In front of roughly 150 family members and friends, Arizona freshman guard Caleb Holt delivered a career‑best performance, pouring in 24 points to lead the Wildcats to an 80‑69 victory at Auburn. The win marks Arizona’s first true road triumph at an SEC school since 2016, when they defeated Missouri.
Coach Lloyd praises Holt’s maturity
Head coach Tommy Lloyd called Holt’s showing “an incredibly mature performance for a 19‑year‑old” and said the player’s best days are still ahead. Lloyd highlighted Holt’s energy, competitiveness, and willingness to learn, noting that those traits give him a high ceiling and make him a joy to coach.
Defensive resilience on the road
Lloyd credited the team’s perseverance, especially after getting Mo Bamba back onto the floor. He explained that staying composed, stringing together short scoring runs, and rebuilding leads are crucial when playing in a hostile environment like Auburn’s arena.
Facing Auburn’s size and shot‑blocking
The Wildcats dealt with Auburn’s interior presence, including Keyshawn Hall’s play at the four spot and a big man who recorded six blocks. Auburn totaled 13 blocks, a factor that challenged Arizona early in the game.
Lineup adjustments pay off
Coach Lloyd said he tightened the starting lineup to add more ball‑handling, a move that proved effective. The adjusted lineup helped the bench contribute, though Lloyd noted the bench still needs development over the season.
Bradley “Bryce” James’ limited minutes
Lloyd expressed regret that sophomore forward Bryce James did not see more action, saying the game’s flow made it difficult to insert him without disrupting the lead. He praised James’ recent progress and promised to find more opportunities for him.
Family atmosphere fuels motivation
Despite the sizable crowd of relatives and friends, Holt said he felt excited rather than nervous, focusing on the goal of winning.
Arizona improves to a 3‑1 record, positioning the Wildcats for a promising start to the season.
Original reporting: Arizona Desert Swarm (Tucson Sports) — read the source article.
