Arizona's version of "The Big Easy" leads Wildcats over Alabama

Arizona Wildcats Basketball


Too bad the nickname "The Big Easy" is already taken in the world of sports.

South African pro golfer Ernie Els has the nickname all wrapped up.

On the other hand, Arizona's version of "The Big Easy" was a force to be reckoned with again tonight as Deandre Ayton recorded his eighth double-double of the season to lead the Wildcats to an 88-82 non-conference win over Alabama at McKale Center.

Ayton makes it look so easy.

Arizona's 7-1 center pumped in 29 points and grabbed 18 rebounds and received plenty of support from teammate Allonzo Trier, who finished with 25 points -- including 14 of 16 free throws as the Wildcats win a close one over the Crimson Tide.

As it turned out, the Wildcats needed all of Ayton's points just to match Alabama's Collin Sexton, who pumped in 30 points. Sexton hit a 3-pointer at the end of the first half to give Alabama a 40-38 lead at the intermission and he continued to keep his team in the game in the second half.

Still, the Wildcats prevail as they seem to find an extra gear in the final minutes of the game to pull out a win. They treated UNLV the same way and Texas A & M as well.

Arizona improves to 7-3 and will get a week off before heading to Albuquerque next Saturday to take on the New Mexico Lobos.