Arizona Wildcats Triumph Over Cal Poly in Home Opener
The Arizona Wildcats men’s basketball team showcased a dominant performance in their home opener, securing a decisive 104-84 victory against Cal Poly on Thursday night.
Ranked No. 5 nationally, the Wildcats (1-1) set the pace early, amassing an impressive 59 points in the first half alone. Coach Tommy Lloyd noted the game’s unpredictable nature, stating, “It was an up-and-down game. Obviously, we’re happy to get the win, and we don’t make light of any win. I thought Cal Poly presented a lot of challenges, especially with the relentlessness they play with and their three-point shooting from various positions.”
Enthusiasm surrounding the game was palpable, with an attendance of 13,989 fans supporting the Wildcats. Lloyd expressed gratitude for the fan engagement, saying, “It was lit… There are some dedicated fans, and I’m going to do everything I can to get them on their feet every time they come out here.”
Standout Performers
Senior center Motiejus Krivas was the star of the night, posting a career-high 30 points on 10-of-13 shooting and an impressive 10-for-12 from the free-throw line, along with two blocks and eight rebounds. Freshman guard Cameron Holmes praised his teammate, stating, “Mo is an amazing individual on and off the court… It’s like a fresh breath of air, just going out there to play with a skilled big guy who protects the rim.”
Additionally, sophomore forward Ivan Kharchenkov continued to impress by contributing a double-double of 16 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists. Coach Lloyd expressed his optimism for Holmes and the rest of the team as they seek to build on these experiences: “There are a lot of things we can build on. I hope defensively he kind of settles in and quits making up his own rules.”
Game Highlights
The game had its share of thrilling plays. The Wildcats started strong, leading 11-3 before facing a field goal drought that allowed Cal Poly to close in. However, a 9-0 run propelled Arizona back to a 25-15 lead. By halftime, the Wildcats had created a sizeable margin, leading 48-27.
Defensively, Arizona was aggressive, recording 14 steals and converting 25 points off turnovers, alongside 17 fast-break points. Guard Kylan Holt highlighted the team’s strategy, acknowledging some of the risks involved in their aggressive play while emphasizing the need to remain smart on the court. Holt scored 21 points without attempting a single three-pointer, illustrating his ability to adapt his game to the evolving flow of play.
Despite Cal Poly’s efforts to narrow the gap, including a strong performance from junior guard Hamad Mousa—who scored 30 points—the Wildcats maintained control, eventually reaching the 100-point mark with just over three minutes left in the game.
Upcoming Challenges
Looking ahead, the Wildcats will face Northern Arizona at home on Tuesday at 7 p.m. (ESPN+). The Lumberjacks, who recently suffered a defeat against UNLV (89-77), will present another challenge, particularly with former Arizona player Josh Pastner at the helm as UNLV’s head coach.
Off-Court Developments
In other news, forward RJ Godfrey has taken legal action regarding his fifth year of eligibility, filing suit against the Arizona Board of Regents, claiming improper certification by the university. Coach Lloyd indicated he was unaware of these developments until after the game, emphasizing the need for more information on the situation.
Furthermore, Kharchenkov’s recent performances have drawn attention, as he became the first Wildcat since Deandre Ayton in 2018 to score over 30 points in back-to-back games.
Historical Context and Series Records
- Arizona leads the all-time series against Cal Poly, holding a perfect 5-0 record.
- The Wildcats are currently 19-0 in home openers since 2007, with their last home-opening loss occurring against Virginia.
With the Wildcats demonstrating strength in their home opener, the team looks poised for continued success as they refine their skills and strategies for a competitive season ahead.
