The University of Arizona men’s basketball team (21-0, 8-0 in Big 12) defeated No. 13 BYU 86-83 on the road in the Marriott Center in Provo, Utah, on Monday, Jan. 26. This has been the Wildcats best start in program history at 21-0.
Key players
Freshman guard Brayden Burries set a career high as he finished his night with 29 points on 7-for-13 shooting to go along with four assists and five rebounds. Burries made a mark early with physical dominance down low, as well as hitting two 3-pointers throughout the game. He also had the game-sealing block for the Wildcats with 2.1 seconds left to go in the second half.
Following Burries was senior guard Jaden Bradley. Bradley’s night concluded with 26 points, three rebounds, three assists and two 3-pointers. He was a huge contributor to the win for the Wildcats.
BYU freshman forward AJ Dybantsa was the leading scorer with 24 points, four rebounds and five assists. Dybantsa did an impressive job at reaching the free-throw line and getting the Wildcats in foul trouble as he finished the night going 11-of-16 from the free throw line.
Next up for BYU, senior forward Richie Saunders, who collected 18 points, nine rebounds and two assists. He was crucial, shooting three 3-pointers throughout the game. He hit some big shots that helped keep BYU in the game before ultimately fouling out.
First half
The Wildcats started the first half strong, gaining a 13 point advantage over the Cougars. They closed half on an 18-for-5 run, which made it essential for BYU’s offense to speed up. The Wildcats forced nine turnovers in the first half.
Second half
The Wildcats did a good job of sustaining the lead, the Cougars never got within any more than 7 points within the first 19 minutes of the second half. This didn’t last long as BYU began to cut their deficit with a 3-pointer from Robert Wright III that cut Arizona’s lead to just 7 points at 78-71. Bradley was sent to the line shooting 1-for-2 followed by BYU’s Keba Keita who shot a second chance layup bringing the Cougars just 6 points behind the Wildcats.
A turnover on the inbound and a flagrant foul on Burries turned it into a 4-point game. Burries was sent to the line to go 1-for-2 on free throws. His free throws were followed by another BYU bucket that cut the lead to just 3 points.
With only 11 seconds to go and BYU down 1 point, BYU was able to gain possession after a jump ball. Burries proved his spot as a freshmen star with a game-winning block and free throws to help the Wildcats escape Provo with a win 86-83.
The Wildcats were pushed to the limit in a hostile road environment, but being able to keep their composure down the stretch made all the difference. Behind setting a new career high and having a game-saving block from Burries and a steady leadership from Bradley, Arizona escaped Provo with the win and kept its perfect season intact. At 21-0 total and remaining unbeaten in Big 12 play, the Wildcats continue to show they can win anywhere, no matter the circumstances.
Looking forward
The Wildcats will head to Tempe to take on their rivals ASU this Saturday, Jan. 31 at noon MST. The game will be available to stream on TNT for Arizona fans to support while the Wildcats are up north.
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