Tucson, October 19, 2025
News Summary
The Arizona Wildcats kicked off their exhibition season by defeating Saint Mary’s 81-68. Senior point guard Jaden Bradley scored 23 points and showcased the team’s depth ahead of their regular season. With key players performing well and a focus on integrating newcomers, Arizona assessed their roster under new NCAA guidelines allowing Division I matchups. The Wildcats, led by Tommy Lloyd, have seen significant roster changes but remain optimistic as they prepare for the upcoming season and a challenging schedule.
Tucson
Arizona opened their exhibition season with a game against Saint Mary’s, winning 81-68. The Wildcats secured the win behind strong performances from key players and used the game to evaluate rotations and integrate newcomers ahead of the regular season.
Key game details and top performers
Senior point guard Jaden Bradley led the offense with 23 points, shooting 7 of 11 from the field and 2-for-2 from the three-point line. Center Motiejus Krivas contributed significantly with 11 points and a remarkable 17 rebounds, achieving a double-double. One expected contributor, Tobe Awaka did not play in the exhibition game due to minor injuries; his absence was a precaution.
The exhibition was played under new NCAA guidance that broadened preseason scheduling options for Division I teams. This exhibition game marked a shift in NCAA rules allowing Division I teams to play against each other instead of being restricted to D3 schools. The game was available on a subscription streaming service, with two commentators calling the action.
Context for the season and roster changes
Tommy Lloyd has a record of 112-33 over four seasons with the Arizona Wildcats. Under his leadership the program has made the NCAA Tournament each season, including three Sweet Sixteen appearances. Last season brought a conference change for the program: Arizona transitioned from the Pac-12 Conference to the Big 12 Conference and finished that inaugural Big 12 season with a record of 24-13, placing third in the conference standings. The Wildcats advanced to the Big 12 Tournament championship game but lost to Houston, who went on to reach the National Title game.
The roster saw notable turnover in the offseason. Departures included guard Caleb Love graduatingforward Carter Bryant being drafted 14th overall by the San Antonio Spurs. Additional departures saw KJ Lewis and Henri Veesaar transferring to other Power 4 programs. Returning players include Jaden Badley, Tobe Awaka, Anthony Dell’Orso, and Motiejus Krivas. On the recruiting front, Arizona secured the No. 2 recruiting class, as ranked by 24/7 Sports.
Preseason outlook and coach approach
The Wildcats were predicted to finish fourth in the Big 12 according to the preseason coaches’ polls, but Lloyd is not concerned about these rankings. The coaching staff emphasized preparation, practice, and team-first play over preseason lists and individual recognition. In that context, Jaden Bradley, while praised by Lloyd, was not included in the top 10 players in the Big 12 by other coaches. The staff also noted smooth cognitive communication with international players, helped by prior experiences in English-speaking contexts.
Schedule notes and what comes next
Arizona’s next exhibition game is scheduled against Embry-Riddle on October 27, 2025. The Wildcats are also set for a challenging regular-season opener: The Wildcats are set to start the regular season against the defending national champions, the Florida Gators, in Las Vegas in 16 days. The coaching staff indicated a preference for more competitive exhibition opponents in future windows, including the potential to face national teams; current NCAA rules limit some of those options.
Broadcast and production
The Saint Mary’s exhibition game was streamed on a subscription platform, with play-by-play and analyst coverage provided during the broadcast. The game served as both evaluation and a public tune-up for rotations, defensive sets, and conditioning.
What the game showed
The exhibition win provided early evidence of depth on the roster and highlighted areas for improvement. Arizona tested multiple lineups, gave minutes to returning and incoming players, and used the contest to assess matchups it may see during the regular season. Coaching emphasis remains on team-oriented play and preparing for a deeper, more competitive conference slate than in past seasons.
Key features table
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Exhibition result | Arizona opened their exhibition season with a game against Saint Mary’s, winning 81-68. |
| Top scorer | Senior point guard Jaden Bradley led the offense with 23 points, shooting 7 of 11 from the field and 2-for-2 from the three-point line. |
| Top rebounder | Motiejus Krivas contributed significantly with 11 points and a remarkable 17 rebounds, achieving a double-double. |
| Coach record | Tommy Lloyd has a record of 112-33 over four seasons with the Arizona Wildcats. |
| Next exhibition | Arizona’s next exhibition game is scheduled against Embry-Riddle on October 27, 2025. |
| Recruiting rank | Arizona secured the No. 2 recruiting class, as ranked by 24/7 Sports. |
Timeline
| Date/Time | Event | Status / Source |
|---|---|---|
| Not specified | Arizona opened their exhibition season with a game against Saint Mary’s, winning 81-68. | Completed / ESPN+ broadcast with Daron Sutton and Corey Williams calling the game |
| October 27, 2025 | Arizona’s next exhibition game is scheduled against Embry-Riddle on October 27, 2025. | Scheduled |
| In 16 days | The Wildcats are set to start the regular season against the defending national champions, the Florida Gators, in Las Vegas in 16 days. | Upcoming |
| Last season | Arizona finished with a record of 24-13 and placed third in the Big 12 standings. | Completed |
Visual statistics
Simple visual comparison of selected season figures (bars approximate values):
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the result of the exhibition opener?
Arizona opened their exhibition season with a game against Saint Mary’s, winning 81-68.
Who led the offense in the exhibition game?
Senior point guard Jaden Bradley led the offense with 23 points, shooting 7 of 11 from the field and 2-for-2 from the three-point line.
Who recorded a double-double in the game?
Motiejus Krivas contributed significantly with 11 points and a remarkable 17 rebounds, achieving a double-double.
Did Tobe Awaka play in the exhibition game?
Tobe Awaka did not play in the exhibition game due to minor injuries; his absence was a precaution.
When is the next exhibition game?
Arizona’s next exhibition game is scheduled against Embry-Riddle on October 27, 2025.
Who will Arizona play to start the regular season?
The Wildcats are set to start the regular season against the defending national champions, the Florida Gators, in Las Vegas in 16 days.
What is Tommy Lloyd’s record with Arizona?
Tommy Lloyd has a record of 112-33 over four seasons with the Arizona Wildcats.
What recruiting ranking did Arizona achieve?
Arizona secured the No. 2 recruiting class, as ranked by 24/7 Sports.
Did the exhibition reflect a change in NCAA rules?
This exhibition game marked a shift in NCAA rules allowing Division I teams to play against each other instead of being restricted to D3 schools.
Where was the exhibition broadcast and who called the game?
The Wildcats played their exhibition game against Saint Mary’s on ESPN+, with Daron Sutton and Corey Williams calling the game.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- AZ Desert Swarm
- Wikipedia: Arizona Wildcats men’s basketball
- Tucson.com
- Google Search: Arizona Wildcats basketball news
- Arizona Wildcats Official Site
- Google Scholar: Arizona Wildcats basketball
- Sports Illustrated
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Arizona Wildcats basketball
- Arizona Sports
- Google News: Arizona Wildcats basketball
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