Watch: 8 best things Arizona Wildcats said after holding off Colorado
No. 11 Arizona got its revenge against Colorado and moved to 7-1 in Pac-12 play.
Looking for revenge
Updated
“He was an All-American type of player tonight,” said UA coach Sean Miller of junior Allonzo Trier, who scored 23 points in Thursday’s win.
By Justin Spears / Arizona Daily Star
No. 11 Arizona fell to Colorado on the road three weeks ago in Boulder and since then, the Wildcats haven't lost a game, which includes Thursday's revenge win over the Buffaloes.
This time was more different than the last and it wasn't just because UA played Colorado at home. Sophomore wing Rawle Alkins missed his second game in three games for soreness in his right foot, the same one he broke in September, so Dylan Smith was installed into the starting lineup. And Arizona showed just how valuable Alkins is to the team.
From the start of the first half, Arizona spiraled into a funk, and missed its first seven shot attempts and Colorado's zone gave the Cats fits.
At halftime, the score was tied at 30, but Arizona came out in the second half guns blazing and jumped out to a 12-point lead, but CU cut it to 60-59 with seven minutes left to play.
Arizona's starters, including Smith, combined for 74 points. Dusan Ristic had 15 points on 7 of 8 shooting and Deandre Ayton recorded 20 points going 12 of 12 from the free throw line. Allonzo Trier ended up with a game-high 23 points, in which Sean Miller said the junior guard played one of his best games at Arizona.
"He was an All-American type of player," Miller said.
That's not all Miller said. Miller, Smith and Ristic spoke in the postgame press conference after the win, here's what they had to say.
Missing Alkins
UpdatedSean Miller on the challenge of playing Colorado and what Arizona misses with Rawle Alkins out: pic.twitter.com/CaEl4bZAbi
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) January 26, 2018
Rivalry with Colorado and Alkins' foot status
UpdatedSean Miller on the rivalry with Colorado and Rawle Alkins’ status (foot) moving forward: pic.twitter.com/WMWamW03bf
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) January 26, 2018
Ayton had strep throat this week
UpdatedSean Miller says Deandre Ayton wasn’t 100% against Colorado, because he had strep throat earlier this week. Miller also compliments Ayton’s abilities: pic.twitter.com/Yn623xLXWJ
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) January 26, 2018
Starter minutes gives Dylan Smith a better flow
UpdatedDylan Smith says getting more minutes as a starter allows him to get into a better rhythm. pic.twitter.com/7ZXmF1OI4i
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) January 26, 2018
Ristic's improved spin move
UpdatedDusan Ristic on his improved spin move in the post: pic.twitter.com/oofheoT2UH
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) January 26, 2018
Ayton's free throw performance
UpdatedDusan Ristic on Deandre Ayton’s ability to get to the free throw line: “Keep fouling him I guess.” pic.twitter.com/vbiNTQimJb
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) January 26, 2018
The run game?
UpdatedSean Miller compares his offense to rushing in football. pic.twitter.com/uRrxTZvX5R
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) January 26, 2018
Send it in Jerome!
UpdatedSean Miller on the 30-year anniversary of his pass to Jerome Lane that led to a shattered backboard. pic.twitter.com/q67aLoA6i6
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) January 26, 2018
