News updates are sent daily. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Wildcats win opener behind Budinger’s 21 points
Digg|
Save|
License|
Print|
E-mail|
TUCSON - Chase Budinger scored 21 points and Nic Wise added 19 points and nine assists as Arizona opened the post-Lute Olson era with a 75-62 victory over Florida Atlantic in an NIT Season Tip-Off game on Monday night.
The 74-year-old Olson suddenly retired in October, ending his 24-season reign in the desert.
With interim coach Russ Pennell on the bench and hundreds of empty seats in McKale Center, Arizona fell behind 15-7 before rallying to take a 24-22 lead on Budinger’s driving dunk with 6 minutes to play in the first half.
The Wildcats didn’t trail again.
Paul Graham III scored 23 points for the Owls (1-1), who were without senior forward Carlos Monroe, their all-time leading rebounder and the No. 5 scorer in school history. He is dealing with eligibility issues.
Arizona advanced to a second-round game tonight against UAB.
Please add your comments, but follow these guidelines to keep this a safe, credible place for discussing the news: