The University of Arizona Wildcats, currently ranked No. 2, wrapped up their Texas road trip with a perfect 2-0 record, clinching a hard-fought 87-80 victory over Baylor University. This win, achieved at the Foster Pavilion, was particularly impressive given the absence of two key players, Koa Peat and Dwayne Aristode.
Despite uncertainty surrounding Anthony Dell’Orso’s participation due to a recent ankle sprain, he took to the court for 31 minutes, contributing 8 points and grabbing two rebounds. His presence was a testament to the Wildcats' depth and resilience.
Arizona's Standout Performers
Senior guard Jaden Bradley led the charge for Arizona, dropping 25 points on 8-for-17 shooting while also pulling down six rebounds and dishing out six assists. His sharpshooting from beyond the arc, going 5-for-8, was instrumental in stretching Baylor’s defense and opening up opportunities for his teammates.
Freshman guard Brayden Burries also made a significant impact, posting 24 points on 8-for-13 shooting. Burries was pivotal in critical moments, notably sinking a game-sealing three-pointer in the second half. His aggressive play earned him trips to the free-throw line, where he went 7-for-11, further underscoring his importance to the team’s success.
Baylor's Effort
On Baylor’s side, sophomore Cameron Carr was the standout performer, scoring 26 points while adding four rebounds and three assists. His 11-for-19 shooting kept Baylor competitive throughout the contest, showcasing his ability to make clutch plays.
Game Flow
The game began with Arizona taking an early 6-2 lead, only to see Baylor respond with a 9-4 run, establishing an 11-10 advantage. Baylor maintained control for the rest of the first half, heading into the break with a 41-34 lead, thanks in part to Carr’s 11-point contribution.
The second half was a different story. Arizona came out strong with a 12-5 run, tying the game at 46.
What followed was a thrilling back-and-forth battle, with neither team able to secure a lead larger than two points until the final moments. Burries’ crucial jumper in the last 30 seconds ultimately put the Wildcats up by four, sealing the victory.
Looking Ahead
With this win, Arizona demonstrated their ability to perform under pressure, even on the road. They now return to McKale Center at ALKEME Arena to face No.
14 University of Kansas on Saturday, Feb. 28, at 2 p.m. As the season winds down, fans are encouraged to don stripes and show their unwavering support for the Wildcats in one of their final home games.