Arizona Vs St Mary's 🏀 Exhibition Game Discussion Thread 10/18/25 2pm ESPN+

[WILD]

Arizona Vs St Mary's 🏀 Exhibition Game Preview/Discussion Thread 10/18/25 2pm ESPN+

As the Arizona Wildcats gear up for their inaugural Big 12 campaign, all eyes turn to McKale Center on October 18 for a highly anticipated exhibition clash against the Saint Mary's Gaels. This won't count toward the record books, but it promises to be a gritty tune-up against one of the West Coast's elite, a program that racked up 29 wins and a second-round NCAA Tournament berth last season. Under Tommy Lloyd, Arizona enters with a revamped roster blending seasoned transfers and promising freshmen, eager to shake off the rust from their tight Red-Blue intrasquad scrimmage just two weeks prior. Freshman sensation Brayden Burries, who dazzled with 22 points and a game-sealing steal in that 45-44 thriller, could see extended minutes to build chemistry alongside returners like Jaden Bradley, while Lithuanian big man Motiejus Krivas tests his surgically repaired foot in live action. Expect Lloyd to experiment with rotations, honing the Wildcats' signature high-octane defense that held opponents to sub-70 points in key stretches last year.

On the flip side, Saint Mary's arrives as a defensive juggernaut, having ranked fifth nationally in points allowed (61.1 PPG) during their 2024-25 run, thanks to a deliberate pace and suffocating ball screens that echo the Gaels' storied style under Randy Bennett. Lithuanian forward Paulius Murauskas, a former Arizona commit who transferred to Moraga, adds a poignant homecoming subplot—he'll step onto McKale's floor as a Gael for the first time, bringing his versatile scoring (averaging 12.4 PPG last season) and rebounding prowess against his would-be Wildcat teammates. Bolstered by two key transfers and a trio of Aussie recruits, Saint Mary's seeks to assert itself early, potentially exploiting Arizona's transition vulnerabilities with their methodical half-court sets. Tipped off at 2 p.m. on ESPN+, this "secret scrimmage" turned public spectacle—enabled by recent NCAA rules—could foreshadow Big 12-WCC battles ahead, with both squads vying for momentum before Arizona's marquee opener against defending champ Florida on November 3.

Let's talk about the Wildcats Vs Gaels! 

BEARDOWN!!!

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[Naterade]

Can't wait for Paulius to get dominated defensively, he's an ok player but never was going to be Arizona good despite people here calling for him to get more minutes.

[|ᴘ|ʀ|ʏ|ᴍ|ᴇ|]

I hope we are well conditioned enough to withstand the blistering pace of play.