No. 4 University of Arizona men’s basketball team (25-2, 12-2 in Big 12) earned a statement win on the road against No. 2 University of Houston (23-4, 11-3 in Big 12) 73-66 on Saturday, Feb. 21 at 1 p.m.
The Wildcats took the victory at Houston’s home court and with two of their players, Koa Peat and Dwayne Aristode, out for injuries and illnesses. This demonstrated Arizona’s power to step up as a team to take the victory.
Key players
Anthony Dell’Orso paved the way for the Wildcats collecting 22 points and three rebounds while shooting 8-for-14 field goals. Dell’Orso had a rocky stretch in the middle of the season, but he has pushed his way out of the slump to prove essential for the team and stepping up when they needed him.
Next up for Arizona was Jaden Bradley who recorded 17 points, four rebounds and four assists. Ivan Kharchenkov followed Bradley, managing to collect 16 points, nine rebounds and three assists for the Wildcats.
Leading the way for Houston was point guard Kingston Flemings with 17 points, eight rebounds and four assists. On defense, Chris Cenac Jr. carried Houston with 13 rebounds while collecting 10 points and one assist.
First half
Arizona started off the game strong, gaining a 16-8 lead within the first 8 minutes after a jumper from Kharchenkov. Dell’Orso was a great asset to Arizona, getting in the shots and filling in the missing gaps for the team.
The Wildcats were able to hold a consistent gap to Houston throughout the first half. A driving layup from Bradley on the fast break brought Arizona up 27-19, but it was immediately followed by a personal foul on Motiejus Krivas which led to Mercy Miller shooting 2-of-2 from the free throw line.
Houston began to catch up and close the gap in the last few minutes before heading into halftime. They went on a 5-point scoring run after a jumper, layup then free throw from Flemings which shortened the Wildcats lead 34-29 with just 1 minute remaining.
Cenac Jr. managed to make a second chance jumper just 3 seconds before halftime to bring the score to 36-31.
Second half
Houston closed the gap quickly into the second half after a second chance jumper by Cenac Jr. put them only 2 points behind Arizona 38-36. About 2 minutes later, Flemings made a driving layup bringing the score 42-41.
Milos Uzan made a second chance 3-pointer that gave Houston their first lead of the game 44-42, but it was immediately followed by a layup from Kharchenkov to tie up the game.
It was going point-for-point for about 5 minutes until Arizona started to go on a scoring run and rebuild their lead. Bradley made a jumper in the paint to give the Wildcats a 10-point lead.
Kharchenkov was sent to the free throw line with just 1 second left in the game where he shot 2-of-2 for the Wildcats. It was a dog fight until the end, but Arizona was able to defend their lead and take the victory 73-66.
This game was a much needed victory for Arizona that showed everyone just how much of a dominant force this team is.
Looking forward
Arizona will remain on the road to take on Baylor University in Waco, Texas on Tuesday, Feb. 24 at 7 p.m. There are only four games left in the conference season before the Big 12 Tournament, so the Wildcats will have to do everything in their power to stay on top.
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