Arizona's dominance continues! The top-ranked Wildcats showcased their defensive prowess, overpowering San Diego State with a commanding 68-45 victory in Phoenix during the Naismith Hall of Fame Series.
Koa Peat contributed 11 points, but it was Tobe Awaka who truly shined, snatching an impressive 15 rebounds, highlighting Arizona's control of the boards.
The Wildcats, now boasting an impressive 11-0 record, found their usually fluid offense somewhat stifled by the gritty Aztecs (6-4). Instead, Arizona leaned heavily on their defense, a strategy that proved incredibly effective.
And this is the part most people miss... Arizona's defense was absolutely suffocating. They held San Diego State to a mere 26% shooting from the field and a dismal 1 of 14 from beyond the arc. This defensive masterclass transformed what was initially a close contest into a resounding victory, all unfolding at the home of the Phoenix Suns.
With Duke's recent loss, Arizona now stands as one of only six remaining undefeated teams in the nation.
San Diego State's offense struggled, with Reese Dixon-Waters managing to score only 8 points. Leading scorer BJ Davis had a tough night, scoring just 4 points on a mere 1-of-12 shooting performance.
Before this game, Arizona had been on a roll, winning their previous five games by at least 20 points, including decisive victories over No. 16 Alabama and No. 21 Auburn.
The physical play of the Aztecs presented a significant challenge, turning nearly every possession into a battle. San Diego State even managed to build a lead, holding Arizona to just one field goal over a 6.5 minute stretch and forcing a series of turnovers, leading to a 19-11 advantage.
But here's where it gets controversial... Arizona responded with their own defensive surge, going on an 8-0 run to take a 28-27 lead into halftime, despite struggling from beyond the arc (going 1 for 10) and committing 10 turnovers. San Diego State's first-half shooting woes were evident, going 8 for 29 from the floor, including 1 for 7 from three-point range.
Arizona's defensive intensity only increased in the second half, holding the Aztecs to a mere 3-of-18 shooting performance and extending their lead to 47-34. San Diego State's struggles continued, shooting only 7 of 28 in the second half, missing all 7 of their three-point attempts.
Arizona will look to continue their winning streak as they host Bethune-Cookman on Monday.
What do you think? Did Arizona's defensive strategy surprise you? Do you think San Diego State could have played better? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
