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Turnovers once again an issue in No. 8 Arizona’s win over Washington

Nick Johnson

Arizona’s Nick Johnson (13) puts up a shot as Washington’s Scott Suggs (15) defends in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Thursday, Jan. 31, 2013, in Seattle. Arizona won 57-53. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

AP

The key for No. 8 Arizona being successful in March is a simple one, and it’s been stated so many times to this point in the season. “If they find a way to limit their turnovers...”

In the aftermath of the Wildcats’ 57-53 win at Washington on Thursday night, is it time to ask whether or not Arizona is capable of cutting down on their turnovers? Arizona turned the ball over 17 times on Thursday, with 12 of the miscues coming in the first half, but they got away with it due in part to their scoring 20 points off of 17 Washington turnovers.

The turnover issue goes hand-in-hand with Arizona’s sluggish starts, something that throughout the course of the season has been matched by their flair for the dramatic in wins over the likes of Florida and Colorado. And on Thursday night the Wildcats played one of their worst halves of the season to date.

“I’d size the game up like this: that was as bad of an offensive first half as we’ve had all season,” head coach Sean Miller said after the game. “Along the lines of Southern Miss, because we had 12 turnovers and it’s kind of a struggle because we have individually talented guys and usually as the season grows things become easier to play together as a team.

“It’s not an intent issue where people don’t want to play team ball, being able to pass, being patient on possessions, taking what the defense gives, we didn’t have any of that in the first half.”

The Wildcats shot 8-of-23 from the field in the first half and tallied just three assists, and if not for their work on the defensive end the Wildcats would have been down a lot more than five (28-23) at the break.

Nick Johnson led four starters in double figures with 15 points and his work defensively against C.J. Wilcox (11 points, 4-of-16 FG) has to be noted, and overall Arizona’s defensive performance is a positive that can be taken from their first win at Washington in six years.

But for this group the ultimate goal isn’t a win in late January, regardless of how long Arizona had gone without a win in Seattle. And with that in mind the Wildcats need to remedy their issues when it comes to turnovers and slow starts.

“No question, for us to do special things and continue to win, playing the 12 or few [turnovers] is our goal and we have to be more consistent in that area,” said Miller. “And I think our offense needs to develop.”

Quotes courtesy of University of Washington

Raphielle also writes for the NBE Basketball Report and can be followed on Twitter at @raphiellej.