No. 14 Arizona blows out Utah Tech 104-77 behind Kriisa

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) – Kerr Kriisa scored a career-high 24 factors and No. 14 Arizona steamrolled a 3rd straight opponent to open the season, setting a college file at no cost throw capturing Thursday evening in a 104-77 victory over Utah Tech.

Coming off a triple-double in his earlier recreation, Kriisa was 6 of seven from 3-point vary and 6 of 6 on the foul line whereas including 4 rebounds and 5 assists. Final week towards Southern, the junior level guard had 14 factors, 11 rebounds and 12 assists for his second profession triple-double, turning into the third participant at school historical past to do it a number of occasions.

Arizona went 22 for 22 from the free throw line. The earlier college mark was 18 of 18 towards Stanford in 2005.

“I assume for those who take some further reps then they really go in additional usually,” Kriisa stated.

After capturing 33.6% from 3-point vary final season, Kriisa is 11 of 17 in three video games this season.

“I’m attempting to be in line with searching my shot,” he stated. “I’m up and down with my shot (choice). Some video games I take two pictures and different video games I take eight pictures. I’m looking for an excellent steadiness, so it’s no shock for my teammates if I take extra pictures.”

Azuolas Tubelis and Cedric Henderson Jr. every had 20 factors for the Wildcats. Oumar Ballo added 16 factors and 11 rebounds as Arizona (3-0) topped 100 factors for the second time in three video games. The Wildcats had been 12 of twenty-two from past the arc and shot 63.6% for the sport.

Henderson was 8 of 11 from the sector after scoring solely eight factors in his first two video games since transferring from Campbell.

Utah Tech (1-3) received 13 factors from Noa Gonsalves and 12 every from Frank Staine and Dancell Leter however shot solely 36.1%. The Trailblazers made 13 steals, changing 19 Arizona turnovers into 21 factors.

Arizona led 49-21 at halftime regardless of 12 giveaways, capturing 62% from the ground and grabbing 5 extra rebounds than Utah Tech had factors. The Trailblazers surpassed their first-half scoring complete lower than 9 minutes into the second however couldn’t get the deficit under 23 at 78-55 with 8:23 to go.

“I believed second half we sort of began to combat a bit bit,” coach Jon Judkins stated. “First half it regarded like we had been a bit bit scared, and we will’t have that whenever you come to an enviornment like this. It’s packed and it’s loud, it’s gonna occur, however that’s why we play them and hopefully we be taught from this and get higher and watch movie and attempt to do a greater job.”

Arizona noticed Utah Tech a 4-0 lead earlier than occurring a 23-4 run wherein the Wildcats made 9 of 10 pictures, together with 5 3s. One other 18-2 run made it 41-13 with 5:08 left within the first half.

The Trailblazers missed 18 of 19 pictures throughout one stretch, capturing simply 18.7% within the opening 20 minutes.

BIG PICTURE

Utah Tech: The Trailblazers are of their third 12 months of the four-year transition interval after transferring up from Division II, however that is the primary season underneath their new college title. In July, the college formally modified its title from Dixie State.

Arizona: The Wildcats have gained 22 consecutive video games at McKale Middle, tied for the third-longest energetic streak in Division I and their greatest since successful 49 in a row from 2013-16. This system file is 71 from 1987-92.

UP NEXT

Utah Tech: Continues a four-game highway journey at Idaho on Saturday. The Trailblazers aren’t dwelling once more till Dec. 9.

Arizona: Heads to Hawaii to play within the Maui Invitational, opening Monday towards Cincinnati.

Extra faculty basketball