The No. 1 Arizona Wildcats maintained their undefeated record with a narrow 86-83 victory over the No. 13 BYU Cougars on January 27, 2026. This win marked Arizona’s toughest road test in the Big 12 this season, as they faced a resilient BYU squad that entered the game with a record of 17-3 and 5-2 in the conference.
Arizona, now boasting an impressive 21-0 overall record and 8-0 in the Big 12, showcased their ability to hold leads and withstand pressure. The Wildcats initially surged ahead by as many as 19 points, but a determined rally from BYU made for a thrilling finish. Freshman guard Brayden Burries was pivotal in the victory, leading Arizona with 29 points while shooting an impressive 60.7 percent from the field. Senior teammate Jaden Bradley contributed significantly as well, adding 26 points and supporting the backcourt effort.
Defensive Strengths Shine Through
Arizona’s defense played a crucial role in the outcome, limiting BYU to 40.3 percent shooting, a notable decline from their season average of 49.1 percent. The Wildcats effectively neutralized the Cougars’ offensive strength, forcing them into challenging positions throughout the game. Burries capped his standout performance with a critical block in the final seconds, ensuring Arizona’s victory.
The Wildcats’ consistency has solidified their status as the top team in the nation, as evidenced by their ability to score an average of 83.3 points per game across nine Quad 1 matchups. This experience has prepared them well for high-pressure situations, including this latest contest against BYU.
Looking Ahead: A Challenging Schedule Awaits
Arizona’s upcoming schedule includes games against less formidable opponents, such as Arizona State (record of 11-9, 2-5 in Big 12) and Oklahoma State (record of 14-6, 2-5 in Big 12), over the next 13 days. However, the competition will intensify after that, with matchups against No. 14 Kansas, BYU again, No. 11 Texas Tech, No. 10 Houston, and No. 8 Iowa State between February 9 and March 2.
As Arizona prepares for these upcoming challenges, they carry with them a confidence rooted in their ability to perform well in critical moments. The Wildcats have survived four of their nine Quad 1 victories by six points or fewer, underscoring their resilience in tight games.
While BYU put forth a commendable effort, the Wildcats proved too formidable, leaving other Big 12 teams to ponder how to overcome the challenges presented by Arizona’s depth and skill. The road ahead is fraught with obstacles, but Arizona’s unwavering determination may just see them through unscathed.
