'It's not OK to lose': Sean Miller, Ira Lee talk expectations ahead of ASU trip

Wildcats focused on getting better ahead of visit to Tempe

Sean Miller and Ira Lee didn't mince words Tuesday when it came to one of Arizona's worst road trips in more than two decades.

An NCAA Tournament team?

"No," Miller said.

"After the past two games, would you think so?" Lee added.

Fresh off a deflating trip to Los Angeles, where opponents outscored UA 170-126 for the school's worst deficit over a two-game stretch since 1983, it's clear to the Wildcats that they have their work cut out.

It can't help that Arizona is on its longest run of road games this season. By the next time the Wildcats take their home floor on Feb. 7 (Washington), it will have been 19 days since their last game at McKale Center.

Up first is a trip Thursday to an Arizona State team that Miller called quick and physical. Here's what Miller and Lee talked about during the Wildcats' press conference on Tuesday:

'It's not OK to lose'

Sean Miller talks about coaching amid the high expectations at Arizona pic.twitter.com/4se5VZ8ihB

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) January 29, 2019

Jeter missed practice Monday

Sean Miller says Chase Jeter is still making progress from a back injury suffered 10 days ago. Jeter didn’t practice Monday. pic.twitter.com/w3L5adIsRC

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) January 29, 2019

'Thank goodness he came back to us'

Sean Miller talks about the importance of Brandon Williams (12 PPG & 19 PTS at UCLA) on a team that’s still dealing with turnover from last season. “He’s a shining light on our team.” pic.twitter.com/BzavroSI1K

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) January 29, 2019

Coach compares ASU's Luguentz Dort to Rawle Alkins

“When you get 20 rebounds in a game ... that’s crazy.” Sean Miller on what Zylan Cheatham brings to the court, and how a combination of players has made ASU a threat. pic.twitter.com/6NtXGxcttr

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) January 29, 2019

Lee vows the Wildcats will bounce back

Ira Lee says the Wildcats have grown closer since last season, and talks about some of the adversity Arizona is facing pic.twitter.com/f9gupWHC5y

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) January 29, 2019

Lee no stranger to Arizona hoops rivalry

Ira Lee, born and raised in Phoenix until he was 12, talks about how Bobby Hurley has given the Sun Devils life, and remembers watching James Harden. “I watched the damage he did and now he’s MVP, so it’s not a surprise. pic.twitter.com/qH1judSoAs

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) January 29, 2019