Zona whips RI

Rhode Island came 3,000 miles to face Arizona last night and the Wildcats made the Rams regret the journey with an 87-59 whupping. Brandon Ashley went for 15 points plus six rebound while Aaron Gordon added 12/7.

Bruce Pascoe writing about what Coach Sean Miller had to say post-game about Ashley:

Ashley is also on an upward track. Over five games, he’s shooting 70 percent from the field, taking 3.8 free throws per game, grabbing 7.2 rebounds per game, and scoring an average of 12 points.

Miller said he could be UA’s most important player because of what he’s doing on offense and defense. On offense, a pass to Ashley often winds up being a good thing for the Wildcats.

“We’re constantly looking to get him the ball in good position because he’s getting fouled or scoring at a very high rate,” Miller said. “He’s improving as well. I hate to say it, but when you’re a freshman and you become a sophomore it’s amazing at how much better you get.

“Part of the progression with Brandon is that he was an 18-year-old freshman on a very good team. Now he’s a 19 year old sophomore on what will hopefully be a better team. He’s just better. He had a good offseason, he’s smarter and I think the best is yet to come for him.”