Watch: 7 best things Arizona Wildcats said after clobbering North Dakota State

Bittersweet victory

By Justin Spears / Arizona Daily Star

For what was expected to be a trouble-free victory for No. 18 Arizona, the 30-point win over the North Dakota State Bison Monday night came with a price and the Wildcats definitely paid it.

Or at least Allonzo Trier did. 

When Arizona led by 29 with 9:53 left in the game, Trier collided with NDSU's Paul Miller and immediately fell to the floor, grabbing his left knee. UA trainer Justin Kokoskie helped Trier off the court, but later returned to the bench with an icepack on his knee. Trier finished the game with 15 points on 5 of 8 shooting with 4 assists. 

The silver-lining for Arizona's win was the Wildcats took a step forward defensively. Between the latter part of the first half and the opening moments of the second half, the Wildcats went on a 26-3 run over 10 minutes. The Cats were plus-eight in defensive rebounding, produced four blocks and steals and forced 13 turnovers while just giving up five of their own. 

Deandre Ayton recorded 25 points, but was one rebound shy for tallying what could've been his fifth straight double-double. 

Ayton, Rawle Alkins and Sean Miller spoke in the postgame press conference, here's what they had to say. 

Rawle Alkins' view of Trier's injury

Rawle Alkins on Allonzo Trier’s left knee injury: pic.twitter.com/R58XvSoVxa

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) December 19, 2017

Alex Barcello's role is important

Sean Miller says it was crucial for Alex Barcello to return as soon as he did, because Arizona “needs him.” pic.twitter.com/sjGlnP5Sai

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) December 19, 2017

Emmanuel Akot's knee tendinitis is improving

Sean Miller says knee tendinitis has really held Emmanuel Akot back this season. pic.twitter.com/hfkrndjtHS

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) December 19, 2017

Who's in and who's out in Arizona's rotation?

Sean Miller on settling Arizona’s rotation and where it stands: pic.twitter.com/JkDP2UOPJe

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) December 19, 2017

Ayton relishes one-on-one matchups

Deandre Ayton says it’s “paradise” whenever he gets defenders in iso situations on the block. pic.twitter.com/AdRT2J94wn

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) December 19, 2017

Miller's take on Trier's injury

Sean Miller provides an update on Allonzo Trier’s left knee injury. Says it’s possible that it’s a bone bruise since the knees collided so Trier could be “out a day” or it could be worse. Miller says trainers will evaluate more tomorrow morning. pic.twitter.com/dxycrQMwrt

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) December 19, 2017

Rematch of 2011 Elite Eight

Sean Miller on looking ahead to UConn and coaching against Kevin Ollie again: pic.twitter.com/VrxDjE2oNY

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) December 19, 2017