• Preview
• Recap
• Bleachers

Arizona routs Houston in return home

Dec 18, 2006 - 6:23 AM TUCSON, Arizona (Ticker) -- Houston came in with the high-powered offense. But Arizona provided a lesson in all facets of the game.

Mustafa Shakur led a balanced attack with 17 points and No. 11 Arizona shut down a high-powered Houston attack en route to an 87-62 victory n a non-conference matchup.

Playing their first home game since beating UNLV, 89-75, on November 28, the Wildcats (8-1), who shot 53 percent (33-of-62) from the floor, had five players in double figures and held a 58-26 edge on the backboards.

Arizona's defense completely shut down the perimeter attack of the Cougars (4-3), who entered averaging 92 points per game. They shot an unbelievable 41 3-pointers, but made just 12. Overall, Houston (4-3) shot 31 percent (24-of-77).

Shakur made 7-of-8 shots from the field, handed out eight assists and grabbed six rebounds. Ivan Radenovic added 16 points and 11 rebounds, Marcus Williams chipped in 15 and 12 and freshman Chase Budinger also scored 15 on 7-of-10 shooting.

Arizona blistered the nets at 58 percent (18-of-31) in the second half as it outscored Houston, 46-29. The shooting and board advantage helped offset 20 turnovers.

After losing its season opener to Virginia, Arizona has logged its first eight-game winning streak since the 2004-05 season while posting a winning margin of over 18 points.

Rob McKiver scored 13 points but made just 5-of-16 shots and Dion Dowell and Lanny Smith added 12 apiece.