Watch: 8 best things Arizona Wildcats said after drubbing UMBC
The No. 3 Arizona Wildcats received a second-half scare from the Maryland Baltimore County Retrievers, but eventually pulled away with a 103-78 victory and advanced to 2-0 on the season. Here's the best of what the Cats had to say Sunday.
By Justin Spears / Arizona Daily Star
Another Sunday, another win
Updated
Arizona Wildcats forward Ira Lee (11) gets pumped up and looks towards Arizona Wildcats forward Deandre Ayton (13) before he goes to the foul line in the second half during a game at McKale Center on November 12, 2017. Arizona won 103-78.
Allonzo Trier paved the way for the Wildcats by scoring 30 points on 10 of 18 shooting, becoming the eighth player in program history to post back-to-back 30-point performances.
The undersized Retrievers' game plan was simple: score as many three-pointers as possible and it was effective throughout the first 30 minutes of the game. UMBC shot 14 of 28 from three-point range, but the Wildcats found a nice balance in the post and from outside so the Retrievers' shooting performance became a non-factor down the stretch.
Deandre Ayton had another double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds and showcased his athletic abilities for a 7-foot-1 player by cutting through the lane after an Emmanuel Akot missed shot, stretched back with one arm and threw down the putback dunk.
We know @RealDeandreAy gave a #SCTop10 play in the first half, but we think he just gave @SportsCenter ANOTHER one. #BearDown pic.twitter.com/FtzprVDgfz
— Arizona Basketball (@APlayersProgram) November 13, 2017
Dylan Smith returned from his three-game suspension and recorded six points points and two blocks. Freshman wing Brandon Randolph was limited (concussion), but managed to put together five points in four minutes.
It wasn't a trouble-free win considering UMBC gave the Cats a scare, but Arizona coasted in the final minutes of the game and will now turn to Cal-State Bakersfield on Thursday before leaving for the Bahamas to play in the Battle 4 Atlantis.
Watch what Sean Miller, Parker Jackson-Cartwright and Ayton had to say after the win:
Trier's impeccable work ethic
UpdatedSean Miller on Allonzo Trier’s 30-point performance: Mentions that he’s never coached a player that works harder than Trier. pic.twitter.com/v6oHPBHCtR
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) November 13, 2017
Trier's development
UpdatedPJC on Allonzo Trier’s development: pic.twitter.com/V0Ny1QBVx7
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) November 13, 2017
Return of Randolph and Pinder
UpdatedParker Jackson-Cartwright on Keanu Pinder and Brandon Randolph’s return today and managing an uptempo offense. Deandre Ayton also touches on the defensive adjustments guarding the perimeter. pic.twitter.com/MearqWVy1R
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) November 13, 2017
Randolph's status moving forward
UpdatedSean Miller on Brandon Randolph’s return (concussion) and playing limited minutes tonight: pic.twitter.com/v3EUigZDoP
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) November 13, 2017
Deandre Ayton is accustomed to the college pace
UpdatedDeandre Ayton on playing heavy minutes: pic.twitter.com/48ukX5Av4A
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) November 13, 2017
'Go get it'
UpdatedSean Miller takes credit for Deandre Ayton’s putback dunk in the second half and talks about his motor and energy that he brings: pic.twitter.com/fPoNP1M4cr
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) November 13, 2017
Ayton's most underrated attribute: passing
UpdatedSean Miller says one of Deandre Ayton’s best traits as a player is his ability to pass out of a double-team. pic.twitter.com/QxTByc3k2D
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) November 13, 2017
Pinder's defense and adjustments moving forward
UpdatedSean Miller on Keanu Pinder’s defense and what the Wildcats can improve on before Battle 4 Atlantis Tournament: pic.twitter.com/tu068SUit7
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) November 13, 2017
