LAS VEGAS, NV – Facing their first tough test of the season, Arizona Basketball (4-0, 0-0) came away with the 82-78 overtime win against Wichita State.
Through their first three games of the season, Arizona Basketball has seldom been tested, dominating all three opponents, and winning by an average of 45 points.
However, on Friday night, Tommy Lloyd and the Wildcats had their first real test as it took overtime to come away with a tough, 82-78 win over Wichita State in Las Vegas.
Ben Mathurin had a big night as he scored 25 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. Azuolas Tubelis scored 16 points and grabbed six rebounds of his own, while Christian Koloko had 13 points and 11 rebounds. Unfortunately, the Wildcats needed every bit of those contributions in their win.
Facing their toughest challenge yet, Arizona started things off hot as they controlled the tempo and imposed their will, building a seven-point halftime lead.
They even picked up where they left off in the second half as they spread the floor, made shots, and outrebounded the Shockers en route to building a 16-point lead with 12 minutes to play.
However, things then got sloppy for Arizona as Wichita State climbed back into this one, outscoring the Wildcats 27-10 over the next 10 minutes of the game to take the lead at 65-64 with 1:41 to play.
Luckily for Arizona Basketball, the Wildcats were ready for their first real test as they pushed the game to overtime and let their depth and talent take over.
Despite blowing a 16-point lead, Arizona opened overtime with a 9-0 run, taking a 78-69 lead, but once again Wichita State would not go away as they responded with a 9-2 run of their own to make it 80-78 with seconds to play.
Justin Kier would be fouled on the ensuing inbound, making both free throws and icing the game for the Wildcats as Arizona escaped with an 82-78 overtime win. However, it didn’t come with a bit of a scare for Arizona.
With the win, the Wildcats improve to 4-0 on the year and will return to action against No. 4 Michigan on Sunday!
Listen to our Wildcats following their win over Wichita State…