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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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By the Numbers
50 – Arizona won by at least 50 points for the first time since Dec. 4, 2004.
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5 – Arizona had five players in double-figures for the first time this season.
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2 – Two Wildcats had their career-highs in points tonight (
Semaj Smith and
Helena Pueyo)
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8 – Arizona has won the first eight games of the season for the first time since 1999.
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Play of the Game
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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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