No. 5 Arizona secured its first victory of the season with a dominant 104-84 home win over Cal Poly, snapping a tough start that included a loss to UCLA in the opener. Motiejus Krivas, who has drawn significant NBA attention, anchored the Wildcats’ offense with a game-high 30 points and eight rebounds. The blowout performance showcased Arizona’s offensive firepower, yet head coach Tommy Lloyd emphasized that the result does not erase the underlying mechanical issues the team must address to compete at the highest level.
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In a post-game interview with Andy Katz, Lloyd offered a candid assessment, describing the squad as a “work in progress” that is still “figuring itself out.” While acknowledging Cal Poly’s relentless effort and praising specific moments of execution, Lloyd stressed that the team cannot afford to let up. He noted that establishing consistent effort is non-negotiable for a roster of this caliber, urging his players to maintain intensity throughout all four quarters rather than coasting during stretches of the game.
The most critical takeaway from Lloyd’s comments was his specific criticism of the team’s defensive fundamentals, particularly their handling of loose balls and rebounding. The reigning Naismith Coach of the Year described the team as “allergic” to loose balls, a glaring vulnerability that could prove costly against tougher opponents. As Arizona looks to build on this win, the focus shifts from the scoreboard to the details, with Lloyd demanding a higher standard of hustle and positional discipline to solidify the program’s status as a national contender.
Source: Yahoo Sports
