The University of Arizona men’s basketball team (16-6, 10-1 Big 12) dominated BYU (15-7, 6-5 Big 12) with an 85-74 win at the Marriott Center on Tuesday, Feb. 4, at 9 p.m. This victory marks Arizona’s fifth consecutive win.

With this result, the Wildcats secured their 10th conference victory, while BYU suffered just its second home loss of the season. Caleb Love led Arizona’s scoring efforts with 18 points, connecting on four of his nine 3-point attempts. Additionally, he contributed six rebounds, four assists, and two steals.

Henri Veesaar and Jaden Bradley were also instrumental, each scoring 17 points and recording two steals. Veesaar had an efficient night, shooting 8-for-10 from the field, while Bradley added four rebounds.

First Half

The game opened with a high level of physical intensity. Bradley, a junior guard, was charged with an unintentional flagrant foul following a moving screen called on BYU, increasing the game’s energy.

Love, a fifth-year guard, made an early impact by hitting a three-pointer to give Arizona the lead. Sophomore guard KJ Lewis followed up with another key three-pointer after Arizona’s strong defense forced turnovers. Lewis finished the game with seven points, five rebounds, and five assists.

BYU stayed competitive, keeping the score close despite Arizona’s lead. Junior guard Richie Saunders contributed 11 points and six rebounds for the Cougars, while freshman guard-forward Egor Demin led BYU’s scoring with 16 points, along with three rebounds and three assists.

For Arizona, Tobe Awaka helped extend the lead by converting inside opportunities and drawing fouls. However, BYU responded well, using offensive rebounds to create open three-point chances. Saunders’ aggressive play helped BYU claim a late first-half lead.

As the half neared its end, Love connected with Veesaar for an alley-oop dunk, bringing the game to a 41-41 tie at halftime.

Second Half

Early in the second half, both Awaka and Trey Townsend suffered injuries, leading to their removal for further evaluation. Veesaar and Carter Bryant stepped up in their absence.

BYU took a brief lead but was quickly overtaken as Arizona responded with a 9-0 scoring run, capped off by a Lewis layup to reclaim a 56-50 advantage.

Love continued his offensive success, sinking key three-pointers to keep Arizona in control. Awaka, once back in the game, made a strong impact inside, finishing with a game-high nine rebounds and scoring 14 points.

Bradley turned up his scoring in the second half, posting all 17 of his points during the final period. He also drew multiple fouls, frequently getting to the free-throw line. BYU ran into foul trouble, committing 11 second-half fouls, which played into Arizona’s favor.

Bradley capitalized on his trips to the line, making all eight of his free-throw attempts. Meanwhile, Veesaar continued to dominate inside with support from Bryant. Along with his 17 points, Veesaar pulled down six rebounds, while Bryant contributed six points and two rebounds.

In the final moments, Arizona’s bench players entered the game to close things out, securing the 85-74 win for the Wildcats.

Looking Ahead

Arizona will return home to the McKale Center to face Texas Tech University on Saturday, Feb. 8, at 8 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ESPN. The last meeting between these teams on Jan. 18 ended in a 70-54 loss for Arizona.