Overview
- Arizona’s offense averages 89.6 points with an eight-man rotation that includes three freshman starters in Koa Peat, Brayden Burries and Ivan Kharchenkov.
- Rebounding has been a pillar, with Motiejus Krivas and reserve Tobe Awaka driving a plus-14.6 margin that ranks second nationally.
- Coach Tommy Lloyd arranged a post-Christmas game to avoid a long layoff before conference play and cautioned players to steer clear of risky holiday pickup runs.
- South Dakota State arrives 7-7 under first-year coach Bryan Petersen with four double-figure scorers led by Jaden Jackson and high-impact rebounder Damon Wilkinson.
- Following this finale, Arizona begins Big 12 play at Utah on Saturday.