Wildcats impressive in Pac-12 opener

Arizona Wildcats Basketball


The Arizona Wildcats did everything right at McKale Center tonight in their Pac-12 opener against their intrastate rival Arizona State. The Wildcats shot 51 percent from the field, canned 5 of 10 from three-point land and made their free throws (16 of 19) en route to a 73-49 win over the Sun Devils.

Arizona, ranked No. 8 in the country, improves to 13-1 overall and 1-0 in the Pac-12 Conference.

Arizona coach Sean Miller changed the starting lineup tonight, inserting Elliott Pitts and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson in place of Gabe York and Stanley Johnson. By the end of the game, ten players had played and scored for the Wildcats with Brandon Ashley, Jefferson and Johnson leading the way with 13 points apiece. Jefferson hauled in eight rebounds to lead the Wildcats, while Johnson had no trouble coming off the bench, adding seven rebounds, two assists and a steal.

The Sun Devils were limited to 32 percent from the field and 29 percent from three-point land. Arizona out rebounded ASU, 33-23.

Up next: A trip to the Oregon schools next week.