Arizona Basketball: Wildcats slay Chico State in final exhibition game

The Arizona Wildcats basketball team did not mess around this time around against Chico State – final score 91-53.

Versatility. That would be the one word to describe tonight’s key to the Arizona Basketball teams victory over Chico State. The last time these two teams met, it was a lot closer than many expected. This time around was a much different story.

Right from the beginning, the Arizona Wildcats did not let their foot off the gas and won in dominating fashion beating the Chico State Wildcats, 91-53. Tonight’s game wrapped up exhibition play. The Cats regular season begins with a matchup against Northern Arizona University.

Even with it being an exhibition game, former Wildcats Terry Francona and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson were in attendance to show their support. Great to see these two watch the Wildcats in action. The memories and moments they brought to Arizona will never be forgotten.

Before the start of the game, Brandon Randolph suffered a concussion during practice and would be out for the game. Get better soon Slim! Good news for the Wildcats though, Parker Jackson-Cartwright was back in the starting line up and Emmanuel Akot started in place of Randolph. Allonzo Trier, Dusan Ristic and DeAndre Ayton would fill out the list of starters.

Right from tip-off, the Wildcats took control of the game earlier going up 11-0, before Chico State finally got on the board at about almost six minutes into the game! That’s a long time to stand for Wildcats fans at McKale. Ayton established himself early on with incredible assists out of the double team, turn around jump shots and even a three-pointer.

https://twitter.com/AZATHLETICS/status/927321325038735360

Ayton finished the first half with nine points, three rebounds, and three assists. Coming off a slight ankle injury, Jackson-Cartwright was looking sharp in the first half and showing why he is one the true leaders on the team this year.  He finished the first half with nine points, two rebounds, and one assist.

Trier was the leading scorer in the first half, with 12 points, one rebound and three assists, including this beauty to Keanu Pinder down low for the east two:

https://twitter.com/AZATHLETICS/status/927319260224876544

Akot also had an impressive first half scoring nine points, grabbing three rebounds and dishing three assists. He had one spin, fadeaway jumper that was NBA like – and he is only a freshman!

The Wildcats finished the first half going 17-22 from the field. That’s 68%! They also out rebounded their opponents 13-12, which makes for a happy Coach Sean Miller! Even better news, they only had two turnovers the whole half and forced five turnovers that they turned into 10 points.

https://twitter.com/AZATHLETICS/status/927317943938981888

Similar to the first half, the Wildcats didn’t waste any time putting points up on the board in the second half- going on a 10-2 run. The rest of the second half, the Wildcats continued to pour it on both offensively and defensively.  Trier, Akot, Ayton all finished with double digits points, with Trier leading the way with 22 points and three rebounds and four assists, including this sweet looking three-pointer:

https://twitter.com/AZATHLETICS/status/927331886732419072

Ayton was right behind him, putting up a second consecutive double-double; 21 points, 11 rebounds, three assists and going 8-8 from the free throw line.

Alex Barcello finished the game with seven points, three rebounds and two assists off the bench. When watching Barcello shoot the ball, he reminds you a little bit of T.J. McConnell –  which is a good thing! Ristic, Ira Lee and Pinder combined for 19 points and nine rebounds. Ira and Pinder put on a show with their dunks.

A few times during the game, Akon and Ayton put in their own show:

https://twitter.com/AZATHLETICS/status/927328937771900928

For Chico State, they were led in scoring by Justin Briggs and Corey Silverstrom. Each had ten points. Heading into tonight’s game, they were the reigning NCAA Division II West Region Champions and are predicted to go far again this postseason. Against the Wildcats tonight, Chico State could never really get any momentum or go on any runs to be a threat. In the end, the Arizona Wildcats were just too much for Chico State Wildcats to handle on both ends of the floor. Size, skill, depth, and teamwork led to the Wildcats domination in tonight’s victory.

Key stats to take away from this game:

• Wildcats out rebounded Chico state 39-22
• 32-49 from the field – 65%
• 7-13 from three-point range – 54
• 19 points off turnovers
• Ayton’s ability to find open teammates out of the double team

Must Read: Former Arizona Wildcat Lauri Markkanen sets a new NBA 3-point record

It’s still only early November, but it’s hard not to be excited while watching the No.3 preseason team, your Arizona Wildcats, perform at the high level they do. The Wildcats will face many challenges this year, as they roll into regular season non-conference play and then begin the Pac-12 play. In case you have forgotten, the team right now is playing without Rawle Alkins, Brandon Randolph and Dylan Smith – scary how good this team is going to become come March!

Next up for the Wildcats:

Who: Nothern Arizona University

When: Friday, November 7th at 6 pm PST on the Pac-12 Network

Where: Tucson, AZ- McKale Center