Watch: 9 best things Arizona Wildcats said after routing Western New Mexico

First step of the 2018-19 season

It didn't count toward the season, but the Arizona Wildcats had their unofficial season opener Tuesday night in a 95-44 win over Western New Mexico. It was the first of two exhibition games the Wildcats will play this season — the next coming Sunday against Chaminade. 

Chase Jeter was held out with an unspecified injury, so with Arizona's tallest player on the bench, the starting lineup consisted of Justin Coleman, Brandon Williams, Brandon Randolph, Ira Lee and Ryan Luther.

Randolph had a game-high 20 points on 5 of 5 shooting from 3-point range, while Williams added 14 points, four rebounds and three assists. Sophomore forward Emmanuel Akot finished the night with 10 points on 4 of 7 shooting from the field. 

Head coach Sean Miller, Akot and Randolph spoke to the media following Tuesday's game. 

Brandon Randolph on finding his groove

Brandon Randolph on his 20-point performance against Western New Mexico: pic.twitter.com/zTcTkqGebA

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) October 31, 2018

Focusing on ball

Brandon Randolph on the distractions surrounding Arizona: “We’re just here to play ball.” pic.twitter.com/av5SmGsltU

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) October 31, 2018

Board of Regents meeting

Sean Miller on Thursday’s Arizona Board of Regents meeting in Phoenix: “It’s a regularly scheduled meeting. I’ve been in contact with Dave Heeke and Dr. (Robert) Robbins.” pic.twitter.com/cSE5cLbvru

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) October 31, 2018

Ira Lee's one-game suspension for DUI

Sean Miller on Ira Lee’s suspension for the season opener vs. Houston Baptist: “Ira took it well. ... He’s had a lot of tough things happen to him in a short period of time. I think our support is unwavering to help him through this time.” pic.twitter.com/NQ1kJgdJUQ

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) October 31, 2018

Missing Jeter

Emmanuel Akot on Chase Jeter being out of the lineup tonight: pic.twitter.com/Ylc2f90b4V

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) October 31, 2018

Missing Jeter Pt. II

Sean Miller on Chase Jeter: “He really fills a need. Without him, we’re a much different team.” Jeter missed tonight’s game with an unspecified injury. pic.twitter.com/Srs7rOdMys

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) October 31, 2018

Maintaining tradition

How does Sean Miller handle losing most of his players from a year ago? “Part of keeping the tradition alive is to hold yourself accountable. All we can control is to be the best Arizona team this season.” pic.twitter.com/nFuRDw18GX

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) October 31, 2018

Brandon Williams' potential

Sean Miller on how “coachable” Brandon Williams is: pic.twitter.com/p53xduwlQ8

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) October 31, 2018

Randolph's growth

Sean Miller says Brandon Randolph practicing against @ISO_ZO and @Iam_RawleAlkins helped his growth as a player. pic.twitter.com/8ZfzQVVluX

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) October 31, 2018