Tubelis leads way in Wildcats’ blowout victory over Sacramento State

Nov 27, 2021, 8:05 PM | Updated: 10:38 pm

(Twitter photo / Arizona basketball)

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — Azoulas Tubelis scored 22 points, Christian Koloko added 20 before leaving with an ankle injury and No. 17 Arizona routed Sacramento State 105-60 Saturday night.

The Wildcats (6-0) had a huge size advantage and exploited it, overpowering the Hornets by 29 points in the paint. Arizona had 31 assists on 38 field goals, including nine by Kerr Kriisa, and shot 55% to avoid a letdown after beating Michigan earlier this week.

Koloko also had seven rebounds, two steals and a blocked shot but left early in the second half with a sprained ankle.

Sacramento State (3-3) fell into a big hole early and never recovered, losing its second lopsided game to a Pac-12 opponent this season. Cameron Wilbon had 14 points to lead the Hornets, who shot 36%.

Arizona opened the season with three straight blowouts and survived a tough game against Wichita State in Las Vegas. The Wildcats picked up a marquee win in Sin City last Sunday, dominating then No. 4 Michigan 80-62, which moved Arizona into the Top 25 for the first time this season.

Sac State has had an up-and-down start to the season, starting with coach Brian Katz’s abrupt retirement for health reasons just before it started. The Hornets lost by 25 to Utah and 15 to UC San Diego, but picked up a win over rival UC Davis in their last game.

Sac State had never beaten a ranked opponent in 15 tries since joining Division I in 1991, so it was going to be a tough climb Saturday.

Koloko had two early alley-oop dunks as Arizona opened the game on a 16-5 run and the Wildcats kept running from there. In the first half, Tubelis had 17 points, Koloko 10 and the Wildcats shot 19 of 38 to lead 47-22 at halftime.

Koloko opened the second half by blocking a shot on an alley-oop dunk attempt and put down one of his own after a steal. Arizona scored the first 10 points to go up 57-22. Koloko limped off soon after that, but the Wildcats went on a 15-2 run to go up 88-42.

BIG PICTURE

Sac State: The experience of playing Arizona on the road should help the Hornets once Big Sky play rolls around.

Arizona: Didn’t suffer a letdown after its big win against Michigan, dominating the Hornets at both ends.

UP NEXT

Sac State: Hosts Montana on Thursday.

Arizona: Starts Pac-12 play Thursday at home against Washington.

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