The Wildcats ambled down to breakfast at 6:30 a.m. Arizona time, two hours earlier than they normally would on the day of a game. They also skipped their pregame shootaround.
“It’s a different feeling” playing at 10 a.m., body time, UA coach Sean Miller said. “You do the math — you wake up for pregame meal at 6:30, 7:30, whatever time it is, and I think it takes a maturity and a concentration from your group.”
Apparently they had it. Alkins, Simmons and Allen all played 37 minutes, and Simmons shrugged off a question about it after the game.
“We do everything in practice like it would be a game, so when we get our here, our energy and intensity is ready for it,” Simmons said.
Alkins credited the UA staff and trainers for getting the players in shape, while center Lauri Markkanen said his experience helped.
“I’ve been used to it playing with the (Finland) national team,” Markkanen said. “It’s just fun to play early and get home early.”
Arizona’s charter was expected to arrive in Tucson in time for dinner. The Wildcats will have the same schedule next Saturday, when they will play Texas A&M in Houston at 10 a.m. Arizona time.
