Arizona’s Too Big, Too Much for Irvine

Jason Terry got a few minutes of rest and relaxation Monday night. That’s how much in control No. 8 Arizona was against UC Irvine.

“I like it when I get that rest,” said Terry, who had played 163 of 165 minutes before Monday’s game. “It means we’re up by 20 or more. That’s nice.”

For Arizona, sure.

Terry was rewarded with the final four minutes off, a little breather he had earned in the unbeaten Wildcats’ 93-70 victory over Irvine (2-4) in front of 14,281 at the McKale Center.

Terry, one of two key players remaining from Arizona’s 1997 national championship team, finished with 21 points, nine assists and five steals in a performance to admire.

Just ask Irvine point guard Jerry Green.

“He’s a future NBA player and I’m a freshman,” said Green, who had a season-low six points. “It was a learning experience. I learned I had better keep my head up against a player like him.”

Green had said before Monday’s game that he was looking forward to playing against Terry. Word filtered to the Wildcats (5-0).

“Coach told me that before the game,” said Terry, a 6-foot-2 senior. “Any time I see a freshman guard on the other team’s roster I start to smile.”

Twice Terry stole passes from Green, turning both into baskets. Terry’s steal and layup gave Arizona a 55-34 lead with 17 minutes left. Irvine got no closer than 17 the rest of the way.

Arizona had a size advantage, starting four players 6-6 or taller, and made use of it. The Wildcats had a 47-23 rebounding edge and had 20 offensive rebounds to Irvine’s five.

Both teams rely on freshmen. It’s just Arizona’s freshmen were bigger, stronger and more skilled. Guard Richard Jefferson scored 13 points and Michael Wright had 15 points and 13 rebounds.

Irvine’s Ben Jones helped keep it from becoming a complete rout. He made nine of 15 shots and finished with a career-high 25 points.