Arizona passes the test of resilience at BYU
We all know as the season goes on and the target gets larger on the backs of the Wildcats, that soon there will be a competitor worthy of the challenge called Arizona men's basketball team. The first true test for the Wildcats came on this night at BYU as the home crowd rooted to see the fall of the perfect season.
In a stressful environment against a worthy opponent, the Arizona Wildcats were up for the challenge and as always well prepared by coach Tommy Lloyd.
From the opening jump ball, Arizona asserted itself with a methodical offense and very physical defensive presence.
Pressuring the Cougars to take low-percentage shots and on the other end giving themselves high-percentage shots in transition.
It was halftime and the Wildcats went into the locker room with a 44-31 lead on the road.
The whole night was ultimately taken over by Brayden Burries, the Wildcats guard poured in a career high 29-points, five rebounds, four assists and three steals. Burries stepped up when called upon and put on a dominate performance.
That preparation showed as the Wildcats were in control for most of the game. Arizona held a 19-point lead at one point in the second half.
BYU was not going away quietly and made a surge of a comeback, hitting timely three's and stepping it up on defense as well.
With all of this combined it set the stage for a dramatic, exciting finish that came down to the final posession.
With the game coming down to the end, Brayden Burries was there to make a defensive play that sealed the game.
What was about to be a game tying shot attempt by BYU, here comes Burries hustling from the backcourt and makes a last second leaping effort to swat away the shot attempt and seal the game.
As if that was not enough after recovering the swatted ball, Burries was fouled where he went to the line and drained both of his free throws as time expired.
The first time that Arizona has been put in this position and they reacted to the pressure exactly as most expected, with poise and maturity.
Arizona is still remaining undefeated and 21-0 on the season overall.