UCLA Basketball: 2021-22 keys to defeating Arizona Wildcats in rematch
By Tuck Clarry
Leverage the point guard advantage
What separates UCLA versus a lot of teams and especially against Arizona is the steadiness of their starting point guard Tyger Campbell. The Bob Cousy Award list member is averaging 4.5 assists and averaging more steals (1.3) than turnovers (1.2) this season. He did not record a turnover in the last matchup against Arizona’s seventh-ranked defense in KenPom.
That steadiness is sorely lacking for Arizona, as Kriisa is asked to take on a major role as three-point specialist and offense initiator. In an uptempo offense, he’s largely done an admirable job doing so. Kriisa’s averaging 5.1 assists and 2.2 turnovers this year, though he has regressed in conference play. He had four turnovers in three of his four games against top 30 KenPom defenses this season. Additionally, Kriisa is shooting 18% from outside in these matchups.
The ball pressure that UCLA threw at Kriisa clearly bumped him out of his comfort zone, not only affecting his distributing abilities but his shooting as well. In the halfcourt, the Bruins begged him to shoot, resulting in him missing all 12 of his attempts, nine of those from outside. Considering the adept battles at the wing positions and in the paint, guard play could once again be a major difference-maker for Cronin’s team.