The Arizona Wildcats will look to get back on their feet on Tuesday night at the McKale Center as they welcome in the Oakland Golden Grizzlies. The UA enters the matchup after a big letdown against Gonzaga, although the 'Cats have a chance to string together a long winning streak in the coming weeks with a favorable schedule.
This streak begins against Oakland. While they may not be a big name, this is a quality program that earned a No. 13 seed in last year's NCAA tournament. The Grizzlies, who are out of Michigan, are led by head coach Greg Kampe. Expect an up-tempo offense to take the floor at McKale; they average more than 80 points a night and feature athletes capable of hanging with Arizona.
Oakland has losses to Arkansas, Alabama, Michigan and Ohio, and their best win comes against Tennessee. In their most recent game, the Grizzlies defeated Valparaiso at the buzzer, a team the Wildcats defeated 73-64 in the season opener.
Senior guard Reggie Hamilton can take over a game with his ability to score the ball in a multitude of ways and is among the best in the nation averaging 22 points-per-game. Freshman Corey Petros has really impressed this season and is averaging a double-double. In a blast from the past, Laval Lucas-Perry, who transferred to Michigan from Arizona in 2008 before transferring to Oakland last season is averaging 12 points off the bench.
TV Coverage: FOX Sports Arizona, KWBA in Tucson.
Radio: 1290 AM The Source
Projected Starting Lineup: Jordin Mayes, Kyle Fogg, Nick Johnson, Solomon Hill, Jesse Perry.
Final Prediction: Arizona 78 - Oakland 71; if the Wildcats underestimate the Golden Grizzlies, they'll lose. That being said, this team knows they need to get it in gear if they hope to make a run this season. That begins tonight as Kyle Fogg breaks out for 20+ points.