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Print This StoryFlorida Atlantic (1-0) At Arizona (0-0)
GAME NOTES: The Arizona Wildcats kick off their 2008-09 campaign tonight, as they host the Florida Atlantic Owls in the first round of the NIT Season Tip- Off at the McKale Center. The winner of this contest will hook up with either UAB or Santa Clara in the finals of the West Regional on Tuesday. The Wildcats enter the season under strange circumstance, as Russ Pennell is set be the head coach, but only on an interim basis. Pennell landed in this position after Lute Olson abruptly retired in late October. The first-time college head coach inherits a team that returns three starters from a club that went 19-11 a year ago. Arizona is experienced in this tournament, going 15-2 all- time and winning three championships. As for FAU, this is its first-ever appearance in the NIT. The Owls have already played one game on the young season, notching a 72-69 win over Monmouth on Friday. The outcome made a winner of Mike Jarvis is debut as head coach of the program. Tonight's contest marks the first-ever meeting between FAU and Arizona on the hardwood.
The Owls made good on 48.1 percent of their attempts from the floor and 15- of-18 at the foul line, as they slipped past Monmouth in their opener on Friday. FAU also did a decent job from beyond the arc, where it went 7-of-19 in the game. Paul Graham III headed the charge with 19 points, six rebounds and four assists. Graham III, who averaged 14.0 ppg last season, drilled 5- of-6 three-pointers in the contest. Chris Watson and Brett Royster added 12 points apiece, while Shavar Richardson and Carderro Nwoji each chipped in with 10 pints. The Owls won the game despite playing without Carlos Monroe, the team's leading returning scorer (15.4 ppg) and rebounder (9.5 rpg) from a season a go.
Running the show for Arizona this year will be Nic Wise, a talented point guard who averaged 9.2 ppg and 4.4 apg last season. Wise will have plenty of options to pass the ball to, as Chase Budinger and Jordan Hill are welcomed back to their frontcourt positions. Budinger turned in a great campaign in 2007-08, averaging a hardy 17.1 ppg to go with 5.4 rpg. Hill also did some positive things last season, as he posted 13.2 ppg and 7.9 rpg. The 6-10 Hill is also a great shot blocker and he gives Arizona the defensive presence needed to succeed.
The Wildcats are a talented group and they should be able to dominate in the post and capture the victory on their home floor tonight.
Predicted OutcomeArizona 77, Florida Atlantic 63Copyright 2008 Courtesy of The Sports Network.
