Watch: 9 best things Sean Miller, Brandon Williams said in pre-Baylor press conference

Arizona Wildcats face tough task against Baylor's zone defense

As finals week hits full stride and UA students are wrapping up their fall semester, the Wildcats will take a few extra days off and prepare for the Baylor Bears.

Arizona is coming off a 76-73 loss at Alabama and now holds a 7-3 record on the season with three nonconference games remaining: Baylor on Saturday, Montana on Dec. 19 and UC Davis on Dec. 22. 

Against Alabama, the Wildcats trailed by as many as 19 points in the first half, but clawed their way back and led by one point late in the second half. After scoring 47 bench points combined in the previous two wins, Arizona only scored six to Alabama's 29.

Brandon Williams scored 16 points on 4 of 7 shooting from 3-point range and dropped 10 points in the second half. Now the Wildcats turn to a 5-3 Baylor team that head coach Sean Miller said plays a blend of man-to-man and zone defense, which will be different for the Wildcats. 

Miller and Williams held a press conference on Wednesday to recap the loss against Alabama and preview the challenge ahead with Baylor. 

Miller's latest update with the team

Sean Miller provides an update as the players are in the middle of finals week: pic.twitter.com/INfhihVFVn

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) December 12, 2018

Falling through the cracks

Brandon Williams on how Arizona lost to Alabama: pic.twitter.com/CTDAW8RGJC

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) December 12, 2018

Sloppy play, transition defense vs. Alabama

Sean Miller says Arizona had its worst performance of the season against Alabama on Sunday. Miller emphasized that UA’s transition defense “left us.” pic.twitter.com/KziQbSCMri

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) December 12, 2018

Settling for jumpers

Sean Miller says Arizona relied on jump shots against Alabama which played a huge role in not getting to the free throw line. pic.twitter.com/gVY9I3JNra

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) December 12, 2018

Importance of Ira Lee

Sean Miller on Ira Lee: “We need him. This team needs him.”Miller also adds that Lee is a part of Arizona’s plan for the future. pic.twitter.com/sy7z5MSzkg

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) December 12, 2018

Williams finishing first semester at UA

Brandon Williams on finishing finals and his first semester at UA. Williams said his first semester at Arizona was shocked by the number of people in classes. pic.twitter.com/YosegqY9RK

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) December 12, 2018

Baylor's defense

Sean Miller says Baylor’s zone defense will be a challenge for Arizona. pic.twitter.com/lFHvza7D2f

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) December 12, 2018

Team chemistry with Emmanuel Akot starting, Ryan Luther as a reserve

Sean Miller on Emmanuel Akot in the starting lineup and Ryan Luther coming off the bench: pic.twitter.com/7NuO8Hx0mc

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) December 12, 2018

Guard play

Brandon Williams on meshing with Justin Coleman and Brandon Randolph: pic.twitter.com/oxsYmfxcJT

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) December 12, 2018