HARTFORD, Conn. (Interstat) — In a defensive struggle defined by second-chance opportunities and a decisive advantage at the free-throw line, the Arizona Wildcats remained undefeated by edging the Connecticut Huskies 71-67 in a men’s NCAA Division I basketball game Wednesday night at a sold-out XL Center.

Arizona improved to 5-0, while Connecticut suffered its first loss of the season, falling to 4-1.

The game was a tight, physical contest throughout, featuring 15 lead changes and neither team building a double-digit advantage. Arizona held a narrow 35-33 lead at halftime and managed to maintain that slim margin through a tense second half.

The Wildcats secured the victory by dominating the offensive glass and capitalizing on their trips to the foul line. Arizona hauled in 11 offensive rebounds to Connecticut’s four, leading to a 19-9 scoring advantage on second-chance points. From the free-throw line, Arizona was efficient, making 19 of 25 attempts. Connecticut, by contrast, struggled profoundly, converting only 9 of 18 free throws.

Jaden Bradley led all scorers with 21 points for Arizona, consistently attacking the basket and drawing fouls. Koa Peat was a force inside, adding 16 points and anchoring the Wildcats’ interior defense. For Connecticut, Eric Reibe scored 15 points and Silas Demary Jr. contributed 13.

While Connecticut found more success from beyond the arc, making eight three-pointers to Arizona’s two, it was not enough to overcome the disparity in free throws and rebounding. The Huskies also committed only five turnovers but were outrebounded 39-31 overall.

Arizona’s offensive efficiency proved superior, posting a rating of 111.2 points per 100 possessions compared to Connecticut’s 102.2. The Wildcats shot 46.3 percent from the field, while the Huskies finished at 44.6 percent.

The game was not decided until the final seconds. After a three-pointer by Connecticut’s Silas Demary Jr. cut the deficit to two points with just over two seconds remaining, Arizona inbounded the ball and Connecticut was forced to foul. Tobe Awaka calmly sank two free throws with less than a second on the clock to seal the four-point victory for the Wildcats.

Arizona’s next game is at home against Denver on Monday. Connecticut will look to rebound at home against Bryant on Sunday.