Soviet National Team Beats Arizona, 82-81

TUCSON — The late heroics of Valery Tikhonenko, who scored nine points in the last two minutes, sealed the Soviet Union National basketball team’s 82-81 win over the University of Arizona in an exhibition game Wednesday night.

The Wildcats, playing their first game of the season, fought back from a 41-30 halftime deficit to take a 72-71 lead with 4:15 left.

Sean Elliot and Anthony Cook scored 22 points each to lead Arizona. Vladas Khomichus led the Soviet team with 18.