After falling to Seattle Pacific University last week, the Arizona Wildcats will look to get back on track against the Humboldt State Lumberjacks on Thursday night.
With the regular season opener just six days away, Sean Miller and the 'Cats will use the game as another opportunity to gel with each other on the court. It was apparent this team lacked chemistry in their first exhibition matchup and another game against a quality D-II opponent should benefit Arizona greatly.
The game will tipoff at 6:30 p.m. in Tucson. It will be televised live on Fox Sports Net Arizona. The game will also be available for purchase online at ArizonaAthletics.com.
UA played so poorly against SPU that it is difficult to highlight certain areas the most improvement, but there are two aspects of tonight's game that I personally will be watching for.
The first -- and probably the most obvious one to Wildcat fans everywhere -- is the post play. More specifically, redounding and protecting the basket. Arizona was out rebounded by a much smaller Seattle Pacific team last week and they imposed their will around the basket. That cannot happen if Arizona hopes to win this season.
Whether it be Kyryl Natyazhko, Jesse Perry, Sidiki Johnson, Angelo Chol or one of the wing players, someone needs to step up tonight and for the rest of the season.
The second aspect of the game that is most intriguing has to be the play of the seniors. Kyle Fogg was nonexistent in the last game and finished with three points. Jesse Perry started well, but had no impact on the game in the second half. Brendon Lavender hit a few shots early and then became timid on the court. Arizona needs their seniors to play well this season and there is no better time than tonight for these three to get back on track.