Arizona is fighting for the No. 1 spot in the country, but trailing 42-39 at the half to UNLV.

The No. 2 Wildcats started out the game with a traditional lineup of T.J. McConnell, Nick Johnson, Brandon Ashley, Aaron Gordon and Kaleb Tarczewski.

Two consecutive Tarczewski dunks gave the game its first four points. The Wildcats fell behind, though, after UNLV completed some free throws and a couple of long 3-pointers.

UNLV dominated from the 3-point line early in the game, having completed three out of four only 10 minutes in. It finished the first half having shot 67 percent from the 3-point line.

The Wildcats and Runnin’ Rebels fought back and forth as the lead changed nine times and tied four times. Arizona struggled with nine turnovers and five team fouls.

Junior guard Johnson leads the team with 10 points and two rebounds. He shot two for two from the free throw line and completed two 3-pointers.

Freshman forward Gordon contributed four rebounds and freshman forward Rondae Hollis-Jefferson has five assists.

The Wildcats shot 52 percent compared to UNLV’s 64 percent.