North Dakota State @ Arizona preview

Already boasting one of the top duos in the country in Allonzo Trier and Deandre Ayton, No. 23 Arizona now has a third scoring threat for opponents to consider. Sophomore swingman Rawle Alkins has made a seamless transition from injury back into the starting lineup for the Wildcats, who look to extend their winning streak to six games Monday against visiting North Dakota State.

After playing 22 minutes off the bench in his season debut against Alabama, Alkins made his first start in Saturday’s 89-73 win at New Mexico and scored a career-high 26 points on 9-of-11 shooting, including 3-of-3 from 3-point range. “Simply put, we’re a much better team with him because he’s one of our best players,” coach Sean Miller told reporters. “If he didn’t play tonight, it would have been a much different game.” Alkins missed the team’s first nine games due to a broken foot, but his return should result in even more opportunities for Trier and Ayton, who are averaging a combined 42.2 points and 15.2 rebounds. With Alkins back in the starting lineup, promising freshman guard Brandon Randolph returned to a reserve role Saturday and had seven points in 14 minutes.

TV: 9 p.m. ET, Pac-12 Network

ABOUT NORTH DAKOTA STATE (5-5): Senior guard Paul Miller averages a team-high 16.0 points for the Bison, who were picked to finish third in the Summit League preseason poll. Fourth-year coach David Richman’s squad rolled to a 101-58 win over NAIA Valley City State last Tuesday, giving them back-to-back wins following three straight losses to Stephen F. Austin, Mississippi State and Missouri State. The team’s strong frontcourt features forwards Deng Geu and Rocky Kreuser, who combined to score 35 points in Tuesday’s victory.

ABOUT ARIZONA (8-3): Since losing three games in the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament in the Bahamas, the Wildcats have used impressive wins over Texas A&M, UNLV and Alabama to return to the national rankings. Miller has an enviable mix of youth and veteran experience on the roster, with senior point guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright averaging 7.8 points with a solid 55-to-17 assist-to-turnover ratio. Senior center Dusan Ristic (58.6 percent shooting) has served as a perfect complement to the 7-foot-1 Ayton, who has a team-high 15 blocks.

TIP-INS

1. Arizona has won 45 consecutive nonconference home games.

2. North Dakota State’s five losses have come against opponents with a combined record of 38-10.

3. Arizona freshman G Alex Barcello missed Saturday’s game due to a sprained left ankle and is listed as day-to-day.

PREDICTION: Arizona 88, North Dakota State 69