Tommy Lloyd Analyzes Arizona’s Triumph Against No. 23 BYU
Arizona Wildcats showcased an impressive 3-point performance against No. 23 BYU, securing a 75-68 victory at McKale Center. This win marked a significant shift for the Wildcats, who had previously struggled with their shooting from beyond the arc. They successfully made 9 of their 21 attempts, achieving 43% accuracy, while scoring 27 points from three-point range compared to 26 in the paint.
Tie-Breaker Performance by Arizona
Head coach Tommy Lloyd praised his team’s adaptability. “We just found a way to win that might not be the normal way we play,” he noted. The availability of players was a challenge, as the Wildcats were short-handed, featuring only six rotation players due to injuries, notably missing freshman forward Koa Peat.
Key Players and Contributions
- Anthony Dell’Orso emerged as a key contributor, scoring 22 points off the bench.
- AJ Dybantsa of BYU put forth a remarkable effort, netting 35 points on 13 for 28 shooting.
Lloyd reflected on the resilience shown by his players amidst adversity. “Gritty win by our guys. We knew it was going to be tough,” he stated. Despite the team’s struggles due to injuries, he emphasized their determination and capability to embrace challenges.
Defensive Strategies Against Dybantsa
Lloyd acknowledged the difficulties in defending against Dybantsa. “Our intent wasn’t to give him easy baskets,” he remarked. The Wildcats aimed to force the freshman star to take contested shots, recognizing the need for better defensive coverage in their strategy.
Looking Ahead: Challenge Against No. 2 Houston
The victory over BYU ended a 2-game losing streak for Arizona. The team now faces a significant challenge this weekend against No. 2 Houston. “They do what they do and they do it really, really well,” Lloyd said about the upcoming match. “We got to go to battle and make it a game in their building.” The Wildcats are eager to build on their recent success and continue improving throughout the season.
