For the first time since 2013-14, the Arizona Wildcats started the season 21-0. Arizona defeated BYU 86-83 in Provo, Utah. It came down to a Brayden Burries block and a couple of game-clinching free throws, but Arizona’s talent in the backcourt shined in this one with BYU.
The Wildcats have now also etched their program into the Big 12 history books, taking full ownership of the third-longest winning streak in Big 12 men’s basketball history. Tommy Lloyd’s team has also beaten the Cougars in Provo for two straight seasons.
January 26, 2026; Provo, Utah, United States; Arizona Wildcats guard Brayden Burries (5) controls the ball while being defended by BYU Cougars Kennard Davis Jr. (30) during the second half at Marriott Center. Mandatory credit: Aaron Baker-Imagn Images
The final moments of this game made Arizona fans’ hearts skip a beat. BYU came back from a 19-point deficit in the second half. Star NBA draft prospect AJ Dybantsa attempted a “hero ball” attempt but was ineffective due to poor efficiency, ultimately hurting his team. Dybantsa scored 24 points but shot 1-8 from deep and just 6-24 from the field.
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An unusually ineffective night from Dybantsa was caused by the sticky defense Arizona played against him. Fans expected Ivan Kharchenkov to get the primary assignment for Dybantsa, but it was a solid mix of Awaka, Peat and others that helped the Wildcats slow down Dybantsa. However, Dybantsa wasn’t the only one struggling against the Wildcats’ defense, Robert Wright III shot 3-16 from the field and 1-5 from three.
Burries x Bradley backcourt shines for Arizona
The backcourt duo of Jaden Bradley and Brayden Burries has officially taken off. Bradley has been a consistent force for the Wildcats throughout his time in Tucson. Bradley was as usual against the Cougars in front of several NBA scouts in attendance for this marquee game. 26 points, 10-15 on shots, a clutch trio in the final sequence, Bradley was lights out.
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Burries went from a freshman who got his sea legs early in the season to a player who could come off the board in the lottery of a loaded NBA draft class. Burries had 29 points, five rebounds, four assists and the game-sealing block. His strong free throw shooting was also crucial in this game for Arizona. His growth has been a catalyst for the Cats of late on both ends.
In the first half, Burries and Bradley combined for 36 points and four assists. BYU, as a team, on the other hand, had 31 points and five assists. It was Arizona’s backcourt that told the story of this offensive game.
The Dybantsa disaster?
BYU star forward AJ Dybantsa turned in an uncharacteristically ineffective performance in a game where his team lost by just one possession. His inability to make free throws, create for his teammates, and make the shots he created for himself partly led to BYU’s downfall in this game. Dybantsa is an incredible player and his talent is immense, scoring 24 points on an “off night,” but what made his performance detrimental was his inability to create consistently for others.
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Arizona’s versatile and highly “switchable” lineups have become a problem for all three future NBA draft picks. Start the possession being guarded by physicality Tobe Awaka, call for a screen only to pass to defensive stopper Ivan Kharchenkov and finally you pass to a guard and that’s Jaden Bradley (an elite perimeter defender, averaging 1.9 steals per game).
Dybantsa was forced to settle many possessions and was visibly uncomfortable all night. Arizona also forced him to miss open shots at times, passes that Dybantsa usually would make weren’t made because of Arizona’s pressure.
February is approaching…
Arizona rolls around and will finally get some rest before heading to Tempe to face a struggling ASU team on the 31st. Once Arizona finishes its matchup with ASU, the real challenge begins.
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In February, Arizona will face Kansas (twice), Texas Tech, Houston, Baylor and Oklahoma State. The second month of 2026 attempts to test the Wildcats to see what they really have up their sleeves.
To follow Arizona on this run and follow the undefeated Wildcats, log on to Arizona Wildcats Podcast with Damon Fairall And Kevin Thomas.
