The Arizona men’s basketball program has seen many successful teams, but tonight the team did something that no other had done before. The Wildcats defeated Colorado 89-79 in Boulder Saturday evening to secure their 29th win of the season – a program record.

Brayden Burries and Koa Peat were truly special and were the primary scoring threats for the Cats in this game. Peat and Burries combined for 56 points and led the way.

Burries banks historic night

Brayden Burries put up historic numbers in this game against Colorado. Burries moved into the top five in total steals for a season as a freshman at the program. Burries passed Andre Iguodala with his five steals against Colorado. Not only that, the 6-foot-4 combo guard also scored 31 points in this game, passing Derrick Williams for 10th most total points scored in a season at Arizona as a freshman. His 31 points also marked a new career high for Burries.

Burries’ full stat line was as follows: 31 points, seven rebounds, one assist and five steals.

His ability to inject pace and speed into a game with his prowess in transition is his superpower. Burries was a blur all night when ripping the rebound and running after receiving the outlet and making something happen.

If Arizona is going to make a run at a Final Four, performances like that from Burries will be required and he’s capable of delivering.

Colorado Gives Cats Run For Their Money

Colorado did not make this game easy on the Wildcats as Isaiah Johnson was auditioning for the transfer portal in this one. The talented lead guard for Colorado put up 28 points and five assists. Wildcat fans online have officially begun seeing a future for Johnson, the god-son of D-Wade, at Arizona.

Tommy Lloyd has improved to 7-1 against Colorado as head coach at Arizona. Entering the game, Lloyd’s record in true road games was 36-17 (.679), the 7th best road win percentage in the country. He showed why he’s got such a record in this game as he guided his team through adversity.

Arizona trailed at halftime against Colorado, 38-36. Arizona has trailed at the half just four times this season. In those games, the Wildcats are now 4-0.

Big 12 Tournament Time

It’s officially Big 12 tournament time and while Arizona has its sights set on March Madness glory, they first must attempt to conquer the Big 12 tournament. It will truly be a murderer’s row of teams but Arizona will have a two-game bye as a result of their regular season success.

Arizona’s side of the bracket has teams such as Arizona State, Baylor, UCF, Cincinnati, Texas Tech and Iowa State. It will be no easy feat to make the title game but the Wildcats should at least be a shoe-in for the semi-final.

Fans do not seem to have much desire for the Big 12 tournament trophy, so long as the Cats deliver some post-season success.

For more on Arizona’s pursuit of post-season immortality, make sure to follow along with the AZ Wildcats Podcast hosted by Damon Fairall and Kevin Thomas.