No. 16 Arizona began life without All-American forward Derrick Williams with a strong defensive effort, stifling Valparaiso 73-64 in the 2K Sports Coaches vs. Cancer Classic.

The host Wildcats held the Crusaders to 40 percent shooting overall and 5-of-21 from beyond the arc.

Williams, who averaged 19.5 points, left after his sophomore season for the NBA draft and was chosen second overall by Minnesota. Senior guard Kyle Fogg picked up the slack on Monday with 16 points on 5-of-7 shooting. Jesse Perry added 14 points and 10 rebounds.

The Wildcats improved to 3-0 alltime against the Crusaders, and 9-1 against Horizon League teams.

Valpo has dropped 34 straight against ranked teams since new coach Bryce Drew knocked down a 3-pointer at the buzzer to beat Ole Miss 70-69 in the 1998 NCAA tournament’s first round.

Junior swingman Ryan Broekhoff, who led the Horizon League by hitting 45 percent on 3-pointers last season, made 3 of 9 and finished with 20 points. Kevin Van Wijk added 16 points and seven rebounds.