TUCSON, AZ – Despite falling behind by as many as 11 early on, No. 8 Arizona Basketball (11-0, 1-0) ultimately overpowered Cal Baptist in their 84-60 win.
It wasn’t the prettiest performance for Arizona Basketball from start-to-finish but a win is still a win as Azuolas Tubelis finished with a team-high of 19 points and seven rebounds, while Christian Koloko posted another double-double in the Wildcats’ 84-60 win.
Despite taking on an inferior Cal Baptist team at home, the visiting Lancers would show no fear in this one, starting out the game firing on all cylinders.
Opening the game on an 18-7 run in roughly the first four minutes of play, Cal Baptist even continued their strong play well into the first half as they still lead the Wildcats 22-12 with 12:19 to play.
Well, luckily for us, the Wildcats wouldn’t go quietly. Responding with a 12-0 run over the next three minutes, Arizona would pull ahead 24-22 with 9:01 to play and never looked back.
Despite Cal Baptist’s best attempts to keep this one close, Arizona would finish the half by outscoring the Lancers 16-11 to lead 40-33 at the break.
A strong second half by Arizona Basketball would give the Wildcats separation as they cruised to the 24-point victory.
Leading just by seven at halftime, Arizona would open the second half on an 11-2 run which was capped by a made layup from Tubelis to give the Wildcats a 16-point lead with 16:44 to play.
The Wildcats would even continue their strong play well into the second half, extending their lead to as many as 24 before closing things out with the comfortable and convincing victory.
Where does No. 8 Arizona Basketball go from here?
With the win, the Wildcats remain unbeaten on the year and will have a few days off before they travel to take on No. 18 Tennessee (8-2) for a marquee showdown in Knoxville on Wednesday. That game is slated for 5:00 PM MST and will be televised on ESPN2!
Listen to head coach Tommy Lloyd following the teams’ victory!