UCLA notes: Allonzo Trier’s return important factor in Arizona’s victory
LOS ANGELES – The long-awaited return of Arizona’s Allonzo Trier couldn’t have come at a worse time for UCLA.
Saturday’s 96-85 win over the No. 3 Bruins’ was the first game of the season for the player widely regarded as the best on No. 14 Arizona’s deep roster.
Trier had 12 points and seven rebounds in a season debut delayed by a suspension because of a banned substance detected in his system.
The sophomore, who said he unknowingly ingested the substance, announced Wednesday the NCAA’s ruling to let him return as soon as there were no longer traces of it in his system. Apparently, it was gone by Friday night.
How important was Trier to the Wildcats?
“I don’t think we win without him,” Arizona coach Sean Miller said. “He has gone through a lot and he’s a really good player. Having one of your best players makes a difference.”
Trier was one of six Arizona players in double figures, led by Kobi Simmons’ 20 points. But the news of his return late Friday night didn’t have UCLA scrambling to alter its game plan.
“I don’t think it really did too…