Arizona Wins Maui Invitational

Picture Courtesy of mauiinvitational.com

By Francisco Romero. – It was not easy, but the Wildcats were able to pull away at the end and beat San Diego State 61-59 in the Maui Invitational Tournament. 

It was Arizona’s second Tournament Championship; they also won it in 2000.

It was the third game in three days for both Arizona and SDS.  In the semifinal game, the Wildcats beat Kansas State, while the Aztecs overcame a double overtime to beat BYU on Monday and Pittsburgh in the semifinal game.

Ranked 15 in the country, San Diego State, played as such, but a talented No. 3 Wildcat team was just that much better.

Arizona went to the locker room at half time with a 32-31 lead. San Diego State made 10 of 19 shots during the half.

The Aztecs never gave up, to make matters interesting Trey Kell had a four-point play with 17 seconds to go and Winston Shepard hit a three-pointer. 

San Diego State could not catch up and fell short.

Arizona’s freshmen Stanley Johnson showed the world the reason he is regarded as one of the best college basketball players.  Johnson finished the game with 18 points, 9 rebounds and three steals.

Johnson was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player. 

Ronda Hollis-Jefferson added 14 points for the Wildcats while grabbing six rebounds.

For the Aztecs, Kell finished the game with 14 points and 4 rebounds.  Shepard also finished the game with 14 points with 6 rebounds.

Arizona’s record is now 6-0; the Aztecs are now 5-1.

SDS and Arizona have slowly developed a rivalry. Wednesday’s victory was the fourth straight for the Wildcats in the last two years.

Arizona returns home and will host Gardner-Webb on Tuesday December 2.  Tip off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.