Arizona continued its dominant run, improving to 21-0 on the season with a hard-fought 84-77 victory over Central Florida at Addition Financial Arena. The Wildcats' latest win was fueled by a strong performance from Jaden Bradley, who finished with 23 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. Bradley's impressive outing was matched by UCF's Themus Fulks, who tallied 30 points, 5 rebounds, and 8 assists in a losing effort.
The first half saw Arizona take control, with the Wildcats building a 41-38 lead at the break. UCF struggled to contain Arizona's balanced offense, which featured three players in double figures. Motiejus Krivas added 17 points and 12 rebounds for the Wildcats, while Brayden Burries chipped in with 18 points. For UCF, Jordan Burks and Riley Kugel provided supporting roles, scoring 16 and 12 points, respectively.
In the second half, Arizona maintained its advantage, outscoring UCF 43-39 to secure the 7-point win. The Wildcats' ability to withstand UCF's pressure and convert on key possessions late proved decisive. Fulks' valiant effort kept UCF within striking distance, but ultimately, Arizona's depth and athleticism proved too much for the Knights to overcome.
The win marked a significant Quadrant 1 victory for Arizona, which will undoubtedly bolster its already impressive resume. As the top-ranked team in the nation, the Wildcats continue to make a strong case for a number one seed in the NCAA Tournament. For UCF, the loss drops the Knights to 16-4, but the fact that they pushed Arizona to the limit will likely earn them respect from the selection committee. This Quadrant 1 matchup will undoubtedly be a valuable addition to UCF's tournament profile.
Given the high stakes and competitive nature of the game, it's clear that both teams will benefit from this matchup. Arizona's ability to navigate a tough road environment and emerge victorious will serve as a valuable learning experience, while UCF's strong performance against the nation's best team will provide a confidence boost heading into the remainder of its schedule.
As the season progresses, Arizona's unbeaten record will continue to garner attention, and the Wildcats will face increasing pressure to maintain their perfect mark. With this win, however, they've taken a significant step towards solidifying their position as one of the top contenders in the country. The victory also reinforces Arizona's status as a legitimate national championship threat, and its resume will only continue to grow stronger with each passing week.