Arizona Basketball hits triple-digits in big win over UTRGV

TUCSON, AZ — Dominating on both ends of the floor, Arizona Basketball (2-0) came away with the big, 104-50 win over Texas Rio Grande Valley. 

Following their huge win over in-state foe Northern Arizona the other night, Arizona Basketball came out ready to play on Friday evening, as five different players finished in double-figures en route to the dominant, 104-50 win over visiting Texas Rio Grande Valley.

Christian Koloko had a career night for the Cats as he scored 18 points while grabbing 11 rebounds and blocking five shots.

His performance last night in McKale was so historic, that he was the first Wildcat since Jordan Hill in 2008 that had at least 10 points, 10 rebounds, and five blocks.

Beyond that, Azuolas Tubelis returned to his dominant form as he scored 20 points and grabbed six rebounds. Justin Kier, Ben Mathurin, and Oumar Ballo all had big nights as well, scoring 13 points, 13 points, and 12 points respectively.

The Wildcats dominated from the beginning, jumping out to an 18-2 lead in just their first six minutes of play, and didn’t look back.

Arizona even continued their strong play, finishing the half by outscoring the Vaqueros 31-22 to make it 49-24 at the break.

Arizona Basketball continued their dominant performance in the second half, eventually coming away with the 54-point win.

Relying on a strong defensive effort, the Wildcats turned up the intensity in the second half continuing to build on their big lead.

Playing an unselfish brand of basketball, the Cats opened the half on a 24-11 run, and then followed it up with another big run as they outscored the Vaqueros 22-10 run to make it 95-44 Arizona after Ballo converted on just one of two free throws.

Arizona would bring in the rest of their bench as they finished the game by outscoring UTRGV 9-6 to come away with the 104-50 win, and moving to 2-0 on the year.

So what’s next for Arizona Basketball?

Following their win, Arizona will have a short break before they return to action on Tuesday against North Dakota State as they kick off the Roman Main Event. After that, Arizona will then travel to Las Vegas to take on Wichita State.

Listen to head coach Tommy Lloyd following the teams’ win.