It looked we might have our first big upset of the 2012 NCAA basketball season Sunday before the Wildcats got their act together and pulled out a 82-73 win over Charleston Southern at home.
No. 12 Arizona vs. CSU final score: Wildcats avoid early season scare, win 82-73
Things were a little worrisome for a while but Arizona ultimately got enough offense in the end to win their season opener against the Charleston Southern Buccaneers.
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-US PRESSWIRE
Despite all their freshman talent, two of Arizona's most experienced players lead the way for the Wildcats with seniors Mark Lyons (17 points, six assists) and Solomon Hill (14 points, five rebounds) providing some steady production. CSU sophomore Arlon Harper stole the show though with a game-high 20 points, three rebounds and three assists.
The Buccaneers cut the deficit to two just as the clock ticked under eight minutes in the second half but Arizona found a rhythm with their jumpers and scored 23 points from there. Still, there’s some reason for concern for the Wildcats after Charleston Southern baffled them throughout the game with their zone defense.
The Wildcats put up an uncharacteristic 32 three point attempts and sank 11 of them including three big ones in the final eight minutes. But Arizona also had a difficult time wrangling in boards against an undersized Buccaneers lineup as CSU outproduced them by one rebound.
Arizona will look to correct these minor issues this Thursday when the UTEP Miners stroll into Tucson.
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