The Arizona Wildcats showcased their resilience as they bounced back from a slow start to secure an impressive 97-59 victory over the Southern Tigers on Monday night at McKale Center. Just three days after their monumental win against Duke, the Wildcats struggled to find their rhythm early on but quickly shifted into high gear to outclass their opponents.

Leading the charge for Arizona was Keshad Johnson, who delivered a career-high performance with 17 points, 15 of which came in the first half. Johnson's exceptional display was complemented by the contributions of Motiejus Krivas and KJ Lewis, who scored 12 points each. The Wildcats exhibited their depth, with three other players reaching double figures in scoring. In fact, a remarkable total of 19 players have now scored for the Wildcats in their first three games, highlighting the team's offensive prowess.

Despite facing a sluggish start, Arizona managed to turn the tide in their favor with an impressive 19-4 run in the first half. This surge enabled them to establish a comfortable 35-23 lead heading into halftime, having battled back from an early five-point deficit. The Wildcats continued to dominate in the second half, embarking on a 16-2 run and outscoring the Tigers by a staggering 60-18 margin over the next 20 minutes of play.

One area of concern for Arizona was their turnover count, as they committed 23 turnovers throughout the game, just one less than their previous two contests. These turnovers provided opportunities for Southern, who capitalized with 19 points off turnovers. The Wildcats will need to address this issue moving forward, especially after conceding seven turnovers within the first five minutes of the game.

Despite the turnovers, Arizona displayed efficiency in other facets of their game. They shot an impressive 53.4 percent from the field and capitalized on their trips to the free-throw line, converting 28 of their 36 attempts. Additionally, the Wildcats dominated the boards, outrebounding Southern by a commanding 54-24 margin, showcasing their prowess in the paint.

Arizona's victory serves as a testament to their ability to bounce back from adversity and maintain their focus after significant wins. The Wildcats' triumph over then-No. 2 Duke seemed to have left them daydreaming at the start of the game, but once they shook off the cobwebs, their relentless performance shone through.

Looking ahead, the Wildcats will aim to carry this momentum into their upcoming matchup against Belmont on Friday night at McKale Center. As they continue their nonconference campaign, Arizona will strive to harness their offensive firepower while tightening up on the defensive end to secure more dominant victories.

In summary, the Arizona Wildcats demonstrated resilience and determination as they overcame a slow start to overpower the Southern Tigers in a commanding 97-59 victory. With multiple players stepping up and contributing to the win, the Wildcats showcased their offensive depth and ability to dominate in the paint. Attention will now turn to their next challenge against Belmont, as the Wildcats look to build on their early-season successes.