Alkins, Trier lead Wildcats to win at The Pit

Arizona Wildcats Basketball


Arizona returned to The Pit in Albuquerque tonight.

Nothing has changed.

It's still a rough place to play, but 23rd-ranked Arizona withstood a barrage of three-point attempts from the Lobos and escaped with a 89-73 win over New Mexico.

The Lobos game plan: throw down as many three-pointers (34) and hope half of them go in. Well, New Mexico made 12 of 34, but Arizona was the better shooting team as the Wildcats shot 71 percent from the field in the first half and finished at 64 percent (32 of 50 on the night), while the Lobos ended up 38.7 percent (24 of 62). Half of New Mexico's shot attempts came from long range.

While the Lobos were busy throwing up long-range shots, the Wildcats went about their business of putting the ball in the hoop as Rawle Alkins led the way with a career-high 26 points and Allonzo Trier netted 22. And yes, Deandre Ayton was on hand with his ninth double-double of the season with 14 points and 13 rebounds.

Arizona canned 9 of 13 (69.2 percent) of its three-pointers and out rebounded the Lobos 35-23. The Wildcats had 30 points on the scoreboard at the midway point of the first half and led 49-33 at halftime.

The Wildcats win their fifth straight and improve to 8-3.

Way to go, Wildcats!