Wildcats overwhelm Morgan St.

Katherine K. Gardiner Arizona Daily Wildcat UA sophomore forward, Eugene Edgerson (center), and redshirt freshman Justin Wessel (30)reach for a shot off the rim from Morgan State's Lorenzo Hutchinson during their 115-53 win last night at McKale Center.

"We were never in this game," he said. "(UA coach) Lute Olson is a class act. I appreciate the fact that he pulled off us. He probably could have set a record."

Yes, he could have. A three-pointer by Ronnie Van Hook with three seconds to go was the only thing that kept the Wildcats from breaking the school's margin of victory record of 64 set last year against Robert Morris. Instead, the Wildcats (1-0) left McKale Center with your average, garden-variety 62-point win.

"It was fun," said senior guard Miles Simon, who, along with the other four starters did not play after leaving the game with 14:47 to play and up 74-25. "We established some things we wanted to."

One being their press, which took over in the second half. The Bears (0-3) managed just one field goal in the first 10 minutes of the second half while the Wildcats went on a 31-5 run.

The record that was set last night was opponent's turnovers. The Bears coughed it up 38 times, breaking the record of 34 set by Colorado in 1975.

The UA players said they were motivated by a play toward the end of the first half. Rasheed Sparks dunked over Arizona forward Michael Dickerson, drew a foul, then proceeded to talk a little trash.

"If they're talking trash down by 30, they're not thinking about winning," Simon said.

The defense created havoc for the Bears who managed to get just two players - Van Hook and Sparks - into double figures. The Wildcats on the other hand, had six. Eugene Edgerson set career highs with his 17 points and 12 rebounds, both game highs.

Bibby, another of the Wildcat starters to sit the last 15 minutes, finished with eight points and 13 assists - his career high. Simon had 16 points and six assists. Dickerson finished with 14 points and three rebounds. Bennett Davison and Donnell Harris had 10 and 12 points respectively.

Things did not start as smoothly for the Wildcats, though. Olson found fault with his perimeter players, who turned the ball over 10 times in the first half.

"I'm not pleased with our starters taking care of the ball," Olson said. "Ten turnovers by our three perimeter guys. That's ridiculous for seasoned guys."

The Bears were able to keep things within single digits thanks in most part to sloppy play by the Wildcats. It wasn't until Jason Terry's jumper at the 10:17 mark that the Wildcats went over double digits for good.

"I just think we were a little anxious," Simon said.

After that, it was all Wildcats. UA led by as many as 69 points, giving Olson a chance to use his subs. Eleven Wildcats played double-figure minutes and reserve Jason Stewart picked up four minutes. The crowd, which by that time had dwindled considerably from the announced 14, 672, was calling for a Stewart shot the entire time, but Stewart was only able to get off one shot and he missed.

"Everybody has to have experience," Edgerson said. "We're going to need everybody next week (at the Maui Invitational). It was a good start."