Arizona and UCLA Open Season in Las Vegas Top-25 Matchup

Arizona and UCLA begin their seasons with a top-25 meeting at T-Mobile Arena on November 2. The Wildcats enter ranked fifth after going 36-3 last season and reaching the Final Four; the Bruins are ranked 22nd after finishing 24-12. The game is scheduled for 8 p.m. Mountain time and will air on TNT and stream on HBO Max.

The teams bring contrasting approaches. Arizona, coached by Tommy Lloyd, has consistently played at a fast tempo, while Mick Cronin’s UCLA teams have ranked among the slowest in adjusted pace in each of the past three seasons. Arizona will have two new point guards, Derek Dixon and JJ Mandaquit. UCLA is expected to share those duties between returning player Trent Perry and Jaylen Petty, who transferred from Texas Tech.

Arizona’s exhibition games featured frequent deflections and turnovers converted into transition chances. UCLA has typically protected the ball well, but its backcourt includes young players with limited experience running the point. Freshman Caleb Holt is among the Wildcats expected to apply pressure.

Arizona will also look to get center Motiejus Krivas involved near the basket. He scored 10 points and collected eight rebounds against UCLA last season, while shooting 5-for-6. The senior enters the season as a preseason All-American and a leading contender for Big 12 Player of the Year. Arizona is expected to be without Clemson transfer RJ Godfrey, whose request for a temporary restraining order was recently denied as he seeks eligibility.