Watch: 9 best things Arizona Wildcats said at Tuesday's news conference

Humbled trip

It's never easy losing three consecutive games in college basketball, especially when the games are back-to-back-to-back. 

Freshman phenom Deandre Ayton performed at a high level, averaging 22 points and 12 rebounds per game in his homecoming. Ayton is third in defensive rebounds in college basketball, but head coach Sean Miller believes Ayton will be "leaps and bounds" better by January and February.

However, Ayton's performance isn't used as a silver lining for the Bahamas trip, because the game results didn't match with how well he played. Another freshman who stepped up in the final game against No. 18 Purdue was Brandon Randolph. The freshman wing finished with 17 points on 7 of 11 shooting. 

Looking ahead, Miller and Randolph said the point of emphasis right now for Arizona is defense considering the Cats gave up 80 points in two games in the Bahamas. 

Miller and Randolph held a press conference Tuesday, here's what they had to say:  

Not the end of the world

Sean Miller says there has been worst stories in sports than Arizona’s fallout in the Bahamas. Miller says losing three games in the Battle 4 Atlantis could be the best thing to ever happen to Arizona. pic.twitter.com/NbtCSm3Pd7

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) November 28, 2017

Every loss in the Bahamas mattered

Sean Miller says no loss was more concerning than the other and Arizona was rattled in the first game when the Cats played NC State, because it was going to be a blowout. pic.twitter.com/8qD7CPbtuQ

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) November 28, 2017

Learning experience

Arizona freshman Brandon Randolph on coming back from the Bahamas and using the trip as a learning experience especially on defense. pic.twitter.com/1MIZjZqg6L

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) November 28, 2017

Extra motivation against Long Beach State

Brandon Randolph on looking ahead to Long Beach State and the extra motivation to get back on the court: pic.twitter.com/EMy6CwvG7r

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) November 28, 2017

'Wake up call'

Sean Miller says the three losses in the Battle 4 Atlantis was a “wake up call” for Arizona. pic.twitter.com/xVCwFlTSp3

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) November 28, 2017

Rawle Alkins' status

Sean Miller on Rawle Alkins’ return and how it’s crucial for the freshmen to step up moving forward: pic.twitter.com/wzuJUfUrVs

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) November 28, 2017

Class is in session

Sean Miller compares this season like a class and Arizona needs to do whatever it can “to get the best grade possible” and is eager for Deandre Ayton’s potential in January and February. pic.twitter.com/kIYZgVdktk

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) November 28, 2017

Qualities of a defensive stopper

Sean Miller on what he needs for Arizona to have a defensive stopper: pic.twitter.com/UaG0bg3vS0

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) November 28, 2017

Brandon Randolph will start Wednesday against Long Beach State

Sean Miller says Brandon Randolph will start Wednesday against Long Beach State. pic.twitter.com/CjQi7oeeDo

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) November 28, 2017