The Arizona Wildcats got off to a slow start against the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks on Saturday afternoon -- mostly because of a awkward and methodical play style from the opposition -- but a big second half propelled UA to a 53-39 victory. Outside of the opening minutes, Arizona led the entire game and the outcome was never really in question.
Solomon Hill continued his stellar play and ended with 15 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two blocks. He also led all of his teammates in minutes played, logging 37 minutes on the court. Josiah Turner continues to improve drastically, and while his stat line of five points, five rebounds and one assist isn't spectacular, the offense simply flows when he's in the game. Kyle Fogg used three consecutive 3-pointers to start the second half en route to 11 points. Coach Miller addressed the slow pace of the game and praised his senior guard:
"Kyle Fogg to me is the story of the game because he had 20 minutes where the ball couldn't go in and yet he answered the bell."
Kevin Parrom continues to recover from his gunshot wound and was not much of a factor on Saturday. He ended with two points, two rebounds and an assist in 13 minutes of play. While the entire staff expects Kevin to return to his normal form, it continues to be a work in progress.
"Once the adrenaline and the emotion of him returning left him, he was hit with reality and that was, he was shot."
NAU was led offensively by Colin Gruber, who hit three 3's and ended with 13 points. He was the lone Lumberjack to finish in double-digits. After hitting four of their first seven shots from behind the arc, NAU shot just 1-for-7 the rest of the way. Only making two free throws greatly hurt their cause, as well.
Arizona will travel to Gainesville next to take on the Gators. Tipoff is set for 5 p.m. on Wednesday night.