Nov. 18, 2008

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) - Chase Budinger scored 21 points and Nic Wise added 19 points and nine assists, and Arizona opened the post-Lute Olson era with a 75-62 victory over Florida Atlantic in the NIT Season Tip-Off on Monday night.

The 74-year-old Olson suddenly retired in October, ending his 24-season reign in the desert. With interim coach Russ Pennell on the bench, Arizona fell behind 15-7 before rallying to take a 24-22 lead on Budinger's driving dunk with 6 minutes to play in the first half. The Wildcats didn't trail again.

Paul Graham III scored 23 points for the Owls (1-1), who were without senior forward Carlos Monroe, their all-time leading rebounder and the No. 5 scorer in school history. He is dealing with eligibility issues.

Arizona advanced to a second-round game on Tuesday night against UAB.