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Arizona Wildcats Basketball: Wildcats pounce on the Tigers

By Ryan Reyes

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The Arizona Wildcats basketball team extend their home game winning streak and nation-wide record to 44 games,  overpowering the Missouri Tigers 88-52. 

Arizona handled their business with authority tonight, not allowing the Missouri Tigers get within breathing room of making any type of run at the Cats. The Wildcats improved to a 9-1 record.

Gabe York came out on fire tonight. Hitting his first two three-point shot attempts. He ended the night 4-5 with 16 points, 3-4 from behind the arc, two rebounds and three assists. York showed the nation not to underestimate his hopping ability as he had a spectacular dunk in the first half over a Missouri defender.

Allonzo Trier was just as hot. He made two easy shots at the start of the game, ending the night 5-7 for 15 points, two rebounds, and two assists. Kadeem Allen, who assisted York on the fabulous dunk, had an off night shooting the ball going 0-4 but ended up with two rebounds and four assists. The Allen to York slam dunk made the Sports Center top 10 and came in at No. 9 for the day in sports.

This game against Mizzou was Justin Simon’s coming out party. He came in with a lot of energy and earned two quick fouls! Simon’s made four of five field goals for 10 points, four rebounds, and one assist.

Dec 13, 2015; Tucson, AZ, USA; Arizona Wildcats center Dusan Ristic (14) shoots the ball as Missouri Tigers forward Russell Woods (25) defends during the second half at McKale Center. Arizona won 88-52. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports

After coach Miller had mentioned last week that Dusan Ristic was playing like “that Sesame Street character” against Fresno State and not knowing where he was supposed to be on the court, Ristic stepped up today. He made four of five shots and four of six free throws for 12 points, adding six rebounds, and three assists.

Mark Tollefsen was phenomenal in shooting tonight, he shot 70% FG making seven out of ten shots, and made both of his free-throws. In all, there were six players who scored in double figures, Chance Comanche made ten rebounds playing for 13 minutes, and Jacob Hazzard got a chance to play for three minutes.

Elliott Pitts sat out due to personal problems, according to the Pac-12 announcers. There is absolutely no other information on that situation, he did enjoy himself on the bench and suited up for practice. Kaleb Tarczewski sat out as well, still walking with a boot on his right ankle. Luckily they were not needed today but hope they make a speedy recovery, Pac-12 play is coming up shortly.

“The fact that we had 20 assists shows unselfishness..the last couple of games we had been a much better at defense in the second half,” according to Coach Sean Miller in a post game interview.

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Ball movement was a big key in the victory tonight and shows that everyone on the squad is trusting one another to make the open shot. Coach Miller did seem a little perplexed in the first half as he focused on a couple of players to hit shots when they are wide open. He warned the media that he would take the ball out of the players hands in those situations if they did not setup and hit their shots.

Trying to please his coach, Dusan Ristic passed the ball to Miller during play; this picture is priceless (note Brian Jeffries in the background smiling as he reported on it):

The 44 active home game winning streak continues. Northern Arizona Lumberjacks come into town for a matchup Wednesday night with UNLV Rebels next Saturday evening. The UNLV game will be a revenge match as the Rebels knocked out the Wildcats last year, ending their perfect regular season. College Basketball season is just warming up.

Next: Arizona Football: Arizona Flips Utah Commit Kahi Neves.

The best news of the night? No one got hurt tonight, and that fact was not lost on coach Miller.

BEARDOWN!!!

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