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Arizona beats N. Arizona 87-70 in Miller's debut

Nov 16, 2009 - 12:55 AM TUCSON, Ariz.(AP) -- Four Arizona players scored in double figures to help give new coach Sean Miller a resounding debut as the Wildcats defeated Northern Arizona 87-70 on Sunday afternoon.

Miller was hired away from Xavier in April to replace interim coach Russ Pennell. Miller's hiring is widely considered Arizona's new era of men's basketball after Hall of Fame coach Lute Olson retired 13 months ago after 24 years at the school.

Nic Wise, who tweaked an ankle in practice earlier in the week, started the game for Arizona (1-0) and finished with 15 points and four assists. He played just 11 minutes in the opening half and was removed from the game with five minutes left and UA leading 77-59. He came back into the game when NAU (1-1) closed the gap to 79-66.

Wise's presence helped UA regain its composure for the victory.