| SLU
(3-2) lost a 68-67 heartbreaker to the #7 University
of Arizona (2-1) at the Savvis Center (reported attendance,
10,537, with many vacant seats). The Billikens appeared to frustrate
the Wildcats during the first half while building a 38-30 lead
over the visitors led by junior guard Reggie Bryant (11 pts),
sophomore guard Anthony Drejaj (12 pts), and senior guard Josh
Fisher (7 pts). Notably missing from the mix were junior center
Tom Frericks and senior forward Chris Sloan, who seemed intimidated
and out-paced by the quickness of the Wildcats. The game came
down to the final seconds as Bryant launched a successful basket
but had his foot on the 3-pt line. The Billikens were led by
Bryant (24 pts), Dreja (12 pts), Fisher (12 pts), and Sloan (11
pts). Arizona beat SLU on the boards (41-33), but were fairly
even with turnovers (12-10), and steals (3-5). SLU shot 43% from
the field (36% from 3-pt range) and 63% from the charity line.
Although SLU kept the game close and were able to battle back
in the second half, they will need better and more consistent
play from their big men. Arizona was led by junior guard Salim
Stoudamire (19 pts), sophomore forward Andre Iguodala (16 pts,
13 rebounds), and sophomore guard Hassan Adams (14 pts). The
Wildcats shot 39% from the field (40% from 3-pt range) and 77%
from the charity line. Arizona shot 20 free-throws in the second
half as compared with 4 shot by SLU. |
