Wildcats get a tester in basketball opener

Charleston Southern did some dancin' at McKale Center tonight. It wasn't the Lindy, the Charleston, nor was it the East Coast shuffle, instead it was an effective 2-3 zone defense as the Buccaneers kept it close before bowing to the Arizona Wildcats, 82-73. The 2012-13 season opener for the 'Cats turned into a real tussle. Charleston Southern kept it close all the way and were within two points (59-57) with just eight minutes remaining. But in the end the 'Cats simply had too many weapons as five players finished in double figures of the 10 Wildcats that graced the court at McKale. Mark Lyons scored 15 of his 17 points in the second half, while Solomon Hill scored 14, Brandon Ashley and Nick Johnson netted 12 apiece and Jordin Mayes added 10. The Wildcats shot over the zone and made 11 of 32 three-point attempts and shot 45 percent (27 of 60) from the field for the night. So, tonight the 'Cats were pushed a little, but the bottom line: Arizona is 1-0 and can now prepare for the Tim Floyd-coached UTEP Miners on Thursday.