Arizona Wildcats Triumph Over Arizona State Sun Devils
In a thrilling matchup on Saturday, the No. 1 ranked Arizona Wildcats secured a decisive 87-74 victory over their local rivals, the Arizona State Sun Devils, extending their impressive season win streak to 22 games. This win not only marked an exceptional achievement for the Wildcats, as they now stand at an unblemished 22-0 overall and 9-0 in Big 12 play, but it also ties the conference record for the best start to a season, a benchmark previously set by Kansas in the 1996-1997 season.
Standout Performances
Koa Peat, the standout freshman, delivered an impressive performance, leading the scoring with 21 points. His teammate Brayden Burries contributed significantly as well, adding 17 points to help secure the win. The Wildcats displayed remarkable shooting accuracy, hitting 60 percent of their shots in the second half, which was pivotal in maintaining their lead after halftime. Out of the break, they surged ahead with a quick 6-0 run, making it 44-38 and establishing a lead they would not relinquish.
Key Moments
One standout moment came when Burries executed a perfect full-court pass to Peat, who elevated for a slam dunk that widened the gap to 56-47 with just over 13 minutes remaining.
Despite the Sun Devils’ efforts to close the gap, including notable performances from Noah Meeusen, who scored 16 points, and Maurice Odum with 15 points, they struggled to keep pace with Arizona’s offensive onslaught.
Game Dynamics
The Wildcats’ scoring burst included back-to-back three-pointers from Ivan Kharchenkov and Peat which stretched their advantage to 71-60, allowing them to comfortably navigate the game’s final moments. Arizona State fell to 11-11 overall and has experienced troubling form, losing nine of their last eleven games, while their record against top-ranked teams now stands at 2-10.
The Sun Devils had a strong start and even led early in the game, but Arizona’s pivotal 13-2 run shifted the momentum, bringing them a significant lead as Peat capped it off with a tough layup, sustaining heavy contact that left him with a cut around his eye. Just before halftime, Meeusen’s three-pointer tied the game at 38, demonstrating the Sun Devils’ resilience.
Looking Ahead
Up next, the Wildcats will host Oklahoma State on February 7, while the Sun Devils will seek to turn their fortunes around during an away game against Utah on Wednesday.
