Arizona basketball: Wildcat player grades for Missouri and NAU

The competition might not have been the best, but the Arizona Wildcats aced their finals week games thanks to a total margin of victory of 91 over the two match ups.

They used stingy defense (especially in the second half) that completely overwhelmed the Tigers and Lumberjacks. The Cats held Missouri to 30% shooting and NAU to just 22%. Overall, Arizona's defense gave up just 29 baskets, while they knocked in over 30 in both games.

If the margin of victory didn't clue you in, U of A had a really, really good week. Hopefully for those still in school, your finals week also went well and didn't have too many mental breakdowns. If you are done, enjoy celebrating at Frogs, Bens, No Anchovies, or the newest hot spot, Illegal Pete's.

Here are the two game totals for each player:

Away we go!

PLAYER GRADES

Mark Tollefsen, A: This is the player we were expecting when he transferred. Tollefsen had games of 17 and 19 points respectively, and basically did everything he wanted on the court. Let's hope this is the player we get for the rest of the season.

Ryan Anderson, A: He was back to his double-double days against NAU and continued his quest to be Pac-12 Player of the Year. Through the non-conference so far, Anderson is averaging 15 points and nine rebounds while shooting 53%.

Justin Simon, B+: I've been telling people all season that all Simon needs is a little playing time to show his value. With effective offense, great defense, and the ability to finally get into a rhythm, I like his chances of increased playing time as the season progresses.

Allonzo Trier, B: Trier is nearly unstoppable on drives as his in-and-out dribble is deadly, and he has great control going around the back off pick and rolls. Even better, his outside jumper seems to be hitting a nice groove...just in time for UNLV!

Dusan Ristic, B: Kaleb who? Okay, maybe we don't go that far, but Ristic is doing a great job on offense (in my view, he has a better offensive game than Zeus) and his defense isn't slacking at all. If he stays all four years, this kid is gonna turn heads.

Gabe York, B-: While York's Missouri game was fantastic, his performance against NAU wasn't exactly one to write home about (but it was a rout so we won't harp on it). However, just having him on the court gives the team leadership, the ability to stretch the floor, and another defensive stopper. In terms of people not named Ryan Anderson, York is the most valuable player.

Chance Comanche, B-: Sean Miller said he wasn't too far off talent-wise from the rest of the front court, which is why he wasn't red shirted. We're beginning to see what Miller meant. With Zeus' injury, Comanche is making the most of his increased playing time. He recorded his first double-digit rebounding game against Missouri, and it'll hopefully be one of many throughout his U of A career. His ability to out run his defender will only make Arizona more deadly on the fast break. Keep an eye out for how he plays against fellow mobile frosh Stephen Zimmerman this Saturday.

Kadeem Allen, C+: Allen's assist to turnover ratio was great for a PG (11 to 3), but his shooting/scoring is sporadic at best. On the other side though, his defense has been superb, adding another five steals for this segment; bringing his season total to 14.

Parker Jackson-Cartwright, C+: Combined, Arizona's PG's had a 19:6 assist to turnover ratio which is part of the reason their offense looked so fluid. The Cats will need this type of performance from Allen and PJC from here on out.

Jacob Hazzard, N/A: Not enough playing time for much of a review, but he did his a jumper on Wednesday.

Arizona's next game is Saturday at Home vs UNLV at 7:30pm local time. It'll be broadcast on ESPN2/WatchESPN.