Number two ranked Arizona managed to overcome a sluggish start to defeat Norfolk State 98-61 at the McKale Center. The performance came off the heels of a monumental win for the Wildcats football program versus rivals Arizona State. The whole athletic department is thriving right now as football, men’s basketball and women’s basketball are a combined 18-0 in November.
The Wildcats saw a dominant performance from big-man Motiejus Krivas who tied his career high in scoring with 20 points in this one. However, the Cats did not make it out of this game unscathed as forward Ivan Kharchenkov picked up an ankle injury which could have some big implications on the rotation for Arizona’s upcoming game against Auburn.
Ivan Kharchenkov Goes Down With Injury
Kharchenkov went down after rolling his ankle in this game. The foreign forward appeared to be in visible pain and discomfort as he laid on the court before being helped to the locker room, putting almost no weight on his ankle.
After the game Arizona head coach Tommy Lloyd had this to say about his wing’s health
I think he rolled his ankle. Obviously I’m hopeful he’ll play next week but we’ll see.
Tommy Lloyd on Ivan Kharchenkov’s ankle injury.
Kharchenkov has been impressive through his first seven games played. A debut double-double against defending champions Florida, 20 points scored against Denver and some solid contributions in the UConn game.
He was given the starting nod early on this season and has not relinquished the role. If Kharchenkov misses any time, the mind immediately ponders if Anthony Dell’Orso or Dwayne Aristode will claim to those precious minutes. Dell’Orso is the primary candidate to fill those missing minutes due to his improved play this season, veteran experience and his beard (the look good, play good theory is at work here). Aristode has still looked largely raw so far this season and has yet to show his true level of skill.
For updates on the injury to Kharchenkov, make sure to tune into the AZ Wildcats Podcast hosted by Damon Fairall and Kevin Thomas.
Motiejus Krivas Ties Career High At Arizona
Arizona center Motiejus Krivas has been getting better game by game this season. He had 20 points paired with nine rebounds and two blocks in this game and just one rebound shy of the first 20 and 10 game at Arizona since Oumar Ballo did it versus Cal.
Krivas has been steadily improving and becoming more impactful, utilizing his size and skill to overcome smaller opponents. Krivas has been contributing in big games too.
This writer is currently eating crow as Krivas continues to shake off the rust from missing the majority of last season with a foot injury. The Lithuanian product has also been driving up the draft boards as well. Be on the lookout for Motiejus Krivas.
What’s on Deck?
Arizona will take on top-25 ranked Auburn and their new head coach Steve Pearl. Auburn is coming off a convincing win over St. Johns where Tahaad Pettiford poured in 27 points to lead the way.
Auburn is currently 6-2 with their only losses coming at the hands of Houston and Michigan, both of whom have been on a complete tear to start their seasons.
This game will be played in The McKale Center on ESPN on Saturday, December 6th at 8:00pm MST.
Make sure to stay up to date with this matchup, as Auburn takes on NC State prior to their face-off with the Wildcats, with the AZ Wildcats Podcast!
