Wildcats regroup in second half

SALT LAKE CITY — Arizona and Saint Mary’s are no strangers after scrimmaging during the preseason three times in the past four years. So the Wildcats weren’t surprised when the Gaels punched them in the mouth early.

Lauri Markkanen and former Findlay Prep star Allonzo Trier shined, and No. 2-seeded Arizona rallied to defeat No. 7 Saint Mary’s 69-60 on Saturday and advance to the West Regional’s Sweet 16.

The Wildcats were on the ropes in the first half, but found life in the second to pull away.

“These guys really knew how Saint Mary’s was,” Arizona coach Sean Miller said. “In a small way, (the scrimmages) really helped us tonight.

“Not until you’re actually playing against them do you realize how physical they are, how good they are. … I look at this as one of the great wins we’ve had in the tournament because of the team that we beat.”

The teams went back and forth in the second 20 minutes until Arizona went on an 11-2 run sparked by Trier, who took over the second half. He scored nine of those 11 points during the stretch with a dribble-drive layup, midrange jumpers and a 3-pointer. The run gave the Wildcats a 55-48 lead, and Saint Mary’s never led again.

“Our advantage was driving,” Miller said. “Our advantage eventually was able to get the ball inside. Getting the ball to the basket whether it be on drive or post catch, we delivered. We scored. We got fouled. That was the big difference.”

Markkanen finished with 16 points and 11 rebounds, and Trier scored 14. Miller said Trier seemed to lose his confidence early, but was one of the biggest differences once he got going.

NEXT: Arizona vs. No. 11-seeded Xavier, Thursday, San Jose, California.