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Perfect Season, Perfect Response: Arizona Silences ASU 89-82

In a rivalry that never lacks intensity, No. 1 Arizona extended its perfect season with an 89–82 victory over Arizona State on Wednesday night at McKale Memorial Center. The Wildcats improved to 17–0 overall and 4–0 in Big 12 play, continuing one of the strongest starts in program history. Arizona relied on efficient offense and toughness on the glass to survive a back-and-forth battle that featured multiple lead changes and a charged rivalry atmosphere.

The Wildcats shot 53% from the field (31-of-58), hitting 10-of-23 from three-point range, and making 31-of-36 free throws, while dominating the boards 37–27, recording 14 assists and 7 steals, and forcing 12 turnovers, with Koa Peat scoring 24 points and grabbing 10 rebounds and Tobe Awaka adding 23 points and 5 assists, even as Arizona State mounted a furious late rally, going 9-of-15 from three-point range in the second half, with Moe Odum tallying 20 points and Massamba Diop chipping in 16 to make the finish a tense back-and-forth battle.

Player impact

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McKale student section was lit last night.  https://x.com/i/status/2011643617975419218

Here we go!
What Reed Sees: ASU Edition

Pros
I love the balance of this team. Kharchenkov/Peat led Arizona to start the 2nd half. Then Bradley had his run. Then Peat led the rest of the way. (+)

Cons
Where is the intensity that was played against the rest of your opponents? You going to come in flat against your in-state rival just because you better than them on paper? Keep playing with them. You can and will lose to them! (-)

It is clear ASU is not going to LET you bully them. They are trying to punk you! Who on this Arizona squad is going to fight back? (-)

How many times will you let ASU block your shot before you make an adjustment with your shot selections? (-)

Since Diop is the only one that is showing up for ASU, when is Lloyd going to make a defensive adjustment to stop it? (-)

Is it just me, or does it seem like ASU is having the advantage over the foul whistle thus far? (-)

Diop led ASU in the 1st half. You shut him down, but then you let Odom come out and carry them in the 2nd half? It is a one-man wrecking crew. Shut him down! (-)

Burries got shut down this game. I did not expect/forsee that happening (-)

Comments/Concerns
Kharchenkov is still my favorite player on this team! Who is second? The senior Awaka/Bradley/Dell'Orso. See what I did there lol?

Bradley better be an All-Big 12 and All-American selection with his play this season!

I am not sure Arizona wins this game without the 40pts/20rebs or so from Peat/Awaka

Does Arizona win this game if is was played anywhere other than Tucson?

This game was ugly, but Arizona won.
Next up: UCF
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