16 points, 11 rebounds, 50 FG%, 9/10 FT, 2 blocks, 1 steal
The Arizona Wildcats needed every bit of Lauri Markkanen’s scoring this season. However, on Saturday night, it was his defense, rebounding, and composure that allowed Arizona to grind out a close victory over a Saint Mary’s squad that gave the Cats all they could handle for 40 minutes.
Arizona came out sluggish to say the least. Through the first 15 minutes of the game, the Wildcats had no assists, threes, or points in transition. Arizona definitely “lost some of their confidence” in the first half as head coach Sean Miller pointed out.