Wildcats Edge Cougars, Tie Best Start in Arizona Men’s Basketball History
On Monday night, the Arizona Wildcats defeated the BYU Cougars in a thrilling matchup, marking a pivotal moment in Arizona men’s basketball history. The victory, with a final score of 86-83, allowed the Wildcats to tie their best start ever, boasting an impressive record of 21-0 and 8-0 in the Big 12.
Exceptional Performances
Brayden Burries played a critical role in securing the win, scoring a career-high 29 points. His late-game block was key in sealing the Wildcats’ victory against the 13th-ranked Cougars. The game became tense as Arizona nearly squandered a significant 19-point lead.
Game Summary
- Final Score: Arizona Wildcats 86, BYU Cougars 83
- Arizona’s Record: 21-0 overall, 8-0 in Big 12
- Key Players: Brayden Burries (29 points), Jaden Bradley (26 points), AJ Dybantsa (24 points)
Arizona dominated the first half, leading 44-31 at halftime, largely due to Burries and Bradley’s efforts. Despite facing a strong comeback attempt from BYU, they managed to fend off the Cougars’ late surge.
Second Half Dynamics
In the second half, Arizona shot 57.9% while BYU struggled at 40.3%. The Cougars made a noteworthy effort, hitting 10 three-pointers after halftime, but fell short in the end.
- Arizona’s Shooting: 52.8% overall
- BYU’s Notable Stats:
- 13 three-pointers
- Only 6 of 24 shooting percentage for Dybantsa
As the clock wound down, BYU managed to close the gap to three points with a last-minute play. However, Burries’ contributions from the free-throw line and his defense were pivotal in maintaining the lead.
Upcoming Challenges
The Wildcats’ next challenge comes on Saturday against Arizona State University, where they will aim to set a new record for the best start in school history. This clash promises to be a crucial game as Arizona seeks to maintain its perfect season.
