The Arizona Wildcats fell brief of their bid for a Massive 12 Match championship, shedding 72-64 to Houston on Saturday evening. Whereas the loss stings, head coach Tommy Lloyd is aware of his crew should rapidly shift its focus to the NCAA Match.
“Clearly, they’ve had an awesome season they usually’ve had a few nice seasons,” Lloyd mentioned of Houston. “Coach Sampson deserves a ton of credit score. They bought us twice this 12 months, they usually gained the convention by 4 or 5 video games after which they win the convention event. At this second, they’re the king of the Massive 12. Nothing however respect for them.”
Arizona fought laborious, holding a lead with below 4 minutes left, however failed to shut out the sport. The Wildcats missed their closing 5 pictures from the sphere—all three-pointers—and dedicated three turnovers within the final 5 minutes. Houston capitalized, outscoring Arizona 11-2 within the closing stretch.
“We gave ourselves an opportunity. We simply didn’t get it accomplished,” Lloyd mentioned. “Hopefully, we are going to be taught from it. Clearly, we’re on the time of the 12 months the place there’s no margin for error, and we’re excited to take the following step into the NCAA Match.”
Tommy Lloyd and Arizona look to the NCAA Match after Massive 12 Championship loss
Houston has served as a measuring stick for Arizona since their Candy 16 matchup in 2022, and Saturday’s loss confirmed that the Wildcats are nonetheless chasing the Cougars. Lloyd acknowledged that Houston was lacking a key participant in J’Wan Roberts however refused to make excuses.
“We’re proper there, however it doesn’t matter. Doesn’t matter for those who shut the hole or not. You gotta get it accomplished,” he mentioned. “We’re Arizona basketball. We’re used to successful championships, too, and we all know that’s the place we belong and that’s the place we wish to get. Proper now, Houston is above us, and we’re going to do what we are able to to shut that hole.”
One of many greatest variations within the sport was Houston’s means to focus on Arizona’s weaker defenders. Lloyd was pissed off that his gamers have been unable to rise to the problem.
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“They’re actually isolating you and concentrating on you, and it’s apparent they’re doing it. Step up and get it accomplished,” he mentioned. “That was disappointing to me within the second half. We bought remoted and focused a little bit bit, and we didn’t get stops.”
Regardless of the loss, Lloyd emphasised that Arizona can’t dwell on it. With the NCAA Match looming, the main target should shift to preparation.
“The second we bathe and go away this locker room, it’s on to the following factor,” Lloyd mentioned. “We’re excited to be collaborating within the NCAA Match. It’s an honor. It’s one thing you must by no means take without any consideration. It’s actually laborious to do.” Arizona was projected as a No. 4 seed earlier than the sport, and whereas their seeding could possibly be impacted, Lloyd isn’t involved.
“I don’t dwell in hypotheticals. I don’t know,” he mentioned. “Put us in as a 13-seed, we’ll be positive. We are able to’t wait until Thursday. … I’ll allow you to speculate on that. No matter they provide us, I’m prepared.”
Arizona now awaits its official NCAA Match seed and opponent, which will probably be revealed on Choice Sunday. Whereas Houston uncovered a few of the Wildcats’ flaws, Lloyd stays assured in his crew’s means to make a deep event run.
“We’re proud we have been in a position to compete for a convention championship as we speak,” he mentioned. “We simply wish to get it accomplished. We’ll transfer ahead, and I can’t wait to see who’s on our line tomorrow. We will probably be excited to satisfy them subsequent Thursday or Friday.”