The University of Arizona men’s basketball team (15-0, 3-0 in Big 12) secures another conference victory over Texas Christian University (11-4, 2-1 in Big 12) on Saturday, Jan. 10 in Fort Worth. Arizona built a large first-half lead and held off a second-half push from the Horned Frogs

The Wildcats remain one of five undefeated teams. No. 2 Michigan lost to Wisconsin shortly before Arizona’s win, reducing the number from six to five teams remaining.   

Key players 

Freshman Koa Peat led Arizona with 20 points and seven rebounds and earned player of the game. Following Peat was Jaden Bradley and Anthony Dell’Orsos each added17 points. Motiejus Krivas grabbed10 rebounds for Arizona which gave the Wildcats multiple second-chance opportunities.    

First half 

The first two minutes went back and forth as both teams demonstrated strong defense and took control of the court. Motiejus Krivas put the first points on the board 18:05 into the first half. About a minute later, Koa Peat made a second chance dunk after a pass from Jaden Bradley. Jace Posey took to the charity stripe for the Horned Frogs shooting 2-for-2 shortening the gap 8-6. 

After a failed 3-pointer attempt from TCU, Peat got the rebound then Brayden Burries turned it into a 3-pointer for the Wildcats. Arizona was able to build an 11 point lead after another layup from Peat on the fast break with 12:17 left in the first half. 

Krivas used his 7’2” frame to control the paint on defense, converting rebounds into points for Arizona. After diving for a loose ball, Tobe Awaka left the court limping and Krivas came in his place. 

The Wildcats continued to pull away, building a 20 point gap after Krivas hit two free throws with 7:52 left. Micah Robinson shot a 3-pointer for TCU in efforts to lower their deficit 37-19. Robinson attempted another 3-pointer that was rebounded by Burries. With 4:13 left, Awaka was back in the game for Arizona. 

After several turnovers, Jayden Pierre hit a 3-pointer for TCU with just three minutes remaining in the first half. Pierre added two free throws, followed by a Tanner Toolson 3-point jump as TCU found their rhythm. 

Arizona managed to build a large lead of 43-27 going into the second half.    

Second half 

TCU opened the half on a 7-0 run. Xavier Edmonds put the first points on the board with a 3-pointer for the Horned Frogs. Followed by a layup by Pierre and another layup on the fast break by Brock Harding. This brought the gap down to nine. 

Punch put in a 3-pointer for TCU that was followed by Burries putting one in for the Wildcats extending Arizona’s 20 point lead. Within a minute, Toolson put in a second-chance layup then Jace Posey made a driving layup off a turnover. 

As the shot clock was ticking down, Bradley tipped in the ball right on time. After a rebound from Krivas, there is a pause as Edmonds walks off the court hobbling. Punch came in for Edmonds as he headed over to the bench. 

TCU continued to push back, with Robinson shooting a 3-pointer lowering their deficit to 7 points. Dell’Orso responded with a 3-pointer for Arizona giving the Wildcats a 10 point cushion with 6:24 remaining. 

Arizona was able to build a 15 point lead with two minutes remaining after a 3-pointer from Bradley then Awaka slammed it into the net. Burries stole the ball, passed it to Peat who made a slam dunk. 

Arizona remains undefeated as they secure their third conference win against TCU. The Wildcats won 86-73. 

Looking forward 

Arizona will return home to take on their rivals Arizona State University on Wednesday, Jan. 14 at 8:30 p.m. MST. This is the first day of spring semester for students and they are hoping for another Wildcat win to kick off the new semester. 

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