Arizona Basketball: 3 takeaways from double-digit home loss to Duke Blue Devils

After giving up 100+ points on the road at Wisconsin last week, there were some concerns about Arizona Basketball. But they had a major opportunity at home Friday night against the Duke Blue Devils, who also had an early loss in the season. It was an even game early on before Duke took the lead at the end of the first half.

Unfortunately for the Wildcats, the second half got worse. They trailed by double-digits en route to a 69-55 setback. It’s still early in the season, but concerns are emerging for this team. Here are some takeaways from Friday's result.

1. Caleb Love’s big early-season struggles

Love entered the season as one of the best players in the country, coming off winning Pac-12 Player of the Year honors. But he’s been bad to start the season, averaging 10.3 ppg on just 32% shooting from the field. Against Duke, he was limited to just eight points and four assists on 3/13 FG, including 1/9 from deep. Until Love gets back into form, Arizona is vulnerable to losing to any power conference team.

2. Bigs are struggling as well

Despite losing Oumar Ballo and Keshad Johnson last year, this current frontcourt was hyped up. However, it has yet to materialize to this point. The starting duo of Trey Townsend and Motiejus Krivas combined for just nine points and 11 rebounds, though Krivas did lead the team with five assists. Henry Vessar and Tobe Awaka did little against them as well. And yes, Duke has one of the best frontcourts in the country, but so should the Wildcats and white Krivas is still coming back from injury. Townsend, the former Horizon League Player of the Year back at Oakland, has been disappointing so far.

3. Jaden Bradley the one bright spot

It wasn’t all bad for Arizona, as the junior guard was the Team MVP, leading them with 18 points on 8/16 FG in 34 minutes. On the season, Bradley is putting up 15.5 ppg on 50% shooting, including 36% from deep and nearly three steals a game.

Bradley was an effective bench piece for Arizona, putting up 7.0 ppg in 20 mpg. He’s doubled up his production and looks like one of the best two-way players in the country. The Wildcats can return to being contenders if he can get help from Love and the frontcourt.