TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — Caleb Love had 17 points and six assists, Jaden Bradley added 15 points and No. 10 Arizona opened coach Tommy Lloyd’s fourth season with a 93-64 win over Canisius on Monday night.
Arizona jumped on the Golden Griffins from the start, scoring the first 13 points during an opening 20-2 run on its way to a 52-30 halftime lead. The Wildcats never let the lead get under 18 after that early burst to win their 18th straight home opener.
Arizona dominated inside, outscoring Canisius 48-12 in the paint while grabbing 18 more rebounds. KJ Lewis added 14 points for the Wildcats, who had 20 assists and nine turnovers — five before the starters came out.
The Golden Griffins needed four minutes to score their first points and had trouble with Arizona’s size all night, but still shot a respectable 43% from the floor in one of college basketball’s toughest road environments.
Paul McMillan IV led Canisius with 20 points.
Takeaways
Canisius: The Golden Griffins had some good moments, particularly on offense after the slow start, but dug themselves way too big an early hole to prevent getting blown out.
Arizona: The Wildcats did what they’re supposed to against an overmatched nonconference opponent at home and showed off the depth that has them eyeing a deep NCAA Tournament run.
Key moment
Love’s return after testing the NBA waters was a huge boost to the Wildcats and earned him preseason All-America honors. He asserted himself right out of the gate, scoring seven points during Arizona’s big opening run.
Key stat
Arizona had a massive size advantage with two 7-footers in its rotation and took advantage on the glass. The Wildcats grabbed 17 offensive rebounds, scoring 19 second-chance points.
Up next
Canisius hosts St. Bonaventure on Saturday.
Arizona hosts Old Dominion on Saturday.
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