Arizona Rolls Past Alabama 96-75 as Burries Sparks 14-1 Second-Half Surge

Arizona overcame its first halftime deficit of the season to win 96-75 over Alabama, with freshman Brayden Burries scoring 28 points and a 20-point second-half flurry.

Arizona’s Comeback

The Wildcats entered the half-time break trailing 48-46, the only time this season they had fallen behind in the first half. They answered with a 14-1 run that turned the game around, giving Arizona a 14-point cushion that never faded. The run featured three consecutive baskets by Burries, who finished the game 5-for-10 from beyond the arc.

Key Performances

Burries led the team with 28 points, 20 of them coming in the second half. His efficient shooting-especially from three-point range-was the spark that ignited the Wildcats’ comeback. Motiejus Krivas contributed a double-double with 14 points and 14 rebounds, while point guard Jaden Bradley added 14 points and seven assists, helping Arizona secure the top overall seed in the 2023 NCAA Tournament.

Labaron Philon Jr. poured in 24 points for Alabama, including a twisting pull-up that gave the Tide a 41-39 lead at the break. Despite his effort, the Tide could not keep pace with Arizona’s intensity during the final 20 minutes.

Koa Peat, a freshman averaging 15.9 points per game, managed only six points after falling into foul trouble, a stark contrast to his usual scoring output.

Anthony Dell’Orso added 13 points off the bench for Arizona, while Tobe Awaka anchored the defense with 15 rebounds, a key factor in Arizona’s 52-32 rebounding advantage.

Alabama’s Struggles

Alabama’s offense struggled to find rhythm. The Crimson Tide shot 12-for-32 from deep, a performance far below their season average of 95 points per game. Latrell Wrightsell Jr. led the team with 21 points, but the Tide could not sustain momentum.

Aiden Sherrell recorded eight blocks, yet the frontcourt’s lack of support left Alabama vulnerable on the boards. The Tide’s rebounding woes were highlighted by a 20-point deficit in the final stretch of the game.

Statistical Dominance

Arizona’s dominance extended beyond scoring. The Wildcats out-rebounded the Tide 52-32, a margin that reflected their control of the paint and fast-break opportunities. Tobe Awaka’s 15 rebounds were a major contributor to this advantage.

The 14-1 run in the second half, highlighted by Burries’ three consecutive baskets, was the most decisive scoring burst of the game. It effectively sealed the victory for Arizona, who extended their win streak to 9-0.

Season Context

Arizona’s victory over Alabama was their fifth win over a ranked opponent in the non-conference schedule, following triumphs over UConn, Florida, Auburn and UCLA. The win marked the Wildcats’ first season-long undefeated record in all games.

Alabama, on the other hand, entered the game with a 7-3 record, having previously been out-rebounded by Purdue and Gonzaga. Their loss to Arizona underscores the challenges they face when matched against teams that control the boards.

Future Games

Alabama will host South Florida next Wednesday, while Arizona will welcome Abilene Christian next Tuesday. Both teams will look to build on their recent performances as the season progresses.

Key Takeaways

• Arizona’s 14-1 second-half run turned a halftime deficit into a decisive win.
• Freshman Brayden Burries’ 28 points, including 20 in the second half, were pivotal.
• Arizona’s 52-32 rebounding edge highlighted their dominance on both ends of the floor.

The Wildcats’ flawless 9-0 start and Alabama’s struggles on the boards paint a clear picture of the competitive landscape as the season continues.