WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 (BNA): Kerrissa scored a career-high 24 points as the 14th-ranked No. 1 hit its third consecutive season-opener, setting a record-breaking free-throw shooting Thursday night in the 104-77 win. Utah Tech.
After hitting a triple-double in his previous game, Kriisa was 6-of-7 from 3-point range and 6-of-6 on the foul line while adding four rebounds and five assists.
Last week against Southern, the rookie had 14 points, 11 rebounds and 12 assists for his second career triple-double, becoming just the third player in school history to do so multiple times.
Arizona went 22-for-22 from the free throw line. The school’s previous mark was 18-of-18 against Stanford in 2005, according to the Associated Press.
After shooting 33.6% from 3-point range last season, Kressa has finished 11-of-17 in three games this season.
I try to be consistent with my shot chase,” he said. “I’m fickle with my (choice) shots. Some games I shoot two shots and other games I shoot eight shots. I try to find a good balance, so it’s no surprise to my teammates that I take more shots.”
Azulas Toplis and Cedric Henderson Jr. each had 20 points for the Wildcats. Omar Ballou added 16 points and 11 rebounds as Arizona (3-0) led the 100-point game for the second time in three games. The Wildcats were 12 of 22 from outside the arc and shot 63.6% for the game.
Henderson was 8-of-11 from the field after scoring just eight points in his first two games since moving from Campbell.
Utah Tech (1-3) got 13 points from Noa Gonsalves and 12 each from Frank Staine and Dancell Leter but scored just 36.1%. The Trailblazers made 13 steals, turning Arizona’s 19-point lead into 21.
Arizona led 49-21 at halftime despite 12 gifts, shooting 62% from the floor and grabbing five more rebounds than Utah Tech who had more points
The Trailblazers surpassed their first half score less than nine minutes into the second, but could not get a deficit short of 23 at 78-55 with 8:23 remaining.
insignificant