Arizona Wildcats stampede over Bison, extend a home win streak

The Arizona Wildcats win their 46 consecutive non-conference game at McKale Center, longest in Wildcat history, 83-53 over the North Dakota State Bison.

The streak continues! The Arizona Wildcats won their sixth game in a row and 46 consecutive nonconference games inside McKale Center, the longest in program history. In what was a close game very early on, the Wildcats went on a 26-3 run with 6:16 to play in the first half and never looked back. DeAndre Ayton led the charge with 25 points and nine rebounds, that’s all!

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Early in the game the Wildcats turned the ball over a couple of times and were a little out of sync. This led to easy fast break points and threes by the North Dakota State Bison.

Entering tonight’s game at 5-5 and giving USC all they could handle on the road last month, the Bison were fearless to start. Cameron Hunter led NDSU in scoring in the first half with six points and finished the game with eleven.

The Bison would end up taking a three-point lead several times in the first half but were not able to sustain it throughout 40 minutes of play. Eventually, the Wildcat’s size and athleticism were simply too much for the Bison to handle. The combination of Ayton’s domination on in the inside and Allonzo Trier’s outside shooting touch, the Wildcats would go on one of those famous “runs” that all opponents fear, especially inside McKale Center.

Even though the Wildcats were only 3-11 from three in the first half, they found other ways to score.

That just isn’t fair!

At 7-foot-1 and a vertical leap of 43.5 inches, all one really needs to do is throw the ball up in the air to Dr. Dre and he will do the rest, guaranteed!

Ayton also showed off his diving techniques with this hustle play. Folks, may I remind that’s a seven footer getting dirty!

https://twitter.com/ZonaZealots/status/942948868257226752

Overall, the Wildcats played a solid first half with only three turnovers and were 7-7 from the free throw line, that’s perfection! Wait, I’m not done. After tying the game at 22-22, they would end the first half on a 16-0 run, which continued into the second half with a 26-3 run. That’s a lot of running if you ask me.

Trier had an all-around All Pac-12, All American type performance. He finished the game with 15 points, four rebounds and three assists. Zo went down hard when he collided knee-to-knee on defense around the 10: 00-minute mark in the second half. The entire McKale Center held it’s breath as Zo lay on the floor in pain. Trier would eventually be taken to the locker room, before returning to the sideline with ice wrapped around his knee and a slight limp. Hopefully, Zo will be okay. Sean Miller said we all need to wait a day to see how he feels.

With the Wildcats in complete control for the entire second half, it allowed other players to get involved and have some fun. After coming off a 26 points performance for Rawle Alkins, he finished tonight with 11 points and six rebounds, including this alley-oop from Parker Jackson-Cartwright:

The other two starters, Cartwright and Dusan Ristic put in work. PJC had three points, three assists and two rebound. Ristic used his size advantage down low, scoring eight rebounds and grabbing eight boards. Off the bench, Ira Lee earned himself 17 minutes of play and was looking excellent on the defensive end, really moving his feet well. Plus, he had four points and four rebounds. In addition, Dylan Smith and Brandon Randolph combined for 11 points and seven rebounds.

As an added bonus for Wildcat fans, Alex “Barcelona” Barcello saw some court time after missing the last game due to an ankle sprain, which was great to see. I’m sure PJC and Trier are glad to see a strong ball handler back out there helping out at the one position. Emmanuel Akot as well saw about 10 minutes of playing time, after being out a couple of games due to knee issues.

Star of the game, Ayton, was asked after the game about how his team is jelling on the offensive end and getting him the ball and playing off of that, “We want dudes to front us..”  That says it all!

“Well I am very happy with tonight’s performance, really respect North Dakota State”. That’s how Coach Miller opened the post-game press conference. Also, when asked about Trier’s status he explained, “We are hoping for good news, it seems to be positive, but we will know tomorrow.”  Wildcats fans from all over are praying for a speedy recovery for Zo!

See the rest of the press conference below:

Key stat’s of the game:

• Only had five turnovers!
• Outrebounded their opponent 41-29
• 14 second chance points
• Shot 92% as a team from the free throw line. That will win you some close games!
• Had 34 points in the paint

Must Read: The Twelve Days of Christmas done Arizona Wildcats style

At Zona Zealots, we would like to congratulate the team on another impressive win and that much closer to the game of the year in college basketball when Arizona State comes to town on Dec. 30th. Wildcats fan, better buckle in because things are about to get quite interesting. Bear Down!