The Arizona Wildcats traveled to Alytus, Lithuania, for an international exhibition that would test their mettle against a roster that blended seasoned national team members with emerging B‑team talent.
Defensive Mastery Sets the Tone
From the opening tip, Arizona imposed a relentless defensive scheme, holding the hosts scoreless for more than two minutes and establishing an early rhythm that would prove decisive.
Arizona entered the half with a narrow 43‑40 lead, but the interval provided the Wildcats an opportunity to regroup and fine‑tune their execution.
Second‑Half Surge
The Wildcats erupted after the break, opening with a 10‑0 run that featured a timely three‑pointer from Ivan Kharchenkov, who would finish with 30 points on 11‑of‑22 shooting.
Motiejus Krivas contributed 15 points, nine rebounds and four blocks, while Derek Dixon added 13 points and six assists, and Caleb Holt’s seven points, eight rebounds and three steals highlighted a balanced attack.
Late Push
Lithuania trimmed the margin with a 5‑0 run in the fourth quarter, but Arizona’s defense held firm, sealing an 88‑74 victory that improved their tournament record to 2‑1.
The win underscored Arizona’s ability to adapt against a mixed lineup that included former Saint Mary’s guard Augustus Marciulionis, who led Lithuania with 15 points, and veteran Kristupas Zemaitis, who added steady contributions across the board.
Looking Ahead
The Wildcats are scheduled to meet Lithuania again on September 26 at the Red‑Blue Showcase in McKale Center, a venue that will once again host a clash of styles and a test of the progress made since the Alytus encounter.