By Justin Spears / Arizona Daily Star
Arizona's first half against Oregon State could be compared to watching paint dry. The Wildcats shot 9 of 24 from the field and went 18 percent from 3-point range.
The Beavers led at halftime, 22-21, which was the lowest amount of points Arizona scored in a half all season. The point of emphasis for UA in the second half? Out with the boring and in with the intensity. The amped energy came strictly from defense, which led to transition baskets.
From the get-go, Arizona's defense looked night-and-day compared to the first half, but what really got the Cats over the hump was a steal caused by a halfcourt trap with Allonzo Trier and Parker Jackson-Cartwright, which led to a loose ball and Trier throwing down a dunk over OSU's Ethan Thompson.
The dunk party continued.
Two possessions later, Rawle Alkins picked up a steal and raced down the court for a reverse jam that received a Sports Center Top 10 play nominee.
There were some ugly spots in the second half for Arizona, but the defensive intensity and effort improved from its road loss against Colorado, which was what Sean Miller preached about.
Thursday's night game may have not been pleasing to watch at some points, Miller said the Cats took steps in the right direction. Miller, Alkins and Trier spoke in the postgame press conference after the game, watch what they had to say.
