Arizona Wildcats head coach Sean Miller yells toward a Wildcat player during the second half of the No. 17 University of Arizona Wildcats vs. University of Oregon Ducks men's college basketball game at McKale Center on Jan. 13, 2018, in Tucson, Ariz. Arizona won 90-83.
By Justin Spears / Arizona Daily Star
When No. 17 Arizona battled Oregon, it was a complete 180-degree difference compared to Thursday night against Oregon State.
The Wildcats started the game shooting 6 of 6 from the field and jumped out to a 19-9 lead in the first half. However, the Ducks quickly put out the fire and scrapped together a 19-9 run to end the first half.
The conclusion of the first half was a story in itself when UA head coach Sean Miller "almost had an out-of-body experience" when talking to the officials for an out-of-bounds call on Arizona when an Oregon defender slapped the ball out of Rawle Alkins' hands. As players walked into the locker room, Miller continued to jabber at the officials.
There were questionable calls on both teams throughout the course of the game so it evened out.
Arizona senior forward Keanu Pinder impacted the Cats off the bench, and contributed 6 points, but it was his defensive effort that fueled the team especially in the second half. Pinder contributed two blocks and a steal, but his minutes were crucial especially when Dusan Ristic got into foul trouble.
It was close, but the Ducks couldn't execute in the closing minutes as the Wildcats sealed a 90-83 win. Pinder, Miller and Alkins held a postgame press conference, here's what they had to say:
