The University of Arizona men’s basketball team (12-6, 6-1 in Big 12) brought home a crucial 92-78 Big 12 win against Oklahoma State University (10-8, 2-5 in Big 12) on Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 7 p.m. in the Gallagher-Iba Arena.
Caleb Love led the Wildcats to victory with 27 points. In this game, Love scored his 2,400th point of his collegiate career.
First half
Early on in the first half, Arizona faced foul trouble with Henri Veesaar and Trey Townsend, two of Arizona’s crucial forwards, receiving two fouls with over half of the period remaining. On top of foul trouble, Arizona trailed Oklahoma State for most of the start of the game by only a couple of points.
However, Love and Jaden Bradley, two Wildcat guards, hit back-to-back threes, evening out the score 16-16. This tie did not last long as Oklahoma State responded with a three of their own, putting them back into the lead.
The teams traded off shots and defensive rebounds, possession remaining predominantly equal. Both teams used physicality to their advantage and to get boards. Arizona’s free throws were not falling as they might have hoped, causing them to lose easy points. This quickly turned around in the second half, as Arizona went 18-for-23 overall.
The Wildcats pulled into the lead following easy shots from players like KJ Lewis. Lewis, a sophomore guard, finished the night with 6 points and five rebounds. Arizona was quickly forced on their toes following Tobe Awaka’s second foul of the game, leaving all of Arizona’s main forwards with two fouls.
Oklahoma State’s Marchelus Avery, a fifth-year forward, was a major threat outside the three. Avery ended the night with 21 points, making 5-of-8 three-point attempts.
Bryant, a freshman forward, found his footing in the paint and contributed 9 points and three rebounds to the Wildcats’ total. Notably, Love also made his way to the hoop following a steal in the late minutes of the first half. He continued to secure easy lay-ins and ended the game with 27 points.
On the last play of the first half, Bradley secured a 3-point shot that put the Wildcats in the lead 43-39.
Second half
Arizona dominated early in the second half of the game as Love continued to drive to the hoop. The Cowboys weren’t sure how to stop him and were unsuccessful in their attempts.
Wildcat forwards remained in foul trouble with Awaka, Veesaar, Townsend and Bryant on a rotation as fouls were given. While Veesaar was in tight quarters with his fouls, he still managed to bring down three rebounds and put up 9 points.
Lewis and Bryant continued to add to the Wildcat lead as the game progressed, contributing points and rebounds. Arizona made a gradual pull into the lead against Oklahoma State with around a quarter of the game remaining.
Avery kept Oklahoma State in the game with his consistent contribution of points and defensive efforts. However, despite Arizona’s foul trouble forcing them to play small, the Cowboys couldn’t break through the Wildcat defense and weren’t as aggressive on the boards.
With less than seven minutes remaining in the game, Awaka earned his fifth foul of the night, putting him on the bench for the rest of the game. Awaka would end his night with 2 points and seven rebounds.
Bryant filled Awaka’s spot and played alongside Townsend, who was also walking the line with fouls. Townsend managed to put up 19 points, falling into second in scoring behind Love.
As the game neared the final minutes, Arizona’s lead grew, as the Wildcats at one point held 20 points over Oklahoma. The final score was 92-78, a Wildcat victory.
Looking Ahead
Arizona men’s basketball is set to face the University of Colorado on Saturday, Jan. 25 at 1 p.m. in McKale Center. This game will mark nearly a year since their last matchup on Feb. 10, 2024 where Arizona came away with a win.
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