In a gritty showdown, Arizona emerged victorious over Baylor with an 87-80 win on Tuesday, defying expectations of an easier matchup. The Wildcats, led by head coach Tommy Lloyd, displayed remarkable resilience on the road.
"It was a great basketball game," Lloyd remarked. "We knew coming in it would be tough.
We've been on the road for what feels like a week, and after a big win on Saturday, we couldn't afford to overlook Baylor. Scott's team is packed with talent, and despite their tough year, they showed their potential today."
Despite battling injuries and missing key players, Arizona's toughness shone through, something Lloyd takes immense pride in. "Our guys hung in there," he said.
"This was a game that required incredible fortitude. If toughness isn't the first word in any narrative about our program, then people aren't doing their homework."
Arizona's defense struggled at times, but they found enough momentum in the second half to secure the win. "We didn't get everything going defensively," Lloyd admitted.
"Seasons are long and games are tough. It's easy to give up when you're punched on the road, but our guys don't have that character.
Bradley and Burries were outstanding today, and Ivan's key plays down the stretch were inspiring."
The Wildcats turned the tide on the boards, overcoming a first-half deficit to out-rebound Baylor 23-11 in the second half. "Offensive rebounding is the best insurance policy on offense," Lloyd explained.
"We challenged our guys at halftime to be more committed on the glass and with turnovers. They set the standard in the second half."
Looking ahead, Arizona faces challenges with upcoming games against Kansas and Iowa State, underscoring the rigors of the Big 12. "We're in the thick of it," Lloyd noted.
"Baylor's record in conference play shows how tough the Big 12 is. There's a thin line between success and struggle, and none of us should take it for granted.
Scott's team might be having a tough time, but they're building for the Big 12 tournament."
Koa Peat was seen warming up pre-game, hinting at improving health within the team. "Our training staff has been incredible," Lloyd praised.
"Delly's competitive character is impressive, even if he's not at 100 percent. We're short on options, but our medical staff is keeping us in the fight.
We hope to have reinforcements soon, and the physical toughness our guys are showing is commendable."
As Arizona gears up for a challenging weekend, Lloyd emphasized the need for recovery and readiness. "It's been a tough stretch, but we're excited for the opportunity ahead."