Top-Ranked Arizona Holds Off BYU Rally to Stay Unbeaten

Arizona leaned on a dominant performance from Brayden Burries to survive a late comeback attempt and defeat No. 13 BYU 86–83 on Monday night in Provo, Utah. The win kept the Wildcats undefeated and tied the best start in program history. Burries finished with a game-high 29 points and delivered the decisive play in the closing seconds, blocking a potential go-ahead layup to preserve the victory. Jaden Bradley contributed 26 points for Arizona, which improved to 21–0 overall and 8–0 in Big 12 play. The Wildcats appeared in control for most of the second half, building a 19-point lead midway through the period. BYU responded with a furious rally, closing the gap with a 12–2 run in the final minute. Keba Keita’s putback dunk cut Arizona’s lead to 84–83 with 16 seconds remaining, and the Cougars forced a turnover on the ensuing inbound pass. Robert Wright III drove to the basket with a chance to give BYU the lead, but Burries rotated from the weak side and swatted the shot from behind. He secured the loose ball and calmly knocked down two free throws to seal the outcome. BYU’s final desperation shot missed as time expired.

Burries was nearly flawless at the line, converting 13 of 14 free throws. He also recorded five rebounds, four assists, and three steals. Much of Arizona’s first-half momentum came from his defense, as three of his six early baskets followed BYU turnovers. Arizona closed the first half on an 18–5 run, fueled by seven consecutive made shots. Bradley scored eight points during that stretch, helping the Wildcats take a 44–31 lead into halftime. For BYU, freshman AJ Dybantsa scored 24 points but struggled from the field, shooting 6 for 24 overall and 1 for 8 from beyond the arc. Richie Saunders added 18 points, while Kennard Davis Jr. chipped in 17, including five three-pointers. Despite shooting 10 of 20 from deep in the second half, the Cougars suffered their first home loss of the season and fell to 17–3 overall, 5–2 in conference play.

Arizona will next travel to face Arizona State on Saturday, while BYU is set to visit No. 14 Kansas.