Wildcat notebook: Arizona faces formidable foes

Two points. Two measley points.

During the course of 280 minutes, two points might not seem like much, but this season, it’s the difference between a remarkable 7-0 start and the Arizona Wildcats’ current 5-2 record.

Behind the scenes, of course, there have been plenty of road blocks that would threaten to derail any team — the Garland Judkins’ one-game suspension and the endless speculation regarding this program’s future coach, to name two.

Now, as the Wildcats prepare to host San Diego State tonight at 7 p.m. at the McKale Center, interim head coach Russ Pennell hopes these distractions are behind the Wildcats as they embark on a brutal four-game stretch.

“Garland is back with us and practicing hard,” Pennell said. “Granted, being an interim head coach isn’t an ideal situation, but I’m coaching the same way I would, regardless. I try to teach our players that it’s a privilege to play the game, and I hope that message is getting across.”

Without Judkins in the lineup against Texas A&M, the Wildcats’ already-thin bench was put in a tough spot when star point guard Nic Wise fouled out at the 7:33 mark.

The Aggies out-played the Wildcats during that Wise-less stretch, culminating in the Nathan Walkup three-pointer that gave the Aggies their only lead of the ballgame — and the only lead that mattered.

“After the game, my 12-year-old daughter asked me ‘How do you blow a 14-point lead?’” Pennells aid.

At the time, Pennell thought Texas A&M simply wore down his team, but after further review, concluded that they gave the game away.

“My last words out of the huddle were, ‘A two can’t beat us, but a three can,’” Pennell said. “But, if we get a key box out or make a free throw, we win that game and it doesn’t come down to a play like that. We’re just not as disciplined as we need to be.”

That lack of discipline culminated in Jordan Hill’s second-half technical foul — a play that sparked the Aggies’ late run.

Pennell said he got after his team on the first day back to practice and said he likes what he sees out of his young, but resilient group.

It doesn’t get any easier, either. The Aztecs sport a 7-1 record, with the only loss coming to No. 20 Arizona State. In fact, Arizona’s next four opponents (SDSU, No. 4 Gonzaga, UNLV, No. 25 Kansas) are currently 27-4 this season.

Despite playing most of the season without star forward Lorenzo Wade — an All-MWC First Team selection last season who has just been cleared to play after sitting out the first eight games due to suspension — the Aztecs have gotten a significant boost from Kyle Spain.

“San Diego State is an excellent club who can hurt you in a ton of different ways,” Pennell said. “If Wade is back, that is going to be one really tough team.”

The Wildcats’ strong first-half effort at College Station, Texas proved that this squad has the talent to play with tough teams. But in order to get over the hump, Arizona will need someone outside of the “Big Three” — Wise, Hill and Chase Budinger — to step up his production.

Pennell thinks that person will be Jamelle Horne.

“Horne is a real wild-card for us,” Pennell said. “He’s given us some really positive things so far this year, but I think he’s capable of so much more.”

nprevenas@gvnews.com | 547-9747

Game details

Who: San Diego State (7-1) at Arizona (5-2).

When: 7 p.m., tonight.

Where: McKale Center, Tucson.

TV: FSN Arizona.

Radio: 1290-AM, 107.5-FM, 1080-AM (Spanish).