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Arizona Pulls Away Late, Tops Cincinnati 77-51 to Remain Unbeaten
In a commanding performance at McKale Center, the top-ranked Arizona Wildcats rolled to a 77-51 victory over Cincinnati on Wednesday night, pushing their perfect record to 19-0. The Bearcats kept things close early, tying the score at 20 midway through the first half, but Arizona's defense took over from there. The Wildcats turned up the pressure, forcing turnovers and limiting second-chance opportunities, which allowed them to pull away for good. By the end of the night, the home crowd was celebrating another dominant showing from a team that continues to look like the class of college basketball.
Motiejus Krivas led Arizona with 17 points on strong interior scoring, while Ivan Kharchenkov added 14, including several key three-pointers that stretched the lead in the second half. The Wildcats outscored Cincinnati 44-24 after the break and held the Bearcats to just 30.4 percent shooting from the field overall. Arizona also owned the paint with a commanding 48-14 edge in points in the paint. For Cincinnati, Jizzle James provided some early spark, but the Bearcats couldn't generate consistent offense against Arizona's length and athleticism, finishing with their lowest point total of the season.
Next up for the Wildcats is another Big 12 showdown at home when they welcome West Virginia on Saturday, January 24. The Mountaineers bring a tough, aggressive defensive style and quick guards who will test Arizona's perimeter play, but the Wildcats' current momentum and raucous McKale crowd make them heavy favorites. A victory would move Arizona to 20-0 and keep their undefeated season rolling as they navigate one of the deepest conferences in the country.
The Crimson Dynamo strikes gain with his wide frame, toughness as a two way player, and ability to move well without the ball then finishing at the rim for those quick layups that are a clever way to score the points (or get a goal tending) - since they are released right at the glass.
A lot of what Delly isn't, Ivan Kharchenkov has carved out an important role for the Cats
Absolutely. I love that Ivan recognized that his outside shot needs work, so Arizona is using his strengths by attacking the rim and pressuring opponents along the perimeter.
Delly's stroke still looks good and we get a lot of offensive rebounds from his shots. They'll eventually fall...hopefully in March!
What are the chances that Delly breaks out of his slump against BYu and he goes toe to toe with Richie?
Better late than never right?
I had this done awhile, but forgot to post.
I had to post this before I start/post West Virginia notes
What Reed Sees: Cincinnati Edition
Pros
If Burries is going to be knocking down 3s like this? That is going to take Arizona to another level! (+)
Putting Burries/Peat in that PNR action with Bradley off-ball is the best way to get and keep both of your star freshmen involved in the game (+)
Interesting to see Burries on-ball at the 1 while Bradley is the pseudo-SG (+)
I am not 100% sure it is Arizona's defense, but Cincinnati taking tough mid-range jumpers as their primary source of point-scoring? (++)
Is it time to put the ball in Burries hands a but more in PNR actions? That needle-threading bounce pass he threw to Peat?
At this rate, there is no way Burries comes back for the 2026-27 season. He has been playing like the second-best prospect on this team since we rolled into 2026. (++)
You can tell that Burries has found his confidence. He came off a baseline cut to the corner, caught it ON THE MOVE and pulled up for the 3PT? Yeah, he is definitely found his mojo (++)
Arizona has been throwing their weight around on the offensive end. Bradley/Burries/Peat I have noticed attempt to run through their defender when they are attacking the basket. Then you add Krivas/Awaka AND Peat throwing their weight around inside? (++)
Cons
If Thiam is the shooter that these Cincinnati play calls are projecting him to be? Arizona could be in trouble eft with ability his shot-making ability to force Krivas to step out of the paint and force Peat to become the de facto rim-protector at 6'8? (-)
If Miller is going to play above the rim like that? Arizona could be in trouble! (-)
Two quick fouls on Peat, and he is now on the bench in foul trouble! (-)
Comments
At some point, officials have to call that offensive foul when the 3PT shooter kicks their legs out in a non-shooting motion. That call gave Cincinnati three FTs in the midst of a 13-1 run! (-)
Kriisa just loves the Big 12 doesn't he? Two seasons at Arizona, one at West Virginia and this season at Cincinnati. Sheesh!
I really hope Bradley can end his season as an All-Big 12 and All-American selection. I hope Lloyd is able to point to him when he recruits as someone who waited his turn and worked out for him. (++)
Outside of relying on four freshmen? It is hard to see a glaring weakness on this team! (++)
Kharchenkov might not be here as long as some of you want him to be..
Burries was the best prospect on the floor. Krivas was second-best tonight.
#BearDown