Arizona Wildcats basketball handles business in opener vs. Canisius

No. 10 Arizona men’s basketball jumped ahead 13-0 to start its season against Canisius on Monday in Tucson, and the Wildcats handled the Griffins 92-64.

Arizona’s lead grew to 20-2 over the first five minutes of the game.

Caleb Love, who returned for his second season with Arizona after testing the NBA Draft process, led the team with both 17 points and six assists in 21 minutes played. The preseason AP All-American went 7-for-15 from the floor and 3-for-8 from deep.

Easy 10 for LOV3 pic.twitter.com/vBY3om7VmY

— Arizona Basketball (@ArizonaMBB) November 5, 2024

Jaden Bradley added 15 points and KJ Lewis 14, and they each provided four rebounds and four assists. Bradley racked up four steals, while Lewis stole the ball twice with two blocks. Arizona forced 19 turnovers on Monday.

Arizona dominated inside, outscoring Canisius 48-12 in the paint while grabbing 18 more total rebounds, including 12 more offensive rebounds (17-5). The Wildcats shot 49% from the floor and 8-for-28 from beyond the arc.

JB SPINNIN’ pic.twitter.com/ivVJhMCMeA

— Arizona Basketball (@ArizonaMBB) November 5, 2024

Head coach Tommy Lloyd had the opportunity to play 15 players in the blowout win, with the primary reserve minutes going to Anthony Dell’Orso (18), Henri Veesaar (17) and Carter Bryant (15).

Center Motiejus Krivas played 10 minutes and scored nine points with five rebounds after missing the preseason exhibition slate due to an ankle injury.

Arizona has won its season opener in 18 consecutive seasons, 23 straight at McKale Center.

The Wildcats did what they’re supposed to against an overmatched nonconference opponent at home and showed off their depth.

They will take on Old Dominion at McKale Center on Saturday at 2 p.m.

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

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