Imagine walking into a basketball arena, only to find a mysterious poster with a giant '3' on every seat. That's exactly what Arizona fans experienced at the McKale Center, and it turned out to be a prophetic sign of things to come. But here's where it gets even more thrilling: the Wildcats not only lived up to the hype but surpassed all expectations, delivering a jaw-dropping performance that left their opponents reeling. Arizona men’s basketball has now soared to an impressive 20-0 record after a stunning 88-53 victory over West Virginia, marking their best start in nearly a decade. And this is the part most people miss—this team is just one win away from matching the school’s all-time record set in the 2013-14 season.
The game was a masterclass in precision and teamwork. Arizona’s strategy was clear from the start: dominate from beyond the arc. They knocked down 10 three-pointers, the most in a Big 12 game this season, with six different players contributing. Leading the charge was Brayden Burries, who scored 22 points, including four three-pointers, marking his sixth 20-point game of the season. Motiejus Krivas continued his impressive streak with his third double-double in six games, tallying 11 points and 12 rebounds. Koa Peat added 17 points and 7 rebounds, while Tobe Awaka dominated the boards with 14 rebounds. Anthony Dell’Orso, who had struggled in recent games, broke out of his slump with 12 points, including a crucial three-pointer that snapped his 0-for-15 streak.
Here’s the controversial part: Arizona’s shooting accuracy was nothing short of remarkable, especially against a West Virginia team known for its stingy defense. The Wildcats shot 52.5% from the field, compared to West Virginia’s 34.4%, and held the Mountaineers to under 35% shooting for the second consecutive game—a feat they hadn’t achieved since January 2023. Is this Arizona team truly unstoppable, or are they just benefiting from a weaker schedule? Let’s discuss in the comments.
The game’s turning point came early in the second half when Arizona went on a 7-0 run, extending their lead to 60-32. Krivas’s eighth three-pointer of the game sealed the deal, leaving West Virginia coach Ross Hodge scrambling for answers. Despite a brief shooting surge by the Mountaineers, Arizona’s relentless offense ensured they never went more than 2 ½ minutes without scoring. A 13-0 run, fueled by Dell’Orso’s seven straight points, pushed the lead to over 35 points with less than two minutes remaining.
Arizona’s dominance was evident from the opening tip. They started the game with four consecutive made shots, including two three-pointers by Burries, who scored 10 points in the first seven minutes. By contrast, West Virginia struggled early, starting 4-for-18 from the field and not making their first three-pointer until more than 10 minutes into the game. The Wildcats’ ability to mix perimeter shooting with their signature inside game proved too much for the Mountaineers to handle.
As Arizona hits the road for their next two games, including a Big Monday showdown against No. 13 BYU, the question remains: Can anyone stop this juggernaut? With seven ranked Big 12 opponents still on the schedule, the Wildcats will face their toughest tests yet. But here’s the real question: Is this Arizona team destined for greatness, or will they crumble under the pressure? Share your thoughts below—we want to hear from you!
