Utah Tech at Arizona
TUCSON, Ariz. (Interstat) — The Arizona Wildcats showcased their offensive firepower and dominant inside presence Friday night, cruising to a 93-67 victory over the Utah Tech Trailblazers in a non-conference men’s basketball game at McKale Center.
Arizona improved to 2-0 on the young season, while Utah Tech fell to 2-1.
The Wildcats seized control early with a 44-point first half, building a lead the Trailblazers could not challenge. Arizona’s offense operated with ruthless efficiency, shooting 57.1 percent from the floor and posting an offensive rating of 130.1 points per 100 possessions. Utah Tech, by contrast, managed just 38.2 percent shooting and an offensive rating of 94.6.
Tobe Awaka was a force in the paint for Arizona, pulling down a staggering 18 rebounds to go with 12 points in just 19 minutes of action. His work on the glass, which included seven offensive rebounds, epitomized Arizona’s 13-11 advantage in that category.
The Wildcats’ scoring was balanced, with three players tying for the team high. Koa Peat, Anthony Dell’Orso and Brayden Burries each poured in 18 points. Dell’Orso added four assists, while Burries contributed three assists and three steals. Jaden Bradley facilitated the offense effectively, dishing out a team-high six assists.
For Utah Tech, Ethan Potter led the way with 15 points and six rebounds. Tanner Davis and Noah Bolanga added 11 and 10 points, respectively. The Trailblazers were hampered by 14 turnovers, which Arizona converted into numerous transition opportunities.
Arizona’s defense was also disruptive, tallying 10 steals and blocking two shots. The Wildcats committed 12 turnovers of their own but compensated with superior shooting from beyond the arc, connecting on 7 of 15 attempts compared to Utah Tech’s 6 of 22.
The game was played in front of a crowd of 14,082 at McKale Center. Arizona next hosts Northern Arizona on Tuesday. Utah Tech continues its road trip at Arizona State on Sunday.