No. 1 Arizona Edges No. 13 BYU in 86-83 Thriller
In a thrilling matchup on January 26, 2026, No. 1 Arizona narrowly defeated No. 13 BYU with a final score of 86-83. The intense game took place at BYU’s Marriott Center, marking the Cougars’ first home loss since February 2025. BYU now holds a record of 17-3 for the season, including a 5-2 mark in Big 12 play.
Game Highlights and Key Moments
The Cougars mounted a valiant comeback after trailing by 19 points in the second half. They were down by 10 with less than a minute remaining but executed an 11-2 run in just 40 seconds, reducing the deficit to a single point. However, with only 12 seconds left, Rob Wright III’s attempt for a game-winning layup was blocked, denying BYU a historic victory over a No. 1-ranked opponent at home.
Player Performances
- Brayden Burries: This Arizona freshman led with 27 points, showcasing exceptional shooting.
- Jaden Bradley: Another freshman standout for Arizona, contributing significantly to the score.
- Kennard Davis Jr.: BYU player who broke out with 17 points, including five three-pointers.
- AJ Dybantsa: Struggled offensively, shooting just 2 for 13 in the second half.
Combining their efforts, Burries and Bradley scored 55 points and shot 60.7% from the field. In contrast, BYU’s Dybantsa and Wright shot only 22.5% combined. Despite Arizona’s prowess, BYU’s defense managed to restrict the Wildcats from scoring in the final three minutes, allowing the Cougars to rally.
Statistics Breakdown
| Statistic | First Half | Second Half |
|---|---|---|
| BYU Field Goal % | 33.3% | 46.2% |
| 3-Point % | 21.4% | 50% |
| Turnovers | 9 | 3 |
| Points from Turnovers | 0 | 13 |
| Points per Possession | 0.84 | 1.41 |
Despite the victory for Arizona, BYU’s resilience was notable. The Cougars highlighted their potential with a strong second-half performance, suggesting they can still compete with elite teams. Moving forward, Coach Kevin Young’s squad must address aspects like free throw shooting—missing six crucial free throws in this match proved costly.
Conclusion
The matchup against Arizona underscored BYU’s competitive spirit and highlighted areas for improvement. As the season progresses, the Cougars will strive to refine their game and aim for a strong finish, aspiring to make a deep run in the tournament. Their effort against the No. 1 team shows promise for an exciting season ahead.
