there any team in college bball since the advent of the shot clock that stands and holds the ball ... while no one on the team moves ... more than we do?

UAEebs86 wrote:Bill is high tonight

Bill is constantly taking painkillers due to all his injuries and surgeries.

Besides weed being legal in CA which he is all for.

Ugh, When is the last time we had this weak of a bench?

UAEebs86 wrote:Bill is high tonight

why should tonight be different than every other night

Merkin wrote:

UAEebs86 wrote:Bill is high tonight

Bill is constantly taking painkillers due to all his injuries and surgeries.

Besides weed being legal in CA which he is all for.

You gotta give him credit for getting on his bike and riding while ripped on vicodin or whatever. Dude got spirit.

Horrible call

So they don't call fouls when you push the shit out of Ayton when he catches the ball. Got it.

Got to stop dribble penetration

Ristic and PJC should not be playing this game

84Cat wrote:Ugh, When is the last time we had this weak of a bench?

Randolph has played two minutes and has two turnovers. He travelled like a kid who was trapped in quick sand and forgot the rules of basketball. How high was he rated as a recruit?

Wow, Ira Lee with a DWill move