TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) - Lauri Markkanen scored 19 points and hit five 3-pointers, helping No. 16 Arizona bounce back from its first loss of the season with an 85-63 rout of Texas Southern on Wednesday night.
Arizona (6-1) had no letdown after losing to Butler last week, jumping on the Tigers (4-3) from the opening tip. The Wildcats built a 13-point lead in the opening 5 minutes and were up 19 by halftime, cruising to the 37th straight non-conference win at McKale Center.
Kobi Simmons had 15 points and Kadeem Allen finished with 14 points and seven assists for Arizona. Markkanen had six rebounds and five assists.
The only bad news for the Wildcats was that starting point guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright did not return after appearing to injure his right leg midway through the first half.
Zach Lofton led Texas Southern with 19 points and Jalan McCloud added 14.
