Arizona Basketball overcomes sloppy play, still beats Wright State

San Diego, CA – Despite turning the ball over 19 times, Arizona Basketball (32-3, 18-2) was still able to overpower Wright State, advancing to the Second Round. 

Arizona Basketball offered more turnovers than a bakery on Friday evening, but luckily, it didn’t matter as the Wildcats were ultimately able to dominate, beating 16-seeded Wright State 87-70.

Despite turning the ball over 19 times, the Wildcats used their superior talent and athleticism to run away in this one.

Led behind the 18 points and five rebounds from Bennedict Mathurin, the sophomore wing was in typical, dominant form on Friday. In addition, Christian Koloko was dominant on both ends, finishing his evening with 17 points, 13 rebounds, and five blocks.

However, it was truly a group effort in this one as Arizona earned their first win in five years, and lived to see another day.

Weathering sloppy play, Arizona Basketball is one game closer to the NCAA Finals, winning its first tournament game since 2017.

Arizona would start the game hot, jumping out to an early, 21-7 lead after the first six minutes of play; however, the Wildcats would let sloppy play and possibly some first game nerves creep in as Wright State would begin to battle back.

Taking advantage of several mistakes by the Wildcats, the Raiders were able to keep things closer than I’m sure Arizona fans would have liked, seemingly hanging with the Wildcats’ high offense as they trailed just 42-31 at the half.

Carrying that momentum into the second half, Wright State would continue to capitalize off Arizona’s mistakes, pulling within seven points with just 16:38 to play in the game.

Luckily for us, Arizona would not panic and stuck to what they do best. Attacking at will and responding with a 15-2 run, the Wildcats would pull ahead 64-44 with 11:37 to play.

Unfortunately, Arizona would close out the game being outscored by Wright State 26-23, but luckily it didn’t matter as the Wildcats cruised to the 17-point win, and live to see another day!

So where does Arizona Basketball go from here?

With the win, Arizona improves to 32-3 (18-2) and now waits to play TCU in the Round of 32, who is fresh off a thrashing of 8-seeded Seton Hall.

Listen to the team following the Wildcats’ win!