TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) -- Reshea Bristol had 23 points and Veranda James added 20 more as Arizona defeated Pepperdine 85-65 Thursday night in the first round of the Women's National Invitation Tournament.

Arizona (20-11, 9-9 Pac-10) faces New Mexico on Saturday in the second round. New Mexico defeated Houston 72-49 Thursday night in Albuquerque. Pepperdine (20-12, 10-4 WCC) is eliminated.

Behind two 3-pointers from Damaris Hinojosa and another from Rasheeda Clark, Pepperdine led 12-5 lead in the first three minutes.

Arizona closed the gap to 12-11 with 14 minutes left in the half, but the Waves countered with a 16-2 run over the next five minutes to lead 28-13 at the 9-minute mark.

Pepperdine hit seven 3-pointers in the first 10 minutes but suddenly went cold, and Arizona responded with a 25-3 run over an eight-minute span.

The Wildcats took a 31-30 lead with three minutes left in the half on a pair of Bristol free throws and led 45-35 at the break.

Arizona broke the game open with a 9-2 spurt to lead 69-51 at the 6-minute mark.

The Waves, who shot 43 percent from the floor in the first half, slumped to 32 percent in the final 20 minutes and never provided another threat.

Elizabeth Pickney had 16 points for Arizona. Bristol's five steals gave her 257 for an Arizona career record. James had 11 rebounds.

Hinojosa and Rasheeda Clark led Pepperdine with 15 points each.