Baker Jr., Mannion lead Wildcats to first win on the road

Arizona Wildcats Basketball


Jemarl Baker Jr. hit 4 of 7 3-pointers -- including the go-ahead shot with 45 seconds remaining to lift the Arizona Wildcats to a 75-72 win over Washington in Seattle tonight. It was the first win on the road this season for the Wildcats as they improve to 14-6 and 4-3 in Pac-12 play.

Baker Jr. finished with 17 points, while Nico Mannion put in a solid performance with 16 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Stone Gettings was also in double figures with 13.

Arizona was on fire early. The Wildcats jumped out to a 21-11 lead at the midway point of the first half, but went cold down the stretch and remained cold from the field to start the second half. Washington battled back and regained the lead at 42-39 when the Huskies' Hameir Wright sank a 3-point shot with 17 minutes remaining in the game.

The Wildcats continued to struggle with their shooting and the Huskies led by five, 65-60, at the eight minute mark, but Baker Jr. knocked down his third 3-pointer to give Arizona a 70-69 lead at the 4:18 mark.

With 1:45 left in the game, RaeQuan Battle rolled in a 3-pointer to give the Huskies their final lead of the game at 72-70. Baker Jr. followed with his fourth 3-pointer, Dylan Smith hit 1 of 2 free throws with 19 seconds left to complete the scoring and the Wildcats walked away with a road win.

The Wildcats take on Washington State on Saturday. The Cougars are 13-9 and 4-5 in the Pac-12 Conference.