If you were looking for the univ of az basketball score this weekend, you probably saw a number that felt a little too familiar. Arizona just keeps winning. It’s almost becoming a foregone conclusion at this point, but honestly, their latest trip to Orlando was anything but easy.
The No. 1 Wildcats walked into FBC Mortgage Stadium and walked out with an 84-77 victory over UCF on Saturday, January 17, 2026. That moves Tommy Lloyd’s squad to a staggering 19-0. Yeah, nineteen and zero. They haven't blinked yet. But if you just check the box score, you're missing the real story of how they actually survived this one.
How the Univ of AZ Basketball Score Stayed Perfect at UCF
Most people expected a blowout. UCF is solid, but Arizona has been a steamroller. However, things got weird early. Koa Peat, the star freshman who has been basically unguardable all season, ran into immediate foul trouble. He only played 20 minutes. He scored four points. Four! For a guy who usually drops 20 in his sleep, that’s a disaster scenario for the Wildcats.
But that’s the thing about this specific Arizona roster—they’re deep. Like, "we have three guys who could start for almost anyone else" deep.
👉 See also: Omaha Mavericks Basketball Schedule: Why This Season Is Getting Intense
Jaden Bradley took over. He put up 23 points and basically willed the team through those stretches where the offense looked stagnant. It wasn't just him, though. Motiejus Krivas was a monster inside, grabbing 12 rebounds and scoring 17. When your superstar is on the bench with three fouls in the first half, you need your veterans to act like veterans. They did.
The Numbers Behind the Win
The final univ of az basketball score of 84-77 doesn't quite show how much of a dogfight the first half was. At halftime, Arizona was only up by three. UCF’s Themus Fulks was out of his mind, scoring 30 points and keeping the Knights in it until the final few minutes.
Here is how the scoring broke down by the end of the night:
- Jaden Bradley: 23 points, 5 assists
- Brayden Burries: 18 points (clutch three-pointers in the second half)
- Motiejus Krivas: 17 points, 12 rebounds
- Tobe Awaka: 10 points off the bench
UCF hounded them. They shot 30.8% from deep, which is lower than their average, but they made up for it with sheer aggression. Arizona won this game at the free-throw line and in the paint, outscoring UCF 36-28 under the rim.
🔗 Read more: FanDuel Sportsbook App Download: Why It Kinda Changes Everything for Your Sunday
The Big 12 Gauntlet is Real
People keep asking if the move to the Big 12 was going to slow Arizona down. If anything, it’s just made them more battle-hardened. Before this UCF win, they had to sweat out an 89-82 win against Arizona State on January 14.
That ASU game was intense. The Sun Devils were within one possession with about a minute left. In that game, it was Tobe Awaka who saved the day with 25 points. It seems like every night, a different person is the hero. That is the hallmark of a team that actually makes a Final Four run.
Why the National Media is Obsessed
It’s not just about the univ of az basketball score every night; it's the efficiency. Arizona is currently averaging over 90 points per game. They lead the nation in scoring margin. Tommy Lloyd has basically taken the "run and gun" style he learned at Gonzaga and perfected it in the desert.
🔗 Read more: Where to Watch BSU Game: The 2026 Bronco Viewing Guide That Actually Works
They play fast. Really fast.
But they aren't just a track team. They lead the Big 12 in rebounding margin too. When you can outrun people and outmuscle them, you end up 19-0.
What’s Next for the Wildcats?
If you’re tracking the univ of az basketball score for the rest of the month, circle January 26. Arizona travels to Provo to face BYU. The Marriott Center is one of the loudest places in the country, and BYU’s style of play matches up well with Arizona’s high-tempo offense.
After that, it's a rematch with Arizona State in Tempe on January 31. You can bet Bobby Hurley has that one circled in red on his calendar.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're following the team or looking at the betting lines for the next few games, keep these three things in mind:
- Watch the Foul Count for Koa Peat: He’s aggressive, but as we saw against UCF, if he’s out, the offense has to completely shift gears.
- The Bradley Factor: Jaden Bradley is the "floor general." When he’s scoring, Arizona is nearly impossible to beat because you can't just double-team the bigs.
- Bench Production: Watch guys like Anthony Dell'Orso. He’s been a bit quiet lately, but if he starts hitting his stride again, this team goes from "great" to "all-time."
The Wildcats are the real deal this year. Whether they can stay undefeated through the end of January is the big question, but for now, the univ of az basketball score continues to be the most consistent thing in college hoops.
Stay tuned for the BYU game; it's going to be a total track meet.