Arizona picked up right where it left off last season. You can’t blink watching Tommy Lloyd’s Wildcats; you’ll miss two possessions if you do.

In a 117-75 win over Nicholls Monday night to open the 2022-23 campaign, Arizona set a new program record for shooting percentage in a single game and scored the most points it has had in an opener since 1990. The 71.7% shooting clip topped a previous school record of 71.4% set in a February win over Oregon State back in 1985.

Forward Azuolas Tubelis led the way for the Wildcats with 23 points on 10-of-12 shooting while adding seven rebounds and six assists. He became the first Arizona player to have as many as 23 points, seven rebounds, and six assists in a game since Ivan Radenovic had 37 points, nine rebounds, and seven assist against Stanford on March 3, 2007. Tubelis also had two blocked shots and a steal.

Center Oumar Ballo finished with 18 points and nine rebounds. He took just six shots from the field while making eight of his 11 free throws. Guard Pelle Larsson added 16 points and 10 rebounds for his first career double-double. Adama Bal had 14 points in 17 minutes on the floor.

In total, 17 players saw the court for Arizona in the win. Thirteen of them scored. The Wildcats connected on 11 of their 18 triples and had 30 assists on 38 made baskets. Guard Kerr Kriisa had seven assists in 17 minutes. The Cats jumped out to a 30-4 lead to begin the game.

Lloyd was in good spirits afterward.

Arizona hosts Southern next, with tipoff set for 6 p.m. PT on Saturday.