No. 2 University of Arizona men’s basketball team (26-2, 13-2 in Big 12) ended their Texas road trip 2-0 as they defeated Baylor University (14-14, 4-11 in Big 12) 87-80 on Tuesday, Feb. 24 at the Foster Pavilion. 

The Wildcats managed to take the win without two of their star players, Koa Peat and Dwayne Aristode. There was speculation surrounding whether or not Anthony Dell’Orso was going to play after he sprained his ankle at the end of the game against University of Houston. Dell’Orso managed to play 31 minutes where he collected 8 points and two rebounds. 

Arizona key players 

The leading scorer for the Wildcats was senior guard Jaden Bradley with 25 points on 8-for-17 shooting to go along with six rebounds and six assists. Bradley had an amazing night on 3-point shooting, going 5–for-8 which aided the Wildcats in stretching the floor. 

Freshman guard Brayden Burries also had a great night as he ended with 24 points on 8-for-13 shooting, as well as five rebounds and four assists. Burries hit some key shots throughout the night, including the game-sealing 3-pointer in the second half. He was also essential in drawing fouls and getting to the free-throw line where he shot 7-for-11. 

Baylor key players 

Sophomore Cameron Carr was the top scorer for Baylor with 26 points, four rebounds and three assists. He finished the night 11-for-19 from the field and made great shots throughout the night that helped keep the Bears in the game.

Game recap 

The first half started with the Wildcats jumping out to a 6-2 lead, but then saw Baylor go on a 9-4 run to go up 11-10. From then on, Baylor held the lead for the remainder of the first half. Their lead only grew heading into halftime at 41-34. Carr managed to tally 11 points throughout the first half which made it seem like the Bears had the Wildcats falling right into their trap. 

The second half saw the Wildcats start the half with a 12-5 run, which tied the game at 46. Baylor and Arizona then traded the lead back and forth for 16 minutes, with neither team grabbing a lead larger than 2 points. It wasn’t until the final 30 seconds when Burries made a jumper to put the Wildcats up 4 points that this game felt sealed away.

Arizona showed poise down the stretch, using big performances from Bradley and Burries to outlast Baylor on their home court. The 87-80 win capped a perfect Texas road trip and proved the Wildcats can close the game in crunch time.

Looking forward 

The Wildcats will head back to McKale Center at ALKEME Arena Saturday, Feb. 28 to take on the No. 14 University of Kansas at 2 p.m. This is one of two home games remaining in the season for the Wildcats. Fans are encouraged to wear stripes to show their support and love for the Wildcats.

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