Wildcats steam roll their way to the Big Apple

Arizona Wildcats Basketball


The Arizona Wildcats roll over Rhode Island 87-59 and head for the Big Apple next week with a full head for steam.

Clicking on all cylinders, the Wildcats overwhelmed the Rams at McKale Center tonight, jumping out to a 43-19 halftime lead and once again cleared the bench in the second half. Brandon Ashley  led the way with 16 points and Nick Johnson had a double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds, while T.J. McConnell continues his outstanding point guard play with five assists to go along with seven points and two rebounds.

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson added 13 points and Aaron Gordon chipped in 12 points, seven rebounds and two assists. Gabe York and Kaleb Tarczewski tossed in eight points apiece. Elliott Pitts hit a three-pointer as the final seconds ticked away to complete the scoring for the Wildcats.

Arizona, ranked fifth in the country, improves to 5-0 on the young season and is on a collision course to face Duke at the NIT preseason tournament in New York. The Wildcats take on Drexel on Nov. 27 and if everything goes according to plan will face the Blue Devils for the title on Nov. 29.