The No. 1 ranked Arizona Wildcats secured a decisive victory against the Utah Utes on March 4, 2026, winning 97-78. This victory allowed Arizona to remain undefeated, marking an impressive start to the season with a current record of 21-0, the best since the 2013-14 season.
In a standout performance, both Tobe Awaka and Jaden Bradley contributed 18 points each. Awaka further distinguished himself by grabbing 12 rebounds, achieving his third double-double of the season and the 14th of his career. Brayden Burries added 17 points and 11 rebounds, while Koa Peat and Ivan Kharchenkov also made significant contributions, scoring 17 and 13 points, respectively.
Arizona’s strong start was evident as they jumped out to a commanding 27-10 lead, bolstered by Awaka’s three-pointer and multiple offensive rebounds. The Wildcats capitalized on Utah’s early turnovers, with the Utes committing five in the opening minutes. Despite a brief resurgence from Utah, narrowing the deficit to 36-28 after a dunk by Keanu Dawes, Arizona swiftly responded with a 10-0 run, closing the first half with a substantial 58-39 lead.
The Wildcats showcased their shooting prowess, hitting 7 of 18 attempts from beyond the arc while restricting Utah to just five three-pointers. Although Arizona’s streak of winning by over 20 points came to an end, they maintained control throughout the game, with Utah only managing to reduce the gap to 73-58 in the second half.
Arizona’s performance continues to highlight their depth, with at least five players scoring in double figures for the ninth consecutive game. Their consistent play has kept them at the top of The Associated Press Top 25 rankings for four straight weeks. As one of only six undefeated teams in the nation, the Wildcats appear poised to secure a No. 1 seed for the upcoming NCAA tournament.
The win against Utah not only reinforces Arizona’s status as a powerhouse in college basketball but also sets the stage for their continued pursuit of a championship. The Wildcats’ next game will be crucial as they aim to maintain their perfect record and further solidify their position as a leading contender in the competitive landscape of college athletics.