The Arizona Wildcats defeated the Utah Tech Trailblazers 93-67 on Friday night. The Wildcats were led by 18 points from Koa Peat, Brayden Burries and Anthony Dell’Orso. Utah Tech gave Arizona a run for their money in the first half but Tommy Lloyd was able to make adjustments as Arizona pulled away. This is the first time since 1973-74 that Arizona has opened the season with back to back 90+ point performances.
Aussie Eruption
Anthony Dell’Orso led Arizona in first half scoring with 15 loud points. The sharpshooter from down under proved that he is a better player than the version of himself that fans were introduced to last season. Dell’Orso showcased his deep shooting range, improved defensive capabilities, as well as his passing. The man they call “Delly,” racked up 4 assists on the night as well.
“He’s so much better… Delly has really made improvements in his game and he took a lot of things to heart last year. He’s gotten physically a lot more able to play at this level.”
Arizona Head Coach Tommy Lloyd on Dell’Orso taking strides.
Fans have fallen in love with his beard but his defense and physical size have been the most notable on-court improvements this year for Dell’Orso. Time will tell if they pay off during Big 12 play.
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Brayden Burries Wakes Up
Star freshman Brayden Burries struggled mightily against the Florida Gators who held him to just six points before Burries fouled out of the game, making him look inexperienced on defense. Burries was expected to play better in this game and he did, sort of.
Burries poured in 18 points, grabbed three rebounds, and dished out three assists. These numbers look good for the young guard but he again struggled to adjust in this one during the first half.
Burries did not look too hot to start this one but still found ways to impact the game, nabbing two steals and two assists in the first 20 minutes. Despite these stats being good, they do not tell the story of his first half. Burries had five points and four turnovers.
brayden burries half one vs 2
In the 2nd half however, Burries was lights out. He shot 2-3 on his three point attempts, committed zero turnovers and made his presence felt. Fans have high expectations for the young combo-guard but acclimating to the college game takes time and fans would be wise to let Burries grow into his role alongside this team as he becomes the player he’s capable of being.
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Burries potential is sky-high and he showed flashes of that tonight, turning tough layups into silky smooth finishes and putting his shooting stroke on display.
All-Out Awaka
Tobe Awaka is a fan-favorite on this team for a reason. The former Tennessee Volunteer puts his full effort into every game that he plays in. Awaka’s ability to rebound the ball is his calling card and his tenacity is the attribute that stands out on the screen. He racked up 18 rebounds against Utah Tech, a season high mark for an Arizona player this season.
Awaka paired his rebound tally with 12 points and a block as well. His ability to impact and help close games is a massive part of what he brings to the roster. He also became just the 7th D-I player in the last 20 seasons with 18 rebounds or more in less than 20 game minutes. That’s true board-dominance from Arizona’s backup big.
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Arizona To Continue Rolling On
Arizona will face Northern Arizona University Tuesday November 11th on ESPN+ at 7:00pm. NAU will be heavy underdogs in this in-state matchup as they look to improve to 2-1 on their young season.
Wildcats fans though will undoubtedly be looking ahead to the marquee matchup with UCLA on November 14th at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles.
For more on these upcoming games and more Arizona athletics coverage, make sure to tune into the AZ Wildcats Podcast with Damon Fairall & Kevin Thomas.
