Arizona Puts Perfect Record on Line at Utah

SALT LAKE CITY (Interstat) — The second-ranked Arizona Wildcats, one of two remaining undefeated teams in men’s Division I basketball, will face a tough road test Saturday when they visit the Utah Utes at the Jon M. Huntsman Center.

Arizona (13-0) has steamrolled its competition, winning by an average margin of 27.2 points. Its resume includes decisive neutral-site victories over then-Auburn (97-68) and a road win at Alabama (96-75). The Wildcats are coming off a 99-71 rout of South Dakota State on Monday, where five players scored in double figures.

Utah (8-5) seeks a season-defining upset after a 65-74 loss at Washington on Monday. The Utes are 6-1 at home this season, with the lone blemish an 82-74 loss to Mississippi State. Their home victories include a 101-77 win over Eastern Washington on Dec. 20.

The matchup features two of the conference’s top guards. Arizona’s Jaden Bradley is averaging 13.7 points and 6.2 assists, coming off a 13-point, 10-assist double-double against South Dakota State. Utah will counter with Terrence Brown, who averages a team-high 19.2 points and 4.8 assists. Brown scored 21 in the loss at Washington and had a 20-point, 11-assist performance against Eastern Washington.

Arizona’s dominance stems from a balanced attack and stifling defense, holding opponents to 38.8% shooting. Center Motiejus Krivas anchors the paint, blocking six shots last game. Utah must find an answer inside while containing Arizona’s transition offense, which averages over 90 points per game.

This game opens the conference slate for both teams. Arizona begins a stretch of four road games in its next six. Utah plays five of its next seven away from home after Saturday.

Tipoff is set for 8 p.m. EST Saturday. Arizona has won the last four meetings between the programs.