Arizona defeated Division 2 Eastern New Mexico, 91-63, in its first of two exhibition games to begin the season.
Freshman DeAndre Ayton led the way with 31 points and 10 rebounds. The Wildcats were playing without Rawle Alkins, who has a broken foot, and Parker Jackson-Cartwright, who has a minor ankle injury. Also not suiting up was Dylan Smith, who head coach Sean Miller said is sitting out for a violation of team rules.
Earlier in the day, the Wildcats were ranked third in the first A.P. Top 25 poll. Duke is the preseason number one team.
Arizona will play its second exhibition game this Sunday against Chico State before opening the regular season game at home against Northern Arizona one week from Friday.
