Caleb Holt delivered a commanding performance in his homecoming, leading the No. 12 Arizona Wildcats to an 80-69 victory over Auburn at Neville Arena. The Huntsville, Alabama native recorded season-highs of 24 points, nine rebounds, and five steals, showcasing his versatility on both ends of the floor. Holt shot 8-of-19 from the field and hit 4-of-6 from three-point range, providing the offensive spark that kept Arizona ahead throughout the contest.
The Huntsville native delivered a career night to lead the Wildcats to a third straight win.
The Wildcats extended their winning streak to three games after an initial loss to UCLA, relying on a balanced attack to neutralize Auburn’s late-game efforts. While Holt anchored the offense, Arizona’s defense tightened up in the fourth quarter, with JJ Mandaquit, Motiejus Krivas, and Ivan Kharchenkov delivering crucial stops and buckets to stifle Auburn’s rally. This collective effort ensured the Wildcats maintained control in the final minutes, securing a decisive road win.
In the postgame press conference, Holt expressed deep gratitude for the support of his teammates, stating that winning in his home state “means everything.” He credited his squad for giving him the freedom to play instinctively, noting, “I just came out and played free. I just went out and hooped.” Holt’s emotional connection to the location and his statistical dominance highlight a pivotal moment in his development as a key contributor for the Arizona program.
Source: Yahoo Sports
