Tobe Awaka scored 18 points, grabbed 15 rebounds and blocked two shots to lead the host Arizona Wildcats to a comfortable 102-44 victory over Old Dominion on Saturday afternoon in Tucson, Ariz.
The 10th-ranked Wildcats (2-0) stormed out to a 14-2 edge and never let up, flexing their distinct size advantage and using their aggressive defense to quickly turn the game into a rout.
Devin Caesar was one of the very few bright spots for the Monarchs (0-2) with 12 points and three rebounds on 5-of-10 shooting.
Arizona displayed the formula it hopes can carry it to national title contention this coming season as it begins its first season in the Big 12 Conference.
The Wildcats pummeled Old Dominion on the boards, outrebounding the Monarchs 59-28 and out scoring them a staggering 58-24 in the paint.
Arizona turned Old Dominion’s 18 turnovers into 23 points and opened up a 50-21 lead by halftime.
The Wildcats committed only nine turnovers themselves and eclipsed the 100-point mark for the first time this season – something they did seven times last season.
Awaka led the effort with a very efficient game at both ends of the floor. Awaka shot 8 of 10 from the field and collected eight offensive rebounds.
The inside play complemented Caleb Love on the perimeter as he finished with 10 points, including 2 of 5 from 3-point range and three rebounds. The Wildcats went 8 of 21 from long distance overall.
Carter Bryant finished with 12 points and four rebounds while Anthony Dell’Orso had 11 points and four rebounds.
Arizona’s defense held the Monarchs to just 32 percent shooting and 2 for 16 from 3-point range.
The Wildcats racked up numerous trips to the free throw line as well by dominating near the rim. Arizona went 18 of 29 from the foul line while Old Dominion shot only 17 free throws and made six.
The Wildcats will next travel to face Wisconsin on Friday while Old Dominion will play at Radford on Tuesday night.
–Field Level Media
