Arizona's basketball squad showcased their resilience with a thrilling comeback to secure an 87-80 victory over Baylor. The Wildcats, led by standout performances from guards Jaden Bradley and Brayden Burries, who poured in 25 and 24 points respectively, overcame a sluggish start and a 10-point deficit in the second half.
Baylor came out strong, shooting an impressive 53.6% in the first half and taking a 41-34 lead into halftime. Arizona's defense struggled early, allowing Baylor to dominate the paint with a 22-12 advantage. Bradley and Burries kept the Wildcats within reach, scoring 13 and 10 points in the first half.
The second half opened with Tounde Yessoufou hitting a three-pointer for Baylor, extending their lead to 44-43. However, Arizona responded with a decisive 14-2 run over the next 4:35, reclaiming the lead for the first time since early in the game. The Wildcats maintained a narrow margin until they pulled away in the final minutes.
Arizona's offensive surge in the second half was remarkable, outscoring Baylor 53-39. They dominated the boards with a 23-11 rebounding edge, translating to a 15-7 advantage in second-chance points and a 24-18 lead in points in the paint. It was a classic display of Arizona's ability to bounce back and play to their strengths.
Despite being shorthanded, Arizona showed depth and determination. Freshmen forwards Dwayne Aristode and Koa Peat were unavailable, with Aristode not making the trip and Peat sitting out despite warming up. Guard Anthony Dell'Orso, nursing a sprained ankle, contributed eight points.
Tobe Awaka made a significant impact with 10 points and 13 rebounds, while Motiejus Krivas added 12 points, four rebounds, and a block. Coach Tommy Lloyd leaned on a tight six-man rotation in the second half, with Evan Nelson and Sidi Gueye seeing limited first-half action.
Burries logged 39 minutes, Ivah Kharchenkov 37, and Bradley 35, with Bradley and Burries playing the entire second half. Kharchenkov added 18 minutes, and Dell'Orso and Krivas each played 17. For Baylor, Cameron Carr led with 26 points, Isaac Williams added 16, and Yessoufou finished with 12.
This victory highlights Arizona's ability to adapt and persevere, setting a strong tone for the rest of their season.