TUCSON, Ariz. -- Nick Johnson and Gabe York scored 14 points apiece to lead five Arizona players in double figures as the Wildcats routed Augustana 84-52 on Monday in an exhibition game.
Arizona shot 50.9 percent from the floor as a team while committing only five turnovers on the night.
Point guard T.J. McConnell, in his first competitive action for the Wildcats after sitting out last season due to NCAA transfer rules, posted 12 points and eight assists without turning the ball over. Center Kaleb Tarczewski chipped in with 12 points and a team-high seven rebounds, while freshman Rondae Hollis-Jefferson scored 10 points in his collegiate debut.
As proficient as Arizona’s offensive effort was Monday, its defensive prowess was also on display for the 13,340 in attendance for the Wildcats’ lone exhibition game at McKale Center. Arizona forced 16 Augustana turnovers, turning those into 23 points and finishing with a 20-0 advantage in fast-break points.
Hollis-Jefferson, McConnell and Jordin Mayes each had three steals to make up the bulk of Arizona’s 12 thefts on the night. Brandon Ashley and Matt Korcheck had three blocks apiece for the Wildcats, who piled up eight for the game.
In addition to Tarczewski’s team-leading seven boards, Ashley and freshmen Aaron Gordon and Elliott Pitts each contributed five rebounds as Arizona finished even with Augustana on the glass at 39-39.
