Arizona Surprises Maryland

Jason Gardner scored 23 points and Arizona shocked No. 2-ranked Maryland, 71-67, Thursday night in the opening round of the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic at New York’s Madison Square Garden.

The Wildcats will play Florida in tonight’s final.

Gardner is the only returning starter from last year’s NCAA runner-up team. The Wildcats have five freshmen and a redshirt freshman on the 11-man roster.

Luke Walton had 12 points and 12 rebounds for Arizona and freshman Salim Stoudamire had 12 points.

Juan Dixon led Maryland with 21 points.

Florida 72, Temple 64--Guard Justin Hamilton, who sat out more than half of last season with a knee injury, scored 17 points for No. 6 Florida.

Freshman David Lee had 15 points for the Gators, and Udonis Haslem had 14 points and 16 rebounds. Lynn Greer led No. 16 Temple with 15 points and Kevin Lyde had 12 points.