Tommy Lloyd postgame.
“The sun may be shining on this team and me coaching it right now. When it’s shining on you, you have to fight like hell to protect it and build it. That’s what I feel like my number one responsibility is… for those who came before me and for those who are going to follow after me. Arizona’s going to have another good coach after me, I promise you. The place is special.”
Ivan Kharchenkov was so freaking good tonight. Bear Down!!!! I'm going to be seeing him attack the rim with layups in my sweet dreams tonight. @ArizonaMBB
“I know this -- There’s a good-looking guy with white hair looking down on us right now that’s happy!”
Tommy Lloyd pays his respects to the legendary Lute Olson.
Prediction: Both teams play fairly even with Arizona holding a 6-8 point edge most of the way. Purdue pulls close late, but Wildcats hold them off 82-73. Bradley, Burries, Peat, ADO in double digits scoring
Purdue vs Arizona elite 8 keys to the game
1. Avoid foul trouble, especially early in this game. Target might be on TKR after the media lately
2. Stay within 5 rebounds. Keep it close
3. Braden masterclass. We need it to win this game. No doubt
4. 40% or better from 3. Vital to win this game
5. At least one roll player needs to step. One of Benter Omer or Gicarri need to have a good game.
6. Transition defense is paramount. We must keep them in the half court and limit possessions as much as possible
7. People may hate this, but make them beat us from 3. It’s not their game. They may just beat us, but make it on our terms
8. Lay EVERYTHING on the line. Players, coaches, fans. Be invested, be detailed, and execute.
HERE. WE. COME. 3 more!!
Boiler up
@BA_Nasty Billy Richmond obviously got ejected because Arkansas had given up and was loosely trying to injure Arizona players for several minutes and enough was enough.
Massive battle tonight between No. 1 Arizona and No. 2 Purdue for a Final Four berth.
Arizona looks unstoppable and has played well against elite competition all year. However, Purdue will be the best offense they've faced this season.
Prediction: Arizona 81, Purdue 75
Arizona has looked like the best team in the field so far but Purdue was +4 in the Big 10 title vs. Michigan. Two weeks later you can get +6 vs. Zona, who has basically the same net rating. Feels like the market is overreacting a bit to what Zona did to Ark.
@JavierJMorales Sincere question. How is any of this information relevant to today’s team? The last time the school made the Elite 8 was in 2015. The guys playing today were little kids and the entire coaching staff was either coaching different programs or not even coaches yet.