For the first time since 2013-14, the Arizona Wildcats have started the season 21-0. Arizona defeated BYU 86-83 in Provo, Utah. It came down to a block from Brayden Burries and some clutch free throws but Arizona’s backcourt talent shined in this one out dueling BYU.
The Wildcats have now etched their program into the Big 12 history books as well, taking full ownership of the third longest win streak in Big 12 men’s basketball history. Tommy Lloyd’s team has now defeated the Cougars in Provo for two consecutive seasons as well.
The final few moments of this game caused the hearts of Arizona fans to leap into their throat. BYU stormed back from a 19-point deficit in the second half. Star NBA draft prospect AJ Dybantsa put forth an attempt at “hero ball” but fell short on poor efficiency, hurting his team in the end. Dybantsa put up 24 points but shot 1-8 from deep and just 6-24 from the field.
An unusually inefficient night from Dybantsa was caused by the sticky defense Arizona was playing on him. Fans expected Ivan Kharchenkov to get the primary Dybantsa assignment but it was a strong mix of Awaka, Peat and others helping the Wildcats slow down Dybantsa. However, it was not only Dybantsa struggling against the Wildcats defense, Robert Wright III shot 3-16 from the field and 1-5 from three.
Burries x Bradley backcourt shines for Arizona
The backcourt duo of Jaden Bradley and Brayden Burries has officially taken off. Bradley has been a steady force for the Wildcats for the duration of his time in Tucson. Bradley was his usual self against the Cougars in front of multiple NBA scouts in attendance for this marquee matchup. 26 points, 10-15 shooting, a clutch three down the stretch, Bradley was lights out.
Burries has gone from a freshman getting his sea legs early in the season to a player who might come off the board during the lottery of a loaded NBA draft class. Burries posted 29 points, five rebounds, four assists and the game sealing block. His solid free throw shooting was pivotal in this game for Arizona as well. The growth from him has been a catalyst for the Cats lately on both ends.
In the first half Burries and Bradley combined for 36 points and four assists. BYU as a team on the other hand had 31 points and five assists. It was Arizona’s backcourt that told the story of this game on offense.
Dybantsa’s Disaster?
Star BYU forward AJ Dybantsa had an uncharacteristically inefficient performance in a game where his team fell by just one possession. His inability to hit free throws, create for his teammates and make the shots he created for himself partially led to BYU’s downfall in this game. Dybantsa is an incredible player and his talent is immense, scoring 24 points on an “off night” but what made his performance detrimental was his inability to consistently create for others.
Arizona’s versatile and highly “switchable” lineups became a problem for the future top three NBA draft pick. Begin the possession being guarded by physical force Tobe Awaka, request a screen only to switch on to defensive stopper Ivan Kharchenkov and finally you switch onto a guard and it’s Jaden Bradley (an elite perimeter defender, averaging 1.9 steals per game).
Dybantsa was forced to settle many possessions and was visibly uncomfortable all night. Arizona also forced him to miss open shooters at times, passes Dybantsa ordinarily would make, were not being made because of Arizona’s pressure.
February is near…
Arizona is rolling and will finally get a little bit of rest before heading to Tempe to face a struggling ASU side on the 31st. Once Arizona finishes their game with ASU, the real gauntlet begins.
In February Arizona will face Kansas (twice), Texas Tech, Houston, Baylor and Oklahoma State. The second month of 2026 is trying to test the Wildcats to see what they really have up their sleeves.
To track Arizona on this run and keep up with the undefeated Wildcats, tune into the AZ Wildcats Podcast with Damon Fairall and Kevin Thomas.
