Brandon Randolph leads Arizona to road win over UConn

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Brandon Randolph scored 20 points and Chase Jeter added 14 as Arizona held off UConn 76-72 on Sunday.

It was the first true away game of the year for the travel-weary Wildcats (6-2), whose only losses came in Maui to top-ranked Gonzaga and No. 8 Auburn.

Arizona led for most of the game and by four points at the half.

They extended the lead to eight points on a fast-break layup by Randolph with just over eight minutes left in the game.

But UConn chipped away, cutting the lead to two points several times down the stretch.

A driving layup by UConn’s Jalen Adams made it 74-72 with eight seconds remaining, but Arizona was able to inbound the ball and Brandon Williams sealed the game from the line.

Adams had 21 points to lead the Huskies (6-2). Eric Cobb added 12 points and 10 rebounds off the bench.

THE BIG PICTURE

Arizona: Sean Miller is now 8-0 against the Hurley brothers. He is 6-0 against Dan’s brother Bob, who coaches Arizona State. He also beat Dan’s Rhode Island team in 2013.

UConn: The Huskies could be getting some help in the frontcourt, though not this season. Prized recruit Akok Akok announced on Twitter that he has committed to the school, but told reporters during the game that there is still a chance he could declare for the NBA draft. The 6-foot-9 forward plans to enroll for the spring semester and join the basketball team as a walk-on. He is expected to practice with the team, but would not suit up for the Huskies until next season. UConn already has commitments from two highly rated guards for the Class of 2019, James Bouknight and Jalen Gaffney.

UP NEXT

Arizona: The Wildcats head back home to face Utah Valley on Thursday before flying east again to visit Alabama next Sunday.

UConn: The Huskies are back at the XL Center on Wednesday for a game against Lafayette.