Arizona’s journey through the NCAA Tournament is scheduled to begin on Friday against Long Island University in San Diego.
It’s the fifth straight year that Arizona has earned a spot in the tournament. All five appearances have come in the Tommy Lloyd era. The Wildcats enter the tournament with a record of 32-2, and with the Big 12 regular season and tournament championships.
Throughout this season, Arizona has shown an ability to win in many ways. Here are things the Wildcats are going to need to do to be successful in the NCAA tourney, as well as things it can’t do.
Owning the Paint is Essential
The main way Arizona has been able to win its games this season is the ability to absolutely own the paint. Tobe Awaka has made a living down low with his footwork and ability to pound his way to the rim. He averages 9.4 points per game.
Motiejus Krivas has also proven to be efficient down low. His hook shot gives him more range compared to Awaka, but both make their livings in the paint.
Koa Peat adds to that frontcourt presence. His fadeaway jumper keeps his defenders honest, otherwise it’s an easy path to the rim for Peat.
With the frontcourt presence, defenses now have to worry about the guards on the outside. The key to the guards also being successful is the ability to penetrate, drive and work their way to the rim.
There have been a very small number of teams that have been able to outscore a Lloyd team in the paint. That trend will need to continue if Arizona wants to keep playing in April.
Opportunistic Three-Point Shooting
This season, Arizona has proven to be a good but not spectacular 3-point shooting team. On the season, UA is shooting 36 percent from beyond the arch. For many teams, this could be a recipe for disaster.
However, for the Wildcats, the percentage may be low, but when you look closer the shots they are taking is what matters. Arizona does not just throw up threes, it shoots open ones.
The offense works through its many different options in how to attack, most of the time the ball finds its way down low. When it finds its way outside the paint, most of the time the shots are open.
Opportunistic is the way people should look at Arizona’s 3-point shooting. In timely moments or when the Wildcats need it the most, the three point shots are being knocked down.
Staying Out of Foul Trouble is a Must
Particularly for the big men, staying out of foul trouble will need to be critical during the tournament games. There have been four Wildcats that have fouled out of a game at one point this season.
The trio of Awaka, Krivas, and Peat have all fouled out before, as well as Brayden Burries who fouled out in the season opener but hasn’t since. Seven of the eight rotational players for the Wildcats have had a game of at least four fouls this season.
If the big men get into foul trouble, it reduces the chances of Arizona being able to control the glass and the paint.
Arizona is shooting 73.4 percent from the charity stripe this season.