Recap: Arizona vs. Fla Atlantic
Sports Network | November 17, 2008
Tucson, AZ (Sports Network) - Chase Budinger tallied 21 points and dolled out four assists, as the Arizona Wildcats defeated the Florida Atlantic Owls, 75-62, in the first round of the NIT Season Tip-Off at the McKale Center.
Nic Wise also turned in a big effort with 19 points and nine assists, as Arizona (1-0) advances to face UAB in the finals of the West Regional on Tuesday. Jordan Hill registered a double-double with 12 points and 10 boards, while Jamelle Horne posted 10 points in the win.
Paul Graham III guided FAU (1-1) with a game-high 23 points on 7-of-14 shooting from the floor. Carderro Nwoji and Chris Watson each chipped in 10 points, with Watson also grabbing 15 rebounds for a double-double. The Owls will hook up with Santa Clara in a consolation game on Tuesday.
Arizona shot a sizzling 57.1 percent from the floor in the first half, taking a 39-35 lead to the break.
The Wildcats made 12-of-17 free-throws and held FAU to just 33.3 percent shooting from the field in the second half, as they posted the 13-point victory.
As a team, Arizona dished out 19 assists while committing a mere eight turnovers.
