The University of Arizona Wildcats kicked off their 2026-27 preseason schedule with a dominant 93-69 win over the San Francisco Dons on Friday night. The victory gave the Wildcats a chance to evaluate their new roster and test the team’s chemistry before the regular season begins.
Key performances
Center Motiejus Krivas led the scoring attack with 20 points, showcasing the inside presence that the coaching staff hopes will anchor the frontcourt. Forward Ivan Kharchenkov added 18 points, while freshman guard Caleb Holt and transfer forward Derek Dixon each posted double‑digit totals, signaling depth across the lineup.
Arizona forced 19 turnovers, a statistic the staff highlighted as a sign of aggressive, physical defense. The Wildcats also limited the Dons to just eight turnovers, a promising sign of ball discipline.
Coach Lloyd’s perspective
Head coach Tommy Lloyd praised the experience, noting that the exhibition provided valuable “reps” and live‑action situations for the players. “We needed reps against somebody else, and to get some live bullets out there and kind of see how guys play in spontaneous situations,” Lloyd said. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a “beginner’s mindset” and staying focused on the process rather than immediate results.
Addressing fan expectations, Lloyd cautioned against reading too much into a single exhibition game. “You don’t get sidetracked by how your fan base might feel. You’ve got to lock into the process and help the guys understand what it takes to win,” he explained.
Player development insights
When asked about freshman Caleb Holt, Lloyd highlighted the youngster’s motivation and raw instincts. “He’s a unique player who works incredibly hard. I’m excited to help him on the journey while letting him play freely,” Lloyd said.
Senior guard JJ Mandaquit received praise for his recent progress, with Lloyd noting that Mandaquit’s growing comfort will translate into a greater impact on winning games.
Regarding Krivas’ defensive impact, Lloyd admitted the center was “just okay tonight” defensively but stressed his overall importance. “Mo is a really important part of our defense and he’s super impactful there,” Lloyd said, adding that the coaching staff will review film to identify any recurring themes.
Physicality and toughness
The Wildcats emphasized a physical brand of basketball. Lloyd said the team aims to “play a physical brand of basketball” while avoiding reckless play. He explained that pushing players to test fatigue thresholds helps gauge who can handle the rigors of a full season.
On the turnover battle, Lloyd expressed optimism that the team can continue to force mistakes. “Let’s hope that trend continues,” he said, referring to the 19 forced turnovers.
Looking ahead
Arizona’s next exhibition matchup is scheduled for Friday against San Diego State, giving the coaching staff another opportunity to fine‑tune rotations and evaluate how the roster gels under game conditions.
With a strong start on both ends of the floor, the Wildcats appear poised to build on this early momentum as they head into the regular season.
Original reporting: Arizona Desert Swarm (Tucson Sports) — read the source article.
