Wildcat Notebook: Wildcats rediscover winning ways in Athens

Last week’s trip to Athens, Ga., was exactly what the doctor ordered for the Arizona Wildcats.

Coming off the mistake-filled 72-71 defeat against the University of Alabama-Birmingham on Nov. 18, the Wildcats escaped the scrutiny and got back to basics in the low-pressure setting of Stegeman Coliseum.

Instead of playing in the high-profile winner’s bracket in the glitz and glamour of New York, Arizona (3-1) put together a pair of workmanlike efforts in relative anonymity.

While it might not have come with the fanfare that this program is accustomed to, it was a week that resulted in two desperately needed wins and a step toward forging an identity.

Arizona’s first game in the consolation bracket was little more than a glorified exhibition contest, as the woeful Mississippi State Valley Delta Devils (0-7) didn’t stand a chance.

The Wildcats charged to an early lead, due to Mississippi Valley State’s inability to convert any shot attempt. On the bright side, at no point during the contest did Arizona play down to its competition’s level, shooting nearly 63 percent. In fact, Jordan Hill and Chase Budinger each missed only one shot.

In the second game this past Tuesday, the Santa Clara Broncos (1-4) exposed one of Arizona’s major weaknesses — perimeter defense. The Broncos overcame Arizona’s sharp shooting (a 65-percent effor this time) by drilling eight of 18 three-pointers and holding a lead throughout most of the second half.

However, in what had to be a welcoming sight for Russ Pennell and his coaching staff, the Wildcats put together another late run (but with no inexplicable fouls as the clock inched toward zero) and pulled out an exciting 69-66 win.

So what did Wildcat fans learn from those two games?

Learning opportunities

First, Budinger and Hill will get every opportunity to lead the Pac-10 in scoring and rebounding this season. Through four games, Hill is averaging nearly 13 boards a game, and with little help on the interior, it’s unlikely that any Wildcat will cut into that number.

As for Budinger, he shook off a rough exhibition season to carry this Wildcat offense early on. He has four consecutive 20-point outings, and as long as his jumper keeps finding the mark, he’ll have more than enough shots to keep him busy.

Second, Pennell doesn’t trust his bench in tight spots, yet. For example, Budinger, Hill, Garland Judkins and Jamelle Horne each dealt with significant foul trouble, but Pennell only went seven deep that outing — well, eight if you include Brendon Lavender’s two minutes.

It’s going to take time for everyone to get comfortable with their roles on this team, but if Arizona’s big guns end up logging this many minutes early in the season, Wildcat fans might see that same fatigue factor that hindered last season’s team during Pac-10 play.

Third, the defense is a work-in-progress. Pennell and his fellow Wildcats call associate head coach Mike Dunlap “a basketball genius.” His innovative defensive sets haven’t done anything to dispel that notion.

When the Wildcats go into that 1-1-3 zone defense, it’s easy to see that this can be a disruptive set. However, a number of Arizona’s perimeter defenders are still developing the proper recognition skills.

Far too often, Arizona opponents have far too much time to set up and launch threes. UAB (13-30) and Santa Clara (8-18) feasted on wide-open jumpers. Imagine what will happen when teams like UCLA and Arizona State have that many opportunities.

Fourth, turnovers might be this offense’s achilles heel. Despite the two victories, the Wildcats had 18 giveaways against Mississippi Valley State and 16 against Santa Clara — numbers that must make Pennell’s skin crawl.

Today, the Wildcats return home to welcome Northern Arizona (1-4) to the McKale Center. The Wildcats own a 90-27 advantage in the series, including 24 consecutive victories.

The Lumberjacks come into the game with a balanced scoring attack. Matt Johnson leads the way at 13.2 points per game, but five players are averaging at least 8.8 ppg.

Tipoff is scheduled for 2 p.m.

nprevenas@gvnews.com | 547-9747

Game details

Who: Northern Arizona (1-4) at Arizona (3-1)

Where: McKale Center, Tucson

When: Sunday, Nov. 30, 2 p.m.

TV: Fox Sports Arizona.

Radio: 1290-AM, 107.5 FM, 990-AM (Spanish)