TUCSON, Ariz. – The Arizona Wildcats won by 50 or more points for the first time since December 2004 as they beat Monmouth 86-34 to win their eighth-straight game to start the season. Five Wildcats scored in double-figures and were paced by
Aari McDonald, who scored 19 on the night.
Arizona has now allowed fewer than 50 points in four-straight games and their opponents are averaging 30.5 points in the last two contests.
Monmouth shot just 23% from the field and turned the ball over 24 times. On the flip side, the Cats shot 53% and made eight of their 16 three-point attempts.
McDonald (19),
Cate Reese (16),
Helena Pueyo (15),
Semaj Smith (15) and
Sam Thomas (10) were Arizona's double-figure scorers as the Wildcats had five for the first time this season. Smith and Pueyo each had their career-highs in the points category while Reese had her second double-double of the season.
Player of the Game
Semaj Smith – The sophomore had a career-night, scoring 15 points on 5-8 shooting and 5-6 from the line to go with six rebounds and a block. It was the first time in her career Smith scored in double-figures.
By the Numbers
50 – Arizona won by at least 50 points for the first time since Dec. 4, 2004.
5 – Arizona had five players in double-figures for the first time this season.
2 – Two Wildcats had their career-highs in points tonight (
Semaj Smith and
Helena Pueyo)
8 – Arizona has won the first eight games of the season for the first time since 1999.
Play of the Game
Frameworthy
Arizona will hit the road one more time in the non-conference slate as they face UTEP next in El Paso on Saturday, Dec. 7.
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