Citizen Staff Writer
NCAA EXTRA
STEVE RIVERA
srivera@tucsoncitizen.com
Arizona vs. Louisville: Steve Rivera’s breakdown of the game • Wildcat notes • Players to watch
The Bounce: Budinger, Wise will be tested
BACKCOURT
Advantage: Louisville
The key will be UA’s Nic Wise and how he handles the pressure of Louisville’s press. He’ll have help from Kyle Fogg, but Wise will be the player who guides the Cats’ tempo. It won’t be easy. He’ll be going against big guard Jerry Smith and Andre McGee, a good shooter. Watch for foul trouble.
FRONTCOURT
Advantage: Arizona
Two players UA might not have the answer for are Terrence Williams and Earl Clark. Both can shoot 3-pointers, but Williams is more accurate. Arizona’s Chase Budinger will be asked to keep up with the pressure. He hasn’t seen this type of pace all season. It will be too much. Another key is Louisville’s Samardo Samuels, the team’s big man, but Jordan Hill should have an advantage over him.
DEFENSE
Advantage: Louisville
This isn’t even close. Besides their press, the Cardinals allow 31 percent from the 3-point arc and 39 percent from the floor. If Louisville extends its perimeter defense far out, it could be even more trouble for UA.
OUTCOME
If Louisville gets an early lead and holds a comfortable edge over UA at halftime, it’s over. The Cardinals are 25-0 when holding a halftime lead. If Arizona keeps it close, the Cats could have a chance because Louisville is shooting only 50 percent from the free-throw line in the NCAA Tournament. In the end, the Cats’ lack of depth should hurt them against the Cardinals.
Prediction: Louisville by 11
UP NEXT
No. 12 Arizona (20-13) vs. No. 1 Louisville (30-5)
When: 4:07 p.m. Friday
Where: Indianapolis TV: CBS
Radio: 1290-AM, 107.5 FM
How teams match up
Arizona Louisville
72.5 Points per game 74.1
47.7 Field goal % 45.5
68.2 Points allowed per game 61.7
43.3 Foes’ field goal % 39.4
Key stat
8-0
Record of Louisville coach Rick Pitino in the Sweet 16, with every game decided by at least 10 points.
QUOTABLE
‘Just the opportunity to walk through this journey this year is incredible. It’s stretched me, it’s forced me to think outside the box. If this is the only opportunity, so be it. Life goes on.’
RUSS PENNELL,
UA interim hoops coach, on UA’s Sweet 16 run