Arizona Holds Off Auburn for 80-69 Road Win

Caleb Holt scored a team-high 24 points and grabbed nine rebounds as Arizona defeated Auburn 80-69 on the road on November 13. The freshman also had four steals and made four of his six three-point attempts, after entering the game with one three-pointer in 11 tries this season. Arizona made six of 14 attempts from beyond the arc overall.

Arizona held a lead for roughly 20 consecutive minutes spanning the halves, but Auburn stayed close with perimeter shooting. The Tigers hit 11 of 31 three-pointers, while Thomas Dowd scored 15 points and made four of five shots from long range. Adam Olsen added three three-pointers off the bench, including two late in the game.

Auburn also challenged Arizona near the basket, blocking 13 shots. Center Narcisse Ngoy had five blocks in the first half alone. Arizona continued attacking the rim despite the rejections, while holding Auburn to 12-for-35 shooting inside the arc. The Wildcats’ starting lineup, which featured JJ Mandaquit instead of Bryce James, accounted for 76 of their 80 points.

The win moved Arizona to 3-1 and sent the team back to Tucson. The Wildcats are scheduled to host No. 4 UConn on November 18 at 7 p.m. Mountain time, with the game set to air on FS1.