Arizona basketball (12-6, 6-1) defeated Oklahoma State (10-8, 2-5) in the first matchup since 2005, securing its third road win of the season (3-2).
The game was a back-and-forth battle in the first half, with Oklahoma State holding the largest lead at 6 points. However, the Cowboys could not maintain momentum against Arizona’s aggressive defense. In the first half alone, the Wildcats grabbed 12 defensive rebounds and forced 10 turnovers, converting 11 points off the Cowboys’ blunders.
Jaden Bradley capped the first half with a buzzer-beating 3-pointer, giving Arizona a 43-39 advantage at the break.
In the second half, Arizona pulled away and extended the lead drastically. Caleb Love led his team, scoring 17 points over the final 20 minutes to seal the win.
Arizona has recovered confidence after falling short to Texas Tech just 3 days ago
Takeaway #1: The Wildcats are hot at the line.
Arizona drew in 21 personal fouls, bringing them to the line again and again. As a team, the Wildcats free throws with 88.9 percent accuracy.
Trey Townsend went 4-4, Carter Bryant went 4-5, Love, Bradley and Henri Veesaar went 3-4 at the line.
Takeaway #2: Oklahoma State shares the rock.
OSU may not have outpaced Arizona in points or rebounds, but the Cowboys certainly know how to dish out opportunities. Arturo Dean led the way with 6 of the team’s 14 assists. Additionally, 33 of OSU’s 78 points came from their bench, compared to Arizona’s 26 of 92.
Takeaway #3: Arizona converting forced turnovers to points on the fast break.
With 10 steals and 4 blocks, the Wildcats forced 12 turnovers. Arizona basketball quickly turned those mistakes into 15 points off fast breaks, using their ability to change direction on a dime to capitalize on every opportunity.
Up next for Arizona (12-6, 6-1): vs. Colorado (9-8, 0-6) – Jan. 25 at 1 p.m. MST
Up next for Oklahoma State (10-8, 2-5): at Texas Tech (14-4, 5-2) – Jan. 26 at 1 p.m. MST