The Arizona basketball team continues to impress, achieving a commanding 97-68 victory against the Auburn Tigers on Saturday, marking their fourth win over a ranked opponent this season. This follows their impressive performance against the UConn Huskies on November 19. Head coach Tommy Lloyd praised the depth of contributions from his players, highlighting freshman forward Koa Peat’s standout performance.
In the match against Auburn, Peat stepped up as a starter, leading the team with 18 points, along with five assists and four rebounds. Despite his strong showing, Lloyd noted that they need Peat to improve his rebounding skills, drawing a comparison to teammate Tobe Awaka, who averages 10 rebounds per game. Lloyd expressed his confidence in Peat’s potential, stating, “Koa’s a dynamic player… I wish he would have rebounded a little bit more. I think eventually he can rebound the ball like Tobe. That would be my expectation.”
The Wildcats have now firmly established themselves as a formidable force this season, moving into the game against Auburn with a ranking of No. 2. Following the victory, Lloyd was asked about the strength of his team in comparison to others in the nation. He emphasized a focus on continuous improvement, saying, “We just are going out there trying to win games, trying to get better each and every day in practice.” The Wildcats are gearing up for their next challenge against Alabama on December 13, as they aim to maintain their undefeated streak.
As the season progresses, Arizona’s determination and teamwork appear to set them on a positive trajectory, making them a team to watch as they pursue further success.