Watch: 8 best things Arizona Wildcats said after scraping by Oregon
It was close, but the Ducks didn't have enough as No. 17 Arizona held off Oregon 90-83. Watch what the Wildcats had to say afterwards on Saturday.
"Best overall win of the season"
Updated
Arizona Wildcats head coach Sean Miller yells toward a Wildcat player during the second half of the No. 17 University of Arizona Wildcats vs. University of Oregon Ducks men's college basketball game at McKale Center on Jan. 13, 2018, in Tucson, Ariz. Arizona won 90-83.
By Justin Spears / Arizona Daily Star
When No. 17 Arizona battled Oregon, it was a complete 180-degree difference compared to Thursday night against Oregon State.
The Wildcats started the game shooting 6 of 6 from the field and jumped out to a 19-9 lead in the first half. However, the Ducks quickly put out the fire and scrapped together a 19-9 run to end the first half.
The conclusion of the first half was a story in itself when UA head coach Sean Miller "almost had an out-of-body experience" when talking to the officials for an out-of-bounds call on Arizona when an Oregon defender slapped the ball out of Rawle Alkins' hands. As players walked into the locker room, Miller continued to jabber at the officials.
There were questionable calls on both teams throughout the course of the game so it evened out.
Arizona senior forward Keanu Pinder impacted the Cats off the bench, and contributed 6 points, but it was his defensive effort that fueled the team especially in the second half. Pinder contributed two blocks and a steal, but his minutes were crucial especially when Dusan Ristic got into foul trouble.
It was close, but the Ducks couldn't execute in the closing minutes as the Wildcats sealed a 90-83 win. Pinder, Miller and Alkins held a postgame press conference, here's what they had to say:
Pinder's impact
UpdatedKeanu Pinder on defensive energy and knowing his role. pic.twitter.com/9AAE78RpDA
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) January 13, 2018
"I thought I was having a stroke in the locker room"
UpdatedSean Miller on the last possession before halftime when the officials made a questionable call: “I had an out-of-body experience.” pic.twitter.com/PkDmlywxz7
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) January 13, 2018
Closing minutes and Pinder's performance
UpdatedSean Miller on the final four-minute stretch and says today was all about Keanu Pinder’s performance. pic.twitter.com/uYXS4QAwQY
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) January 13, 2018
Pinder's role compared to last season
UpdatedSean Miller on Keanu Pinder’s minutes this season compared to 2016-17. pic.twitter.com/juVRWCHhAh
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) January 13, 2018
Defense won the game
UpdatedRawle Alkins says defense was the biggest reason Arizona won, and Keanu Pinder compares this year’s Oregon matchup to last year when he played against Jordan Bell. pic.twitter.com/cpmT5M5EF3
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) January 13, 2018
Bench play is MIA
UpdatedSean Miller on the state of Arizona’s bench. pic.twitter.com/0A5iul0zIN
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) January 13, 2018
Deandre Ayton is out of this world
UpdatedSean Miller on Deandre Ayton: “I’ve never seen anything like him.” pic.twitter.com/m8cV06sGeS
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) January 13, 2018
Alkins finding his rhythm
UpdatedSean Miller says despite missing time with a broken foot injury, @Iam_RawleAlkins is better than he’s ever been and that his best basketball is still out in front of him. pic.twitter.com/gI1ZovBeYi
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) January 13, 2018
