Arizona Beats Northern Arizona with Strong Second Half

The Arizona Wildcats showed their power again with a strong 84-49 win over Northern Arizona on Tuesday night in Tucson, Arizona. The victory marked their third win of the season and kept their record perfect at 3-0. The team’s performance was filled with energy, teamwork, and accuracy, giving fans another exciting home-game experience.

Freshman reserve Dwayne Aristode became the star of the game, scoring a game-high 18 points. What made his performance more special was that 15 of those points came in the second half. Aristode shot an impressive 6 of 10 from the field and 6 of 9 from three-point range. His quick shooting and confidence lifted the Wildcats when the team needed momentum. He proved that even a freshman coming off the bench can make a huge difference for Arizona.

Motiejus Krivas also played one of his best games this season, scoring 12 points and grabbing seven rebounds. He was strong in the paint, making 5 of 7 field goals and both of his free throws. Krivas also contributed on defense with four blocked shots, stopping Northern Arizona’s efforts near the rim. His inside presence made it difficult for the Lumberjacks to score or even move the ball smoothly in the key area.

Jaden Bradley added 13 points, three rebounds, and three assists, while also making two steals. He was one of the most active players on both ends of the court. Bradley’s leadership helped keep the pace fast, and his quick movements during Arizona’s runs made a huge difference. His contribution during the team’s 22-2 first-half run showed his importance to the Wildcats’ rhythm and teamwork.

The Wildcats’ victory was not only about scoring—it was about teamwork. The team recorded 22 assists on 28 made field goals, showing how well they shared the ball. Every player looked to find open teammates rather than forcing shots. Their defense was also impressive, forcing Northern Arizona into 17 turnovers, which turned into 25 easy points for Arizona. These small moments of discipline and coordination built the big win.

After trailing briefly 5-4 in the first few minutes, Arizona quickly took control with a powerful 15-2 run. Bradley and Krivas led the offense during this stretch, pushing Arizona ahead by double digits early. Another huge 22-2 run later in the half made the score 43-13, proving how completely Arizona controlled the game. By halftime, it was clear that Northern Arizona had no answer to Arizona’s aggressive play and balanced scoring.

In the second half, Krivas continued his dominance under the basket, scoring easy points in the lane. Aristode then took over the game’s final stretch, hitting five of his six three-pointers in the last 10 minutes. His hot shooting kept the crowd cheering and completely closed the door on any comeback attempt from Northern Arizona. Every shot he made showed confidence and skill far beyond his freshman status.

Tobe Awaka contributed 10 points and grabbed nine rebounds, almost achieving a double-double. Koa Peat also added 10 points with seven rebounds, helping Arizona control the boards. Freshman Ivan Kharchenkov did not score but played strong defense, leading the team with three steals. Every player who stepped on the court played their role effectively, making the team performance look smooth and complete.

For Northern Arizona, it was a tough night. The Lumberjacks shot only 32.3% from the field and just 25% from beyond the arc. They also struggled to protect the ball, giving away turnovers that turned into easy points for Arizona. Traivar Jackson was the team’s top scorer with 10 points, while Zack Davidson provided a short spark early in the first half. However, after Arizona’s big runs, Northern Arizona could not recover.

The most important takeaway from this game was Arizona’s depth. Even when star players rested, the bench performed strongly. Freshmen like Aristode showed that the team’s future is bright. Their ability to maintain intensity for all 40 minutes reflects excellent coaching and team chemistry. Arizona also dominated the rebounding battle 45-32, proving their physical and tactical superiority.

With this win, Arizona continues to look like one of the strongest teams in college basketball. Their next games will be watched closely, as the Wildcats aim to keep their winning streak alive. The team’s combination of experienced players and talented freshmen gives them balance and confidence. If they continue to play with this teamwork and energy, Arizona could be a serious championship contender this season.