The Arizona men’s basketball team defeated NAU 74-57 after another second-half surge from the Big Three juniors.

Chase Budinger, Jordan Hill and Nic Wise combined for 63 of the team’s total 74 points after a first half that lacked energy and intensity, UA interim head coach Russ Pennell said.

The Wildcats (4-1) entered halftime tied, 31-31, with NAU (1-5).

“”There’s no way we should be tied with NAU at half time,”” Wise said.

Added Pennell: “”The effort in the second half was the difference in the ball game.””

Hill led the team with a game-high 23 points and 10 rebounds; Budinger added 22 points and 9 rebounds; and Wise had 18 points and 7 assists.

The Wildcats outscored the Lumberjacks 43-26 in the second half, as all but 11 points came from the Big Three.

“”They’re an awful good threesome,”” Pennell said. “”I would say just about anybody we play, if we wanted to play three on three, we could win just about every game.

“”Each one of them is different, so that presents a problem when you’re trying to matchup,”” Pennell said.

Read Monday’s Arizona Daily Wildcat for extensive coverage