Arizona basketball can’t seem to win a game at McKale, despite notable home court advantage. In a thrilling, high-energy battle, BYU survived a late-game push to edge out Arizona 96-95 to extend their winning streak to four.
Despite an electrifying performance from Caleb Love and a dramatic buzzer-beater attempt, Arizona’s struggle to secure a win at McKale Center continued, leaving fans with more questions than answers.
Takeaway #1: A back-and-forth battle
From the opening tip-off to the final buzzer, this game was a rollercoaster of intense momentum shifts. The lead changed names 20 times, and the score was tied on 11 occasions.
The largest lead was held by the victors with eight in the first half. Neither team could grasp a comfortable, double-digit advantage.
Arizona basketball was strong on the boards, pulling down 36 total rebounds, including 10 from Tobe Awaka, who earned another double-double with 14 points, shooting with a magic 100 percent accuracy from the field, behind the arc, and at the line.
Yet, despite Awaka being green and Arizona’s superior rebound numbers, BYU capitalized on turnovers, scoring 22 points off Wildcat blunders. BYU’s aggressive defense, combined with their ability to push the ball in transition, was crucial in maintaining their edge.
Richie Saunders led the way for the Cougars, finishing with 23 points and several key moments, including going 2 for 2 at the end to seal the win.
Takeaway #2: Caleb Love’s hot hand couldn’t save Arizona
Caleb Love was on fire for Arizona, leading the Wildcats with 27 points, 5 assists, and 3 rebounds. His shooting was on fire, hitting 7 of 16 field goals, 4 of 9 from beyond the arc, and converting 9 of 10 free throws.
Love was a commander in the final minutes, giving Arizona a brief 95-94 lead with a clutch three-pointer and sinking 2 of 2 free throws. However, it was not enough for the Wildcats to hold off BYU’s late-game execution.
Inconsistent at times this season, Love had his moments of brilliance in this game, but Arizona’s inability to capitalize on his performance highlighted ongoing issues with consistency.
Despite his individual brilliance, Arizona’s defensive lapses and offensive mistakes ultimately undermined Love’s efforts.
Takeaway #3: A showdown behind the arc
In a game that showcased incredible shooting range, both teams had the green light from deep. BYU and Arizona each shot 45% from behind the arc, with the Cougars finishing 14 of 31 and the Wildcats hitting 14 of 22.
Richie Saunders, in particular, was lethal from long distance, hitting three of four attempts and keeping BYU in control throughout the contest.
Arizona’s three-point shooting kept them in the game, but their overall reliance on the long ball made them vulnerable to the physicality and pressure from BYU’s defense.
Both teams demonstrated impressive shooting skills, but BYU’s ability to convert key possessions, including Saunders’ clutch free throws late in the game, gave them the edge when it mattered most.
After this loss, No. 19 Arizona basketball drops to third in the Big 12.
Next up for Arizona basketball (18-9, 12-4): vs. Utah (15-11, 7-8) – Feb. 26 at 9 p.m. EST
Next up for Baylor basketball (17-10, 9-7): at ASU (12-14, 3-12) – Feb. 26 at 9:30 p.m. EST
[…] going 1-3, with two losses at home. This included the controversial late-game call against BYU, which saw the Cougars get the narrow 96-95 victory off a questionable call on Arizona’s Trey […]