Arizona Triumphs Over Baylor in Thrilling Showdown
In a thrilling showdown on Tuesday night, No. 2 Arizona triumphed over Baylor with a final score of 87-80, securing a crucial two-game lead in the Big 12 standings as the regular season heads into its final three games. Jaden Bradley and Brayden Burries emerged as standouts for Arizona, netting 25 and 24 points, respectively, in a match that showcased their resilience after overcoming a 10-point deficit early in the second half.
Game Highlights
The game unfolded with intense back-and-forth action, particularly during a critical 13-minute phase where the scoring margin remained razor-thin, trading leads 13 times. Tobe Awaka contributed significantly for Arizona with a double-double, posting 10 points and 13 rebounds, while teammate Motiejus Krivas added 12 points to the Wildcats’ efforts.
Despite the loss, Baylor’s Cameron Carr was impressive, scoring 26 points; Isaac Williams chimed in with 16 points and freshman Tounde Yessoufou contributed 12 points. The Bears’ lead at one point extended to 44-34 thanks to a three-pointer from Yessoufou at the start of the second half, but Arizona quickly turned the tide with a rally highlighted by a 14-2 run.
Decisive Moments
Bradley’s pivotal long jumper with 4:04 remaining shifted the momentum, giving Arizona a 76-75 advantage that they would not relinquish.
Both teams showcased their offensive skills, shooting 49.2% from the field—Arizona hitting 30 of 61 attempts compared to Baylor’s 29 of 59.
Looking Ahead
As the competition for the Big 12 title tightens, Arizona now stands at 26-2 with a conference record of 13-2, while Baylor drops to 14-14, with a 4-11 mark in the league. The Wildcats face Kansas at home on Saturday, followed by another home meeting against Iowa State on Monday, while Baylor’s next challenge comes against UCF this Saturday.
