TUCSON (KGUN9-TV) -- The Arizona Wildcats' beat the Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners 78-66 in their home opener at McKale Center.
Freshmen Lauri Markkanen led the Cats in scoring and rebounding with 26 points and 8 rebounds.
Arizona was in a little foul trouble in the second half. Rawle Alkins, Parker Jackson-Cartwright, and Kobi Simmons all had 4 fouls but that didn't stop Arizona.
The Wildcats' held off a furious second half run by Cal State Bakersfield.
Jaylin Airington scored 31 for the Roadrunners and led the 17-0 second half run that cut Arizona's lead to four with 9:04 to play.
But Markkenen hit a 3-pointer, converted a three-point play and made a short jumper to give Arizona the lead.
Arizona took 35 fee throws compared to the Roadrunners who only took 11.
Rawie Alkins made 4 of 6 3-pointers and scored 15 for the Wildcats. Kobi Simmons added 13.
Kadeem Allen did not play on Tuesday because of a knee sprain that happened in the Cats' game against Michigan State on November 11 in Hawaii. Allen had the buzzer-beat game-winning layup during that game.
