Arizona Wildcats head coach Tommy Lloyd talks with Arizona Wildcats guard Pelle Larsson (3) in the second half during the season opener game at McKale Center in Tucson, Ariz. on November 7, 2022. Arizona won 117-75.

After losing three players — and significant offensive firepower — to the NBA draft, the 17th-ranked Arizona Wildcats set a program record in their 117-75 win over Nicholls to tip off the season on Monday. 

Arizona shot 72% from the field, a record that hasn't been accomplished since 1984. 

The Wildcats were led by returning All-Pac-12 forward Azuolas Tubelis who finished with 23 points on 10-for-12 shooting from the field, seven rebounds and six assists. Former Pac-12 Sixth Man of the Year Pelle Larsson recorded his first-career double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds in the triumph. 

Here's what UA head coach Tommy Lloyd, now in his second season at the helm, had to say following the victory: 

Lloyd on Arizona's 24 turnovers

Freshman PG Kylan Boswell 'thrusted' into early minutes

Tubelis' improvements

'I love assists'

Moving forward


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Contact sports producer Justin Spears at jspears@tucson.com. On Twitter: @JustinESports