Arizona dodges a late BYU rally to stay unbeaten
On a dramatic Big Monday at the Marriott Center, No. 1 Arizona narrowly avoided a stunning collapse as BYU clawed back from a double-digit deficit. The game shifted in the final minutes, turning what looked like a comfortable win into a tense finish that required every bit of composure from the top-ranked Wildcats. In the end, Arizona walked away with the win, their undefeated record intact, and a few lessons learned that could prove valuable as conference play deepens.
Brayden Burries fuels the win with a career night
Brayden Burries delivered a performance for the ages, pouring in a career-high 29 points to lead Arizona’s offense. The sophomore guard showed a combination of scoring variety, efficiency, and poise, hitting shots from beyond the arc, attacking off the dribble, and freeing up teammates with smart, assertive play. Burries’ fourth-quarter burst helped steady the Wildcats after BYU threatened to steal momentum late in the game, underscoring why he’s become a primary engine for Arizona’s offense.
How the rest of the roster contributed
While Burries supplied the scoring punch, Arizona’s depth provided steady support. The Wildcats leaned on timely baskets, defensive stops, and calculated decision-making to weather BYU’s late push. Key contributions came from role players who hit crucial shots and bought into a game plan that emphasized discipline, ball protection, and efficient shot selection. The team’s execution during crunch time reflected a maturity that coaches have been emphasizing since the season’s start.
BYU’s rally: what happened in the final stretch
BYU did not go away quietly. The Cougars used relentless ball pressure, improved transition defense, and a stretch of hot shooting to trim a sizable deficit. Their intensity forced several Arizona misperiods and kept the home crowd in the game. While the rally ultimately fell short, the late push showcased BYU’s resilience and served as a reminder that the Cougars are a program capable of catching fire against top-tier opponents on any given night.
Impact on Arizona
The win keeps Arizona unbeaten and cements their status as a frontrunner in the conference race. More importantly, it offers a valuable assessment: the Wildcats can withstand a late push, close out tough games on the road, and rely on a star performer when the moment demands it. For coach and team staff, the learnings from this contest—early execution, late-game finish, and sustaining defensive pressure—should pay dividends when the schedule grows more demanding.
Impact on BYU
BYU will take positives from the near-miss and use it as fuel for upcoming challenges. The rally window provides the team with a clearer understanding of which lineups and defensive schemes best answer high-caliber offenses under pressure. Growth in this area could translate into more sustained success as they navigate a demanding schedule ahead.
What’s next for both programs
Arizona faces a slate of important tests as conference play accelerates. The balance between star power and depth will be crucial, as teams begin to study film to counter Burries and the Wildcats’ complementary scorers. BYU, meanwhile, looks to rebound quickly, leaning on a sharper late-game plan and renewed focus on defensive communication to start turning close losses into wins.
