Arizona basketball uses Allonzo Trier’s 27 points to beat Fresno State
Dec 9, 2015, 9:39 PM | Updated: 9:51 pm
Arizona guard Allonzo Trier, left, drives around Fresno State center Terrell Carter II during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2015, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
(AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
TUCSON, Ariz. — Allonzo Trier scored 27 points, Ryan Anderson added 17 and No. 13 Arizona pulled away late to beat Fresno State 85-72 Wednesday night.
Arizona (8-1) had a hard time shaking Fresno State, allowing the Bulldogs to hang close until the closing minutes.
But Gabe York hit a pair of big 3-pointers — one banked in — and Trier made four free throws down the stretch to extend the nation’s longest home winning streak to 43 games.
Arizona’s Kadeem Allen scored 13 points, but had to be helped off late in the second half after injuring his right leg on a non-contact play.
Fresno State (6-3) held its composure in one of college basketball’s toughest environments, staying within reach well into the second half behind Marvelle Harris.
Harris had 23 points and Paul Watson added 14 for the Bulldogs in their second close loss to a Top 25 team this season.
The Wildcats had their biggest win of the season on Saturday, rallying from a shaky first half with a super second to knock off then-No. 13 Gonzaga in Spokane.
Arizona was solid offensively against Fresno State in the first half, hitting 18 of 35 shots. The Wildcats struggled on the defensive end, allowing the Bulldogs to get to the rim and leaving open shots from the perimeter.
Fresno State, which lost by five at Oregon on Nov. 30, made 19 of 33 shots in the first half to lead 46-43.
Harris, who scored a season-low 12 points against Cal Poly, had 17 by halftime, hitting 7 of 12 shots and all three of his 3-point attempts.
When the Bulldogs came out of the locker room, they were greeted with a lot more intensity — from the Wildcats and their fans. But after withstanding Arizona’s initial push, Fresno State shoved back, continuing to hit shots.
Arizona stretched the lead to nine with a short burst, yet the Bulldogs kept hanging around, pulling within one at 71-70.
But York hit a 3-pointer in transition and banked in another to put Arizona up 77-70 with 2 minutes left.
TIP-INS
Fresno State: The Bulldogs have lost eight straight to Pac-12 teams. … Fresno State scored 23 points off Arizona’s 13 turnovers.
Arizona: Junior G Elliott Pitts was in street clothes and did not play. … The Wildcats have won 29 straight non-conference home games.
UP NEXT
Arizona hosts Missouri on Sunday.
