TUCSON, Ariz-  Sonoma State got solid contributions from up and down the bench on Wednesday night in a  78-54 loss to the University of Arizona in exhibition action at the McKale Center in Tucson.  Ben Washington had eight points and five assists to lead the Seawolves in their only exhibition game of the year. 

The Seawolves got out to a 4-3 lead, then went ahead for the last time on a three-pointer by Mike Nelson to make it 7-5 just under three minutes in.  Trailing 38-25, the Seawolves scored the final six points of the half to enter the break down just seven at 38-31. 

“I thought in the first half we played really well. I was proud of how we came out," said SSU head coach Pat Fuscaldo.

Said sophomore guard Ashley Arnott, "“We got to halftime and we were only down by single digits and I think everyone was pretty happy.  Things didn't exactly go our way in the second half but the boys played fantastic.  We had a lot of faith out there in each other and early in the season it was good to see everyone could contribute.”

The Wildcats led by just 12 at 61-49 with eight minutes left before finishing up on a 17-5 run. 

Said Fuscaldo, "I thought in the second half we had too many unforced errors. Ten turnovers against any team in one half will hurt you, especially when you are playing a team like Arizona you need to be able to take care of the ball."

The 24-point deficit made it the closest of the three exhibitions the Seawolves and Wildcats have had since 2005.

Washington's eight points were matched by Nelson, Ashley Arnott, and Chad Chambers.  Curtis Harrison led all Seawolves with nine rebounds. 

Jason Hill had a big game for the Wildcats, posting 30 points and 11 rebounds in 34 minutes of action.

The Seawolves will open up the regular season on November 21st when they host Northwest Nazarene as part of the Ron Logsdon Basketball Classic.

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